What is patellar luxation?

Patellar luxation refers to a condition in which the kneecap, also known as the patella, dislocates or moves out of its normal position in the knee joint. This condition can lead to pain, lameness, and difficulty in movement due to the kneecap not properly tracking along the groove in the femur during leg extension and flexion.

This dislocation is often categorized as either medial (toward the body) or lateral (away from the body) luxation, and it is commonly seen in certain dog breeds due to genetic predisposition.

Understanding patellar luxation is important for dog grooming professionals because it can affect a dog's mobility and comfort, potentially influencing grooming methods and the handling of the dog during grooming sessions. Recognizing the signs of this condition may also alert groomers to the need for referring the pet to a veterinarian for further evaluation and treatment.