How to Identify Slipping Knee Caps in Small Dogs

Many types of small dogs are prone to medical conditions such as slipping knee caps. Being aware of your dog will help notice any changes, along with periodically checking for other signs of this problem. While many times slipping knee caps are minor and will correct themselves, it can get serious enough to require medical attention. Slipping knee caps is also known as patellar luxation.

• Watch for "skipping" when your dog walks. When the kneecap is only slightly slipping, there may not be a frequent or constant skip movement.


• Find out if your dog is overweight. Extra weight will put more pressure on your dog's joints. This can cause the dog's knee caps to slip even when the condition is not chronic. Excess weight can be treated with frequent walks and exercise, along with a proper diet. Talk to your vet to find out what level of activity is appropriate for your dog, and how much they should be eating.


• Keep an eye on your dog to watch for "straddle stance." This means your dog walks with the legs extended from the body. It will look like the walk is stiff, and as if the dog is trying to step over something as he walks.


• The strongest sign of slipping knee caps is frequent lameness. If your dog regularly, during play or just walking, begins to limp for short periods of time this is a very good indicator of slipping knee caps. This is usually done with no whining or signs of pain; almost as though your dog just stepped on something.


• Check your dog's back legs regularly. If either or both legs extend back more than usual, it could be a sign the knee cap is displaced. Try to get your dog to return the legs to their normal position.

If it seems your dog is suffering from slipping knee caps, see your vet as soon as possible. While some times it is very minor, other cases can get more and more serious and eventually lead to total lameness or early arthritis.