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Patellar (knee cap) luxation is a common knee problem in dogs, especially small breeds. Cats and large dogs can also be affected. Patellar luxation is an orthopedic condition in which the kneecap slips out of place during normal exercise. When this happens, your dog may suddenly lift up their back leg, skip a step, or seem wobbly. The signs are often intermittent.
Patellar luxation is caused by a combination of genetics and development. The kneecap displacement is a result of misalignment of the leg bones, relative to the muscles. In rare cases, it can also be caused by injury.
Signs to watch out for:
If you notice these signs, it’s a good idea to have your our vets check things over.
It is important to say that not every patellar luxation needs surgery, the decision is based upon the severity of the signs. The goal of the surgery is to deepen the groove the kneecap slides in and realign the bones so it stays in place while your dog exercises. Every case is different and requires a different level of bone realignment.
Full recovery usually takes 8–12 weeks and many dogs return to normal activity with improved comfort and mobility.
Many dogs with mild cases live perfectly happy lives with simple management. For more serious cases, surgery can make a huge difference in comfort and long-term joint health.
We've streamlined our referral process to make advanced care accessible and efficient for your practice.
Your pet is seen by a named specialist who reviews their history and carries out a thorough clinical examination. We’ll discuss what we’ve found and what we recommend, in plain English.
Before any procedure begins, we provide a written, itemised estimate covering all costs: the procedure, anaesthetic, imaging, and follow-up. You’ll see exactly what you’re approving.
Once you confirm, the price is locked. We don’t add to it. If unforeseen clinical complications arise during a procedure, we discuss this with you before proceeding, we never present a surprise bill after the fact.
Quick answers for vets and pet owners about referrals, services, and what to expect.
Yes. Most of our procedures are covered by pet insurance policies. We provide a detailed, itemised invoice for every case, which makes the claims process straightforward. We can also assist with pre-authorisation requests. Please bring your insurance details to your appointment, or contact us in advance if you need guidance.
We provide a full, itemised written estimate before any procedure begins. The price in that estimate is the price you pay, it doesn’t change once approved. We’re one of the only referral centres in the UK to operate this way, and we’ve done so since 2008. No hidden fees, no end-of-treatment surprises.
No. While the majority of our cases come via veterinary referral, we welcome self-referring pet owners directly. You can book a consultation through our website. If you’re self-referring, it’s helpful to bring any recent vet notes or clinical history with you.
Complete our online referral form which takes under 5 minutes. You can also refer via our dedicated WhatsApp service by scanning the QR code on our contact page. Our team will review your submission and confirm the appointment, typically within a few hours. For urgent cases, call us directly on 01942 242001.
Still have questions?
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