Luxating Patella

The patella is better known as the kneecap, which normally slides up and down in front of the actual knee joint as the leg moves.

A luxating patella might be translated into everyday speech as a dislocating kneecap.  

The kneecap in question is the cap on the knee of the back legs.  Luxation may be caused by injury, but evidence suggest that the condition is genetic or they are born with this condition.   The ligaments around the patella may be weak, allowing surplus motion.  When the cap dislocates, it will move toward the body, and may lock the leg, making it almost impossible for the dog to walk on.  Severity of a luxating patella varies, ranging from an occasional slippage to a permanently dislocated cap.  Minor cases may be treated with diet and exercise, but the case must be mild for this to be effective.  The only permanent solution to more severe cases luxating patellas is surgical.  There is more than one type of surgery available to treat this condition.  You should talk with your Vet to determine what is best for your Yorkie.  

Making sure that your dog does become overweight is a good way to avoid luxating patellas.  The less weight that your Yorkie has to carry, the less strain there is on his kneecaps.

If your dog should be diagnosed with a luxating patella, you should contact the breeder from whom you purchased your puppy.  Responsible breeders will want to know this in order to attempt to remove parents from their breeding programs.