My dog has a luxating patella. Is a knee brace a good idea for them?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
My dog has a luxating patella. Would a knee brace be a good idea?
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 5th, 2015
Patellar luxation is an unusual sort of problem. Bracing won't help in this situation, as the problem is that the kneecap (the patella) slides back-and-forth across the surface of the knee joint and doesn't sit securely in the groove, as it should. Dogs can be mildly to severely affected by this problem. Those with a low grade (1 or 2) patellar luxation may exhibit intermittent lameness that usually resolves quickly, and may sustain some mild arthritis over time. Higher grade luxations (3 or 4) cause more long-term lameness, and with grade 4 luxations the dog may not be able to use the leg at all. Also, luxations of grade 3 and 4 tend to produce more substantial arthritis, and if your veterinarian has told you that your dog has a luxation of either 3 or 4, you should consider surgery to stabilize the joint and prevent further arthritis from occurring. The surgery is usually highly successfully in resolving the problem.
43Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on May 7th, 2017
Good question. No not necessarily. I diagnose grade 1 luxations all the time where 50% progress and the other 50% don't. The best recommendations is to get Tucker's knees checked 1-2 times a year so that you can monitor him well. Also rarely do I ever have a pet who is severely debilitated by this to the point where they need surgery. Giving daily joint supplements such as Dasuquin or Cosequin is recommended to decrease the chance of arthritic changes in the knees. I hope this helps!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on December 15th, 2016
In small breed dogs, there is a common condition called a luxating patella. This is when the kneecap comes out of it's correct anatomical position, causing the limping, and once it slips back into place, the limping stops. That is likely what is causing Max's intermittent lameness. He should see a vet for it when his owners come back, but if he does keep on walking on three legs, he should see a vet sooner. That would mean the kneecap hasn't gone back into the correct position, and it will be painful for him. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. The vet can prescribe him a safe pain medication.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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