What Is Medial Patellar Luxation in Dogs?

Medial Patellar Luxation (MPL) is a condition where the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal groove toward the inside of a dog’s leg. This causes the knee joint to become unstable, leading to pain, limping, and difficulty walking. MPL is especially common in small and toy dog breeds but can affect dogs of any size.

MPL matters because if left untreated, it can cause long-term joint damage, arthritis, and chronic pain. The slipping kneecap puts extra stress on the knee, making movement uncomfortable and sometimes causing your dog to avoid using the leg.

Early detection is very important for your dog’s health and comfort. Recognizing signs like limping, skipping steps, or holding up a leg allows you to seek veterinary care sooner. Early treatment can reduce pain, prevent further damage, and improve your dog’s quality of life. Keeping a close eye on your dog’s movement helps catch MPL before it worsens.

Common Signs That Your Dog May Have MPL

Here are some common signs that can help you identify if your dog may be suffering from medial patellar luxation (MPL).

1. Limping or Skipping Steps

Limping or skipping steps is one of the earliest signs your dog might have medial patellar luxation (MPL). When the kneecap slips out of place, your dog may feel pain or instability, causing uneven movement.

• Watch for your dog lifting a leg briefly while walking or running.
• Notice if your dog skips steps or hops on one leg suddenly.
• Limping can be subtle at first and may only happen after exercise or prolonged activity.

If you see your dog favoring one leg or walking unevenly, it’s a sign to check with your vet. Early limping or skipping indicates discomfort or instability in the knee, which can worsen if untreated. Tracking these patterns helps you catch MPL early and get your dog the care needed to prevent long-term damage.

2. Intermittent or Persistent Lameness

Lameness means your dog is limping or not using a leg normally. It can be intermittent (comes and goes) or persistent (constant). Both can be warning signs of MPL.

• Intermittent lameness often appears after exercise or activity when the kneecap slips out temporarily.
• Persistent lameness means ongoing pain or instability in the knee, which needs urgent attention.
• Your dog may hold up the leg or limp constantly if the condition is severe.

Recognizing when lameness changes from occasional to frequent is important. Early veterinary diagnosis can help treat mild lameness before it becomes severe. Persistent lameness might indicate worsening MPL or other complications. Watching how often your dog limps and seeking veterinary advice quickly improves treatment outcomes.

3. Abnormal Gait or Skipping Leg Movement

An abnormal gait means your dog’s walk or run looks different from normal. In dogs with MPL, this often shows as unusual skipping or jerky leg movement.

• Your dog may appear to skip or hop instead of walking smoothly.
• The affected leg might move differently, seeming stiff or shaky.
• This irregular movement happens because the kneecap slips, causing discomfort or instability.

This gait change may be subtle at first and can be mistaken for other issues. Watching carefully during walks or play helps spot unusual leg movements. Early detection allows for prompt treatment to restore normal walking patterns and reduce pain.

4. Audible Clicking or Popping Sounds

Clicking or popping sounds from your dog’s knee are signs that the kneecap is moving abnormally. These sounds happen when the patella slips out of its groove and snaps back.

• You might hear a faint “click” when your dog walks, runs, or moves the leg.
• These noises show joint instability and possible damage to soft tissues.
• Not all dogs make these sounds, but if you hear them often, it’s a sign to get a vet check.

Listening for these sounds during activity or when your dog moves the leg gently can provide clues about MPL. Early veterinary diagnosis helps prevent joint damage from frequent slipping.

5. Visible or Palpable Slipping of the Kneecap

Sometimes, you can see or feel the kneecap slipping out of place. This popping or luxation happens when the kneecap moves out of its normal groove on the thigh bone.

• Gently feel your dog’s knee when the leg is bent and straightened to check for slipping.
• You might see the kneecap visibly move or pop to the side during leg movement.
• If unsure, have a vet perform this test to avoid causing pain or injury.

Feeling or seeing the patella slip is a clear sign of MPL. If you notice this, it’s important to visit your vet for a full examination and diagnosis.

6. Holding Up the Leg or Avoiding Weight Bearing

Dogs with MPL often hold up the affected leg or avoid putting weight on it to relieve pain or discomfort.

• Your dog may lift the leg while standing or walking, especially after activity.
• Avoidance of weight bearing is a common way dogs protect an injured or painful knee.
• This behavior can be temporary or frequent depending on MPL severity.

If your dog regularly holds up a leg or refuses to walk on it, it’s a strong sign of knee pain. Early vet evaluation helps manage discomfort and improves healing.

7. Difficulty or Reluctance to Jump, Run, or Climb Stairs

Changes in your dog’s activity level, like difficulty or unwillingness to jump, run, or climb stairs, often point to knee problems like MPL.

• Your dog may avoid stairs or hesitate before jumping onto furniture or into cars.
• Running or playing less than usual can indicate discomfort during high-impact activities.
• These behavioral changes help protect the painful knee from stress.

Noticing reluctance to be active is important for early MPL detection. Discussing these changes with your vet can lead to timely diagnosis and treatment.

8. Swelling or Pain Around the Knee Joint

Swelling or pain near the knee joint may develop with MPL due to inflammation from repeated kneecap slipping.

• Look for visible swelling, warmth, or tenderness around the knee.
• Your dog might lick or chew the knee area more than usual.
• Pain signs include limping, whining, or reluctance to move.

Swelling and pain indicate irritation or early joint damage. Prompt veterinary care can reduce inflammation and prevent progression.

9. Changes in Behavior Like Reluctance to Play or Exercise

Discomfort from MPL often causes changes in your dog’s behavior, such as reduced playfulness or exercise reluctance.

• Your dog may become less active or hide more than usual.
• Decreased interest in walks, toys, or interaction can signal pain.
• These subtle mood changes are important clues to underlying knee issues.

Recognizing these behavior shifts early helps you seek veterinary care and improve your dog’s comfort and quality of life.

How MPL Symptoms Can Worsen Over Time

If medial patellar luxation (MPL) is not treated, your dog’s symptoms can get worse and cause more serious problems.

• More frequent kneecap slipping: The patella may move out of place more often, causing pain and joint instability.
• Joint damage and arthritis: Repeated slipping can wear down cartilage and bones, leading to arthritis. This causes swelling, stiffness, and long-term pain.
• Increased limping or holding up the leg: Your dog may limp more or avoid using the affected leg due to discomfort.
• Posture and gait changes: To reduce pain, your dog might change how they stand or walk, which can cause muscle loss and strain on other legs.
• Both knees affected: Sometimes MPL develops in both legs, worsening mobility and quality of life.

Monitoring your dog’s symptoms closely helps catch these changes early. Watch for increased limping, reduced activity, or changes in behavior. Early vet care can reduce pain, prevent joint damage, and improve your dog’s chances of a happy, active life.

How to Monitor Your Dog’s Mobility and Pain at Home

Monitoring your dog’s mobility and pain at home helps you track their condition and notice any worsening signs early. Regular observation lets you provide important information to your vet for better care.

• Watch your dog’s walking: Look for limping, skipping steps, or difficulty standing up. Notice if your dog favors one leg or hesitates to move.
• Observe activity levels: Pay attention to changes in how much your dog wants to play, run, or climb stairs. Reduced activity can signal pain or discomfort.
• Check for stiffness: Notice if your dog is stiff or slow to get moving after resting or sleeping.
• Look for pain behaviors: Whining, licking the knee, or sudden stops during movement may show discomfort.
• Examine posture: Watch for changes in how your dog holds their leg or stands.

Keep a simple journal to record daily observations, noting any new or worsening symptoms. Include details about when symptoms appear, their severity, and any triggers like exercise. Sharing this information with your vet helps tailor treatment and improves your dog’s care. Regular monitoring is key to managing MPL effectively.

When to Seek Veterinary Care for Suspected MPL

Knowing when to seek veterinary care for suspected medial patellar luxation (MPL) is crucial to protect your dog’s health and comfort. Early veterinary attention can prevent worsening damage and reduce pain.

• Sudden or severe limping: If your dog starts limping suddenly or cannot put weight on a leg, it needs immediate vet care.
• Persistent or worsening lameness: Continuous limping or increasing difficulty walking are signs of serious knee issues.
• Visible swelling or redness: Swelling, heat, or redness around the knee may indicate inflammation or infection.
• Audible clicking or popping: Hearing frequent clicking sounds from the knee can signal instability needing professional evaluation.
• Reluctance to move or play: A sudden decrease in activity or reluctance to jump, run, or climb stairs suggests discomfort.

Early diagnosis allows your vet to assess the severity of MPL and recommend the best treatment, whether conservative care or surgery. Prompt treatment reduces pain, slows joint damage, and improves your dog’s quality of life. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen—early veterinary care is key to a better outcome.

FAQs About How to Tell If Your Dog Has a Medially Luxating Patella

What is medial patellar luxation in dogs?

Medial patellar luxation (MPL) occurs when the kneecap slips out of its normal position toward the inside of the leg. It causes pain, limping, and joint instability. It’s common in small breeds but can affect all dogs. Early detection is key to preventing long-term damage.

How can I spot limping caused by MPL?

Limping or skipping steps may happen suddenly or after activity. Your dog might lift or favor one leg, showing discomfort. Limping can be subtle at first, so careful observation during walks is important to catch early signs of MPL.

What does an abnormal gait look like in dogs with MPL?

An abnormal gait may appear as skipping, hopping, or uneven leg movement. The affected leg might move stiffly or jerk unexpectedly due to the kneecap slipping out of place, causing discomfort and instability while walking or running.

Why does my dog’s knee make clicking sounds?

Clicking or popping noises occur when the kneecap moves out and back into its groove. These sounds indicate joint instability and frequent slipping of the patella. Hearing this often suggests your dog should be checked by a vet.

How can I check if my dog’s kneecap is slipping?

Gently feel your dog’s knee while moving the leg to detect popping or slipping of the kneecap. Be careful to avoid causing pain. If unsure, let a vet perform the test safely for an accurate diagnosis.

When should I take my dog to the vet for suspected MPL?

Visit the vet if your dog shows limping, skipping steps, leg holding, swelling, or audible knee clicks. Early veterinary care is important to diagnose MPL, start treatment, and prevent worsening symptoms and joint damage.

‍

Typical Recovery Timeline After MPL Surgery

After medial patellar luxation surgery, your dog’s healing usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks. During this time, the knee joint repairs itself, and your dog gradually regains strength and mobility.

In the first few days, your dog may feel sore and show limited movement. Pain and swelling are normal but should improve with medication prescribed by the vet. It’s important to keep your dog calm and limit activity to help the knee heal.

Here’s what to expect during recovery:

• Weeks 1-2: Rest and restricted movement are critical. Use a leash for short bathroom breaks only. Apply cold packs if recommended by your vet to reduce swelling.
• Weeks 3-4: Your dog may start gentle walking or physical therapy exercises. Muscle strengthening begins carefully to support the knee.
• Weeks 5-6: Gradual increase in activity, including short walks and controlled play. Monitor for any signs of pain or limping.
• Week 7-8: Most dogs regain good function and strength. Your vet will check progress and may clear your dog for normal activities.

Following your vet’s recovery plan closely improves healing and helps prevent complications.

Post-Surgery Care and Activity Restrictions

After medial patellar luxation surgery, strict rest is essential to help your dog heal properly. Rest allows the repaired tissues and bones to recover without stress. Limiting movement prevents the kneecap from slipping again or causing damage during the healing process.

To keep your dog calm, restrict them to a small, quiet area like a crate or a room. Use a leash when taking them outside for bathroom breaks. Avoid letting your dog run, jump, or play freely during the first 6 to 8 weeks after surgery.

Certain activities should be avoided because they put extra pressure on the knee:

• Jumping on and off furniture or into cars
• Running or playing fetch
• Climbing stairs or steep slopes

These movements can strain the healing joint, cause pain, and slow recovery. Instead, focus on short, controlled walks as advised by your vet. Following these activity restrictions helps reduce complications and supports a smoother, faster recovery for your dog.

Managing Pain and Inflammation

Managing pain and inflammation after medial patellar luxation surgery is key to your dog’s comfort and healing. Vets commonly prescribe pain relief medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling. These medicines help your dog feel more comfortable and encourage gentle movement during recovery.

Sometimes, vets may also recommend mild painkillers or muscle relaxants if the pain is more severe. It’s important to give all medications exactly as prescribed and never use human pain medicines without veterinary advice.

Cold therapy is another effective way to control swelling and reduce pain after surgery. Applying cold packs or ice wrapped in a towel to the knee for 10-15 minutes, several times a day, can help shrink blood vessels and lower inflammation. Cold therapy is most useful in the first 48-72 hours after surgery.

Supportive treatments like gentle massage or physical therapy may also be suggested by your vet to improve circulation and promote healing. Together, these methods reduce discomfort and support a smoother recovery process for your dog.

Wound Care and Monitoring

Proper wound care after medial patellar luxation surgery is crucial to avoid infection and help healing. Keeping the surgical site clean and watching for problems supports a smooth recovery.

• Check the incision daily: Look for redness, swelling, warmth, discharge, or bad smell. Mild swelling and bruising are normal, but worsening signs need a vet’s attention.
• Keep the area dry and clean: Avoid bathing your dog until the vet allows it. If cleaning is needed, gently use a mild antiseptic or saline with a clean cloth or cotton swab. Avoid harsh chemicals like alcohol.
• Prevent licking or chewing: Use an Elizabethan collar (cone) or other protective devices to stop your dog from irritating the wound. Licking can cause infection and delay healing.
• Do not touch stitches or staples: Let your vet remove them during follow-up visits, usually 10 to 14 days after surgery.

Following these steps carefully helps detect issues early and keeps the wound healthy for faster healing. Regular vet check-ups ensure the recovery is progressing well.

Physical Rehabilitation and Exercise

Physical rehabilitation plays a key role in helping your dog recover after medial patellar luxation surgery. Gentle exercises rebuild muscle strength, improve joint mobility, and support the healing knee. Without rehab, muscles can weaken and the joint may become stiff, slowing recovery.

Rehabilitation exercises usually start once the initial healing phase is over, often around 2 to 4 weeks after surgery. These exercises focus on gentle stretching, controlled leg movements, and muscle strengthening to restore normal function. A vet or veterinary physical therapist can guide you with safe, effective exercises tailored to your dog’s condition.

Gradual Reintroduction of Controlled Exercise

Gradual reintroduction of controlled exercise is essential to avoid overloading the healing knee. Short, slow walks on a leash are usually allowed first, increasing in length and intensity over several weeks. Running, jumping, and rough play should be avoided until your vet confirms the knee is strong enough.

Here’s how to safely increase activity during recovery:

• Start with brief leash walks of 5-10 minutes
• Slowly increase walk time and gentle movements
• Monitor your dog for signs of pain or limping
• Follow your vet’s advice on physical therapy sessions

Proper rehab and controlled exercise help your dog regain strength, improve joint stability, and return to normal activity safely and comfortably.

Supporting Recovery Through Diet and Environment

Dietary Considerations and Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight is very important during your dog’s recovery after medial patellar luxation surgery. Extra weight puts pressure on the healing knee, causing pain and slowing recovery. A balanced diet supports tissue repair and overall health.

• Control calories: Avoid high-calorie treats and table scraps that cause weight gain.
• Vet-recommended diet: Follow your vet’s advice for a diet rich in vitamins and minerals but low in excess calories.
• Gradual weight loss: If your dog is overweight, lose weight slowly under veterinary guidance to reduce joint stress.
• Nutritional support: Proper nutrients help the body heal faster and keep your dog comfortable.

Keeping your dog at a healthy weight lowers the risk of arthritis and helps the knee heal well.

Home Environment Adjustments

Making changes at home helps keep your dog safe and comfortable while recovering.

• Limit slippery floors: Use rugs or mats to prevent slips and falls.
• Block stairs and furniture: Stop your dog from jumping on or off places that strain the knee.
• Create a quiet rest area: Provide a soft, supportive bed in a calm space to encourage rest.
• Easy access: Keep food, water, and toys close so your dog doesn’t have to move too much.

These adjustments reduce injury risk and support a smooth, safe recovery.

Monitoring Healing and Follow-Up

Careful monitoring during recovery helps ensure your dog heals well and catches any problems early.

Importance of Follow-Up Veterinary Visits

Follow-up visits allow your vet to check how your dog’s knee is healing. They will assess swelling, pain levels, and joint stability. These visits help the vet adjust medications, recommend physical therapy, or suggest further treatment if needed. X-rays may be taken to see how the bones and tissues are repairing. Regular check-ups are essential for tracking progress and preventing complications, ensuring your dog recovers safely and fully.

Recognizing Possible Complications

Watch for signs like increased redness, swelling, discharge, or heat around the incision, which may indicate infection. If your dog suddenly limps more or holds the leg differently, the kneecap might have slipped again (patellar reluxation). Other signs include worsening pain, fever, or loss of appetite. Early detection of complications allows prompt veterinary care to avoid further damage and pain.

When to Contact the Vet

Contact your vet immediately if your dog shows severe limping, refuses to use the leg, or if you see swelling or discharge at the surgery site. Also, urgent care is needed if your dog shows signs of infection, such as fever or lethargy. Early communication with your vet helps manage issues quickly and supports a smoother recovery.

Owner’s Role in Successful Recovery

Your role as a dog owner is crucial for a smooth and successful recovery after medial patellar luxation surgery. Following your vet’s care instructions carefully directly affects how well and how quickly your dog heals.

• Strictly follow activity restrictions: Limiting your dog’s movement helps prevent stress on the healing knee and avoids complications.
• Administer medications as prescribed: Giving pain relief and anti-inflammatory medicines on schedule controls discomfort and swelling.
• Monitor the surgical site daily: Checking for signs of infection or other problems helps catch issues early.
• Provide a safe, comfortable environment: Making home adjustments supports rest and reduces injury risks.
• Attend all follow-up vet visits: These appointments let the vet track progress and make necessary treatment changes.
• Support rehabilitation exercises: Helping your dog with physical therapy improves strength and joint function.

Your commitment to these care steps ensures your dog stays comfortable and recovers well. Missing instructions or allowing too much activity can slow healing or cause setbacks. By staying attentive and proactive, you give your dog the best chance for a full, healthy recovery.

Recovery Variations Based on Surgery Type

Recovery after medial patellar luxation surgery can vary depending on the surgical method used. Different techniques address specific issues with the kneecap and surrounding structures, which affects the healing process and activity restrictions.

Some common surgical methods include deepening the groove where the kneecap sits (trochleoplasty), tightening or loosening tendons and ligaments around the knee, and correcting bone deformities in the thigh or shin bone. Each approach has slightly different recovery needs.

• Trochleoplasty (groove deepening): This method involves reshaping the bone groove, so healing may take longer because bone tissue needs to remodel. Strict rest is essential for 6 to 8 weeks to allow the bone to heal properly.
• Soft tissue procedures (tendon or ligament adjustments): These surgeries often involve less bone healing, so your dog might regain movement slightly faster but still requires controlled activity.
• Corrective osteotomy (bone realignment): This is a more complex procedure where bones are cut and repositioned. Recovery can be longer and may require additional pain management and physical therapy.

Your vet will explain the specific recovery plan based on the surgery type, helping you manage activity levels, pain control, and rehabilitation to ensure the best healing outcome. Understanding these differences prepares you to support your dog properly through recovery.

FAQs About Recovery After Medial Patellar Luxation Surgery

How long does recovery from MPL surgery usually take?

Recovery from medial patellar luxation surgery generally lasts between 6 and 8 weeks. During this time, your dog needs limited activity, pain management, and regular veterinary check-ups to ensure proper healing. Following your vet’s instructions helps your dog regain knee strength and mobility safely, reducing risks of complications or setbacks.

What activities should I avoid during my dog’s recovery?

Avoid activities like running, jumping, climbing stairs, or rough play during recovery. These movements put stress on the healing knee and can cause the kneecap to slip again or delay healing. Controlled, gentle walks are usually allowed under veterinary guidance. Strict activity restrictions help prevent injury and promote faster recovery.

How can I manage my dog’s pain after surgery?

Pain management includes giving prescribed medications such as NSAIDs or mild painkillers exactly as directed by your vet. Cold therapy, like applying ice packs, can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Never give human pain medicine without veterinary advice. Keeping your dog calm and comfortable is important for a smooth recovery.

When can my dog start physical therapy or exercise?

Physical therapy usually starts 2 to 4 weeks after surgery once initial healing occurs. Gentle exercises focus on improving joint mobility and rebuilding muscle strength without stressing the knee. A vet or physical therapist will guide you on safe exercises and gradually increase activity to support recovery.

How do I know if my dog’s surgical wound is healing well?

A healing wound should have minimal swelling, no redness spreading beyond the incision, and no foul-smelling discharge. Some bruising and mild swelling are normal early on. If you notice increased redness, warmth, pus, or your dog excessively licking the area, contact your vet promptly to prevent infection.

What signs mean I should call the vet during recovery?

Call your vet if your dog shows severe limping, refuses to use the leg, has swelling or discharge at the surgery site, or develops fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite. These signs may indicate infection, reluxation, or other complications requiring urgent veterinary care to protect your dog’s recovery.

‍

Understanding Medial Patellar Luxation

Medial Patellar Luxation (MPL) is a condition where the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal position toward the inside of the dog’s leg. This causes the knee joint to become unstable, leading to pain and difficulty walking. MPL is common in small dog breeds but can affect dogs of all sizes.

Recognizing the symptoms of MPL early is very important. When caught early, treatment can reduce pain and prevent long-term damage like arthritis. Early care helps your dog stay active and comfortable. If left untreated, the condition can worsen, causing more severe limping and joint problems.

By watching for signs like limping, skipping steps, or stiffness, you can get your dog the help they need quickly. Early veterinary care improves your dog’s quality of life and can often avoid the need for complex surgery.

Common Movement-Related Signs of MPL

Medial Patellar Luxation (MPL) often changes how your dog moves. Watching for these signs can help you notice the problem early.

• Sudden skipping or hopping while walking or running: Your dog may suddenly lift one leg or hop to avoid pain when the kneecap slips out of place. This quick change in movement helps reduce discomfort.
• Limping or skipping gait: Limping is common when the dog puts less weight on the affected leg. You might see an uneven or skipping walk as your dog tries to avoid putting pressure on the painful knee.
• Intermittent or persistent lameness: Sometimes, lameness happens only after exercise, but in more serious cases, your dog may limp all the time. Both need veterinary attention to avoid worsening.
• Holding the affected leg up or avoiding weight bearing: Your dog might lift the injured leg or refuse to stand on it because of pain or instability in the knee.

If you notice these signs, it’s important to see a vet for diagnosis and early treatment.

Pain and Mechanical Symptoms

Dogs with Medial Patellar Luxation (MPL) often show pain and unusual knee movements. Watching for these signs can help you know when your dog needs care.

• Pain or discomfort around the knee area:
  Your dog may lick, bite, or favor the leg because of pain. The discomfort can be mild or severe depending on how often the kneecap slips out of place.
• Visible abnormal movement or popping of the kneecap:
  You might see the kneecap move out of its groove or the knee looking unstable. This popping happens especially when your dog walks or stands.
• Audible clicking or popping sounds from the knee:
  Sometimes you can hear clicking noises when the kneecap slips out and back in. This sound shows the knee joint is unstable.

If you notice any of these pain or mechanical symptoms, visit your vet. Early treatment can reduce pain and stop more damage to the knee joint.

Functional Difficulties and Posture Changes

Medial Patellar Luxation (MPL) can cause problems with how your dog moves and stands. These changes affect your dog’s daily activities and comfort.

• Stiffness or difficulty walking after rest:
  Your dog may seem stiff or slow to start moving after resting. This happens because the knee feels tight or sore, making it hard to walk smoothly.
• Difficulty jumping or climbing stairs:
  Activities that put extra pressure on the knees, like jumping or going up stairs, can become hard or painful. Your dog might avoid these tasks to reduce discomfort.
• Bow-legged appearance or abnormal hind limb posture:
  In some cases, the leg may look bow-legged or positioned oddly due to changes in the knee joint and surrounding muscles.
• Knee joint instability or looseness:
  The knee may feel loose or unstable because the kneecap is not held securely. This can cause your dog to wobble or struggle with balance.

If you notice these signs, it’s important to get your dog checked by a vet. Managing these difficulties early helps keep your dog active and comfortable for longer.

Muscle and Activity Changes

Medial Patellar Luxation (MPL) often leads to changes in your dog’s muscles and activity levels. Because the affected leg causes pain or discomfort, your dog may use it less than usual.

• Muscle loss in the affected leg from reduced use:
  When your dog avoids putting weight on the injured leg, the muscles around that leg can shrink or weaken. This muscle loss makes it harder for the knee to stay stable, which can worsen the condition over time.
• Decreased activity or reluctance to exercise:
  Dogs with MPL may become less active because movement causes discomfort or pain. They might avoid running, jumping, or playing as much as before. This reduction in activity can affect their overall health and fitness.

It’s important to help your dog stay as active as possible without causing pain. Gentle, controlled exercise and physical therapy can improve muscle strength and support the knee joint. Working with your vet to create a safe exercise plan helps your dog stay healthy and feel better despite MPL. Early management of muscle and activity changes improves your dog’s quality of life.

Progression and Severity of Symptoms

Medial Patellar Luxation (MPL) symptoms can change over time and with your dog’s activity level. Often, symptoms get worse as the condition progresses or if your dog is very active.

• Symptoms worsen with activity or over time:
  Increased exercise or movement can cause the kneecap to slip more often, leading to more pain and discomfort. Over time, repeated slipping may damage the knee joint, making symptoms more severe.
• Mild cases show subtle or occasional signs:
  Dogs with mild MPL might only limp sometimes or skip steps now and then. These signs can be easy to miss but still need attention to prevent worsening.
• Moderate to severe cases cause frequent lameness and pain:
  In more serious cases, dogs limp often or have trouble walking. Pain can be constant, and the knee may feel unstable or locked.
• Both hind legs can be affected, usually one side is worse:
  Sometimes MPL affects both knees, but one leg often has more severe symptoms. This imbalance can affect your dog’s posture and movement.

Early vet care helps manage symptoms and slow progression, improving your dog’s comfort and mobility.

When to See a Veterinarian

Knowing when to take your dog to the veterinarian is very important if you suspect Medial Patellar Luxation (MPL). Certain signs need prompt veterinary attention to prevent further damage and pain.

Key signs to watch for include sudden limping that doesn’t improve, your dog refusing to put weight on a leg, visible swelling or heat around the knee, or if the leg locks or feels unstable. If your dog shows signs of strong pain, such as whining, crying, or reluctance to move, you should see a vet right away.

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for the best outcome. When MPL is caught early, your vet can recommend treatments to reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent long-term problems like arthritis. Delaying care can cause the condition to worsen, making treatment more complicated and recovery longer.

Regular veterinary check-ups help monitor your dog’s knee health and catch any early changes. If you notice any signs of MPL, don’t wait—visit your vet to protect your dog’s comfort and quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Signs and Symptoms of Medial Patellar Luxation

What are the first signs of medial patellar luxation in dogs?

Early signs include limping, skipping steps, or sudden hopping while walking. Your dog may hold the leg up or avoid putting weight on it. These subtle changes often appear during activity or after rest.

How can I tell if my dog is in pain from MPL?

Dogs may lick or bite their knee, show reluctance to move, or limp frequently. Signs like whining or stiffness after resting also indicate pain related to the kneecap slipping out.

Can MPL cause permanent damage if untreated?

Yes, untreated MPL can lead to arthritis and joint damage. This causes chronic pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving. Early care can prevent these long-term problems.

Why does my dog’s knee make clicking sounds?

Clicking or popping sounds occur when the kneecap slips out and back into place. This noise is a common mechanical symptom of MPL and shows joint instability.

Does MPL affect both legs or just one?

MPL can affect one or both hind legs. Often, one side is more severe, causing uneven movement and posture changes.

When should I take my dog to the vet for MPL symptoms?

If your dog limps suddenly, refuses to put weight on a leg, or shows signs of pain or swelling, see a vet immediately. Early diagnosis improves treatment success.

‍