Written by

Tara Farmer

January 6, 2025

Edited by

Jennifer Carlson

Luxating patella dog surgery cost

Luxating patella dog surgery costs $1,500 to $5,000 per knee on average, but prices can range from $1,000 per knee to as high as $10,000 per knee. The cost of luxating patella surgery in dogs depends on your location, provider, the severity of your pup's condition, and what is included in the fee.

What is luxating patella?

A luxating patella, also called a patellar luxation, is a common orthopedic condition in dogs where the kneecap (patella) dislocates or moves out of its normal position. This condition can cause pain, difficulty walking, and an abnormal gait.

When the patella dislocates, it can move to the inside (medial) or outside (lateral) of the leg. Medial patellar luxation (MPL) is more common, especially in smaller dogs. Lateral patellar luxation (LPL) is seen more often in larger breeds, but MPL is still the most common in both large and small dogs.

High-risk breeds

While any dog can develop a luxating patella, certain breeds are more susceptible due to genetics. Smaller breeds are at a higher risk. These include:

• Basset Hound

• Bichon Frise

• Boston Terriers

• Cairn Terrier

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

• Chihuahuas

• Cocker Spaniel

• Jack Russell Terriers

• Lhasa Apso

• Maltese

• Miniature and Toy Poodles

• Papillons

• Pekingese

• Pomeranians

• Shih Tzu

• Yorkshire Terriers

Larger breeds can also be affected, though less frequently. These include:

• Akitas

• American Water Spaniel

• Boxers

• Cane Corso

• Chinese Shar-Pei

• Flat-Coated Retriever

• German Shepherds

• Golden Retrievers

• Great Danes

• Great Pyrenees

• Huskies

• Irish Wolfhounds

• Labrador Retrievers

• Lancashire Heeler

• Malamutes

• Newfoundlands

• Saint Bernards

Grade classification

Veterinarians categorize patellar luxation into four grades based on the severity of the condition:

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms of a luxating patella can vary depending on the severity. Some dogs, especially those with Grade I luxation, may not show any symptoms. Common signs include:

• Intermittent limping or lameness

• Skipping or hopping on the affected leg for a few steps

• Holding up the leg for a short period

• Stretching the leg out behind them to try and get the kneecap back in place

• A bow-legged stance where the knees may appear to turn outward

• Clicking or popping noises when the dog bends its knee

• Reluctance to jump or climb stairs

• A hunched lower back

• Sitting with the knee pointing outward

• Walking with a stiff or awkward gait, with knees that do not fully extend

Non-surgical treatment options

Not all cases of luxating patella require surgery. Vets often recommend non-surgical management for dogs with Grade I or mild Grade II luxations. These options aim to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the muscles around the knee:

• Diet & weight management: Excess weight puts extra pressure on the joints, which can exacerbate the condition. A healthy, balanced, and nutritionally complete diet is key to joint health.

• Exercise modification: Regular, controlled exercise can help strengthen the knee muscles. Stick to short, gentle walks and avoid strenuous activities like running and jumping.

• Physical therapy: Exercises to improve strength and range of motion can be beneficial. A veterinary physiotherapist can recommend a suitable program.

• Hydrotherapy: Swimming or using an underwater treadmill can help build and maintain muscle strength and reduce stress on the joints.

• Pain management: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other pain medications may help manage pain and inflammation.

• Joint supplements: Supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids can support joint health.

• Knee braces: Bracing the knee can help stabilize the joint and allow soft tissues to gain elasticity.

• Complementary therapies: Additional alternative therapies that may help manage luxating patella include acupuncture, laser therapy, chiropractic care, and massage.

What factors affect the cost of luxating patella surgery in dogs?

Several factors can impact the cost of luxating patella surgery:

• Geographic location: Urban areas and regions with a higher cost of living tend to have higher veterinary fees compared to rural areas.

• Provider: The surgeon's experience and qualifications influence the cost. Board-certified veterinary surgeons or orthopedic specialists often charge higher fees than general practitioners.

• Fee structure: Many clinics charge an all-inclusive fee that includes pre-operative testing and post-operative care, while others charge individually for each component. When not included in the surgery fee:

  • Dog X-rays cost $150 to $250 and are sometimes needed to confirm the diagnosis and check for osteoarthritis.

  • Blood work for dogs costs $100 to 200 on average.

  • Vet office visit fees range from $40 to $80 per visit.

• Dog's size: Larger dogs may require more anesthesia, larger implants, and longer surgical times.

• One or both knees affected: Surgery on both knees (bilateral) will cost more than surgery on a single knee (unilateral).

• Additional issues: Pre-existing conditions like arthritis or other joint injuries can add to the complexity and cost of surgery.

• Post-operative care: The extent of post-operative care needed, such as medications, follow-up visits, and rehabilitation therapy also impact the total cost.

  • Physical therapy sessions typically cost $40 to $100 per session, though some vets include a certain number of rehab visits in the surgery cost.

  • Medications for pain management, if needed, range from $20 to $50 per month on average.

Does pet insurance cover luxating patella surgery?

Pet insurance may help cover the cost of surgery, hospitalization, medications, and some therapies associated with patellar luxation. However, most insurance companies will not cover pre-existing conditions. It's best to invest in pet insurance when you first get your pet before any signs of the condition appear.

• Pet insurance for dogs costs $35 to $75 per month on average.

• Most policies have waiting periods before coverage begins for orthopedic conditions.

Surgical treatments for luxating patella

Vets typically recommend surgery for Grades II through IV. The main goal of luxating patella surgery is to realign the quadriceps muscle with the rest of the leg. The surgeon may use more than one technique:

• Trochlear sulcoplasty involves deepening the groove in the femur where the patella sits, either by removing a wedge of bone and cartilage and replacing it in a recessed position, or by removing a V-shaped piece of bone to create a deeper groove.

• Tibial tuberosity transposition realigns the tendon attachment between the kneecap and shin bone by cutting the bone where the tendon attaches and moving it to a better position, securing it with wires or pins.

• Femoral varus osteotomy straightens a bowed femur by removing a wedge of bone and repairing it with a plate and screws. This surgery is typically done on larger dogs or dogs with higher-grade luxations.

• Soft tissue reconstruction involves releasing tight tissues and tightening loose tissues on either side of the patella.

Recovery & post-op care

The recovery process after luxating patella surgery lasts about 12 weeks. Proper post-operative care is crucial for a successful recovery. Your veterinarian will provide specific instructions, but general guidelines include:

• Restricted activity: Limit your dog's movement for the first few weeks after surgery.

• Wound care: Keep the surgical site clean and dry and monitor for signs of infection.

• Physical therapy: Follow your vet's recommendations for exercises and stretches to help your dog regain strength and mobility.

• Pain management: Administer prescribed pain medications as directed by your veterinarian.

• Follow-up appointments: Attend all scheduled check-ups to monitor your dog's progress and address any concerns.

FAQs about luxating patella surgery for dogs

What causes luxating patella in dogs?

There are several factors that cause a luxating patella in dogs:

• Genetic predisposition

• Anatomical abnormalities

• Trauma or injury

• Obesity

• Developmental issues

Does my dog need surgery for luxating patella?

The need for surgery depends on the severity of the condition and its impact on your dog's quality of life. Your veterinarian will assess these factors and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for your dog.

Factors to consider include:

• Grade of luxation

• Frequency and severity of symptoms

• Age and overall health of the dog

• Response to conservative treatments

How long will my dog limp after luxating patella surgery?

Recovery time can vary, but most dogs show improvement within a few weeks after surgery. The typical recovery timeline includes:

• 24 to 48 hours: Strict rest and pain management

• 2 to 3 weeks: Gradual increase in controlled activity

• 6 to 12 weeks: Return to normal activity levels

It's crucial to follow your veterinarian's post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize complications.

How successful is luxating patella surgery for dogs?

Luxating patella surgery is generally very successful in improving a dog's mobility and quality of life. Success rates vary depending on the grade of luxation and other factors, but studies have shown:

• 90 to 95% success rate for grades II and III luxations

• 80 to 85% success rate for grade IV luxations

Some dogs may still experience occasional lameness or develop arthritis in the affected joint over time.

What supplements are good for dogs with luxating patella?

While supplements cannot cure luxating patella, they may help support joint health and manage symptoms. Some beneficial supplements include:

• Glucosamine and chondroitin

• Omega-3 fatty acids

• MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)

• Green-lipped mussel extract

Always consult with your veterinarian before starting any supplement regimen for your dog.

Questions to ask your vet about luxating patella surgery

When considering luxating patella surgery for your dog, it's essential to have a thorough discussion with your veterinarian. Here are some important questions to ask:

• What grade is my dog's luxating patella, and how urgent is the need for surgery?

• What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?

• What is the expected recovery time, and what post-operative care will be required?

• Are there any alternative treatments we should consider before opting for surgery?

• What is the long-term prognosis for my dog after surgery?

• How many luxating patella surgeries have you performed, and what is your success rate?

• What is the total estimated cost of the surgery, including pre-operative tests, post-operative care, and follow-up visits?

• Do you offer payment plans or financing options for the surgery?