Luxating patella surgery costs $1,500-$3,000 per knee - many dogs need both. The kneecap slips out of its groove, causing the leg to lock or skip. A common orthopedic condition in small breed dogs. Mild cases need monitoring; moderate to severe cases require surgery to prevent arthritis and lameness.
Shallow patellar groove or abnormal leg alignment lets the kneecap slide medially (inward) or laterally (outward). Primarily genetic - small breeds have structural predisposition. Trauma can also trigger it. Graded I-IV by severity. Affects roughly 7% of puppies
Intermittent skipping or hopping on one hind leg. Dog runs normally, then holds one leg up for strides before lowering it. Audible knee 'pop'. Bowlegged stance in severe cases. Reluctance to jump. Stiffness after rest. Often first noticed at 4-6 months old
Physical exam ($50-$100): vet manipulates kneecap to assess stability and grade. X-rays ($100-$300): evaluate bone alignment, groove depth, arthritis. Grades: I (manually dislocatable), II (intermittent slipping), III (mostly out, manually reducible), IV (permanently out, irreducible). Average $150-$400
Grade I-II: monitoring, weight management, supplements, anti-inflammatories ($100-$300/year). Grade III-IV: surgery to deepen groove (trochleoplasty), realign tibial crest, tighten joint capsule. Bilateral cases common. Average $1,500-$3,000/knee
Diagnosis plus treatment. Bilateral surgery (both knees) can reach $3,500-$6,500 total.
Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Miniature Poodles are most affected. Toy breeds have the highest incidence.
Post-surgery: restricted activity for 6-8 weeks. Physical therapy recommended. Most dogs return to full function.
Buy from breeders who screen for patella issues. Maintain lean weight. Avoid slippery floors for small breed puppies.
02/04
Diagnosis plus treatment.
Most policies cover luxating patella surgery if symptoms appear after enrollment. Many impose 6-12 month orthopedic waiting period. Some require clean orthopedic exam at enrollment. Enroll early before symptoms develop.
Luxating patella often shows at 4-6 months old. Symptoms during orthopedic waiting period (6-12 months) become pre-existing. Enroll at 8 weeks to start the clock early.
Surgery at $1,500-$3,000/knee exceeds deductibles. Bilateral at $3,500-$6,500 shows real insurance value. With $500 deductible and 80% reimbursement, save $800-$4,800.
If one knee luxates, the other often does. Some insurers treat both as one condition with one deductible. Others impose separate deductibles. Some may mark the second knee pre-existing. Clarify before surgery.
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