My dog is suddenly limping on a back leg. Is it a luxating patella?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) | Female | spayed | 12 lbs
My slightly overweight 3yr old chiweenie suddenly came up lame in one rear leg on Tuesday after we had been out. She will put weight on it and sometimes walks a few steps normally, but primarily holds it up. She will kick after urinating with the injured leg and stretches ever so delicately but fully extending the leg . What the heck ? This can't be a luxating patella can it?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on October 18th, 2018
It may be. She may have a soft tissue injury or some slight swelling at the knee which is causing the patella to luxate even though it has not been a problem in the past. Your veterinarian can most likely determine if that is the case by a physical exam. If her patella is loose and moving around, it is usually pretty easy to detect.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on February 18th, 2017
A luxating patella can come and go, and sometimes the knee can become locked out of place, leading to the dog being in pain and limping. I would have Murphy seen by a vet first thing on Monday for this. It may be that his luxating patella is severe enough that it requires surgery to fix, which the vet can determine if this is the best treatment option for him. In the meantime, I would rest him. No running, jumping, or playing. Take Murphy out to toilet on a lead only, and bring him right back in when he's done.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on January 17th, 2017
In small breed dogs, a common joint problem is a luxating patella. This is when the knee slips out of it's correct anatomical position, causing sudden lameness and an inability to straighten the leg. It can then pop back into place, allowing the dog to use his leg normally. This could be happening to Lucas. I would have him seen by a vet in the morning, who can do a physical exam and lameness to diagnose if he does have a luxating patella. If it is severe enough, Lucas will need surgery to fix it.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on July 22nd, 2017
If he went from doing well in his recovery to nitnuse his leg at all something changed and he needs to be rechecked. There are several different procedures you can do for a luxating patella. They may have done 1-2 of them, and may need to go back and do the others. I would also have them check his cranial crucuiate ligament, comparable to an ACL in people, as that can tear and cause similar symptoms.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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