Exercises to Help Avoid Surgery for Luxating Patellas in Dogs

We see lots of dogs at the centre with luxating patellas. The severe cases require surgery to correct. But there are many things that can be done from a physiotherapy point of view to help dogs that have mild symptoms of this condition.
Specific exercises will help increase your dogs muscle strength. In these cases, we place a huge emphasis on the quadricep muscle group which can help maintain correct alignment of the patella thereby reducing clinical symptoms.
In this video you’ll see a few different exercise options that could help if you have a dog with a mild patella luxation.
I hope you find it helpful!
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[@angelabitzan5084]

THANK YOU for this video! My little Boston was just diagnosed with Luxating Patella in one leg, and he's not yet 2. I am a firm believer in physical therapy as I've gone through it myself. Thank you so much!

[@thedogwellnesscentre]

Sorry to hear about Boston! great to hear that you believe in our work as physiotherapists. Good luck on Bostons treatment

[@KennyFalmouth506]

true but in Luxating patella in small breeds usually the bones arent str8, you cant fix a wrong placed bone with physio, it is not tendon or joint problem. good luck with your dog i wish you all the best

[@Special_FX]

​@@KennyFalmouth506that's what I was thinking when she is saying to make your dog sit tightly with knees together, that's something my dog can't physically do without his knee cap popping. That's one thing I was hoping to fix and this video just says do it..

[@KennyFalmouth506]

@@Special_FX i totally feel you , leave surgery as last resort but if this doesnt work..well you know whats gonna happen, my dog is currently 2 weeks post surgery still limping , if you wish to contact me i provide further info on the rehab i sincerelly wish you all the best i p.s. i can even show you my dogs x rays. cheers p.s.2 my dog wasnt able to sit either

[@jamielynne4157]

Thank you! Can you make a video showing how you teach the tight sit? My dog only sits with her knees out to the side and i’m not sure how to get her to sit tight

[@FrostNerd16]

Same - I try and correct but she’s just unsits and moves away. I’m not sure how to communicate it

[@alegrate1827]

How many repetitions of these exercises would you recommend? I had a chihuahua with this condition in both back legs and wish I found this video back then. When she was about 14, our vet said her "knee-caps" were "pretty much gone" but she was still spry for her age and never showed any signs of pain. One day, though, when we were outside, her back legs suddenly collapsed under her and she couldn't get up. Poor baby, she was trying to pull herself with "limp" back legs. I was TERRIFIED!!! But after picking her up, and rubbing her legs gently while carrying her inside, she was fine! I was so relieved! Even though I was just trying to comfort her and ease any pain she might have been having, I suppose massaging her legs may have been just the thing she needed to get her knees back in place. But even after that, she had few problems and lived to the ripe old age of seventeen and a half!

[@thedogwellnesscentre]

Hi there, the amount of repetitions will depend on the condition of the dog. Have a chat to your vet to ensure the exercises are suitable for your dog. We suggest to ease the dog into the exercises, starting with 3 reps and slowly increasing over time. WOW, 17.5 years old is a great achievement! Great job!

[@alegrate1827]

@@thedogwellnesscentre Thank You! Fortunately, I had insurance for her since she was just three pounds. Unfortunately, we had to say our final goodbyes to our baby back in February. Our vet, and the staff at the emergency animal hospital, were all telling us we were fortunate because she lived longer than most chihuahuas. And we're grateful for that. But in the hearts of all pet owners, it's always too early for them to go. I wanted to know more about these exercises, though, because we now have a new puppy and, knowing this condition is so common in chihuahuas, I just wanted to be prepared (not to mention, I already have insurance on her too.) And, speaking of being prepared, I've also subscribed to your channel!

[@zxjellydonutxz]

My vet told me my dog(Mini Schnauzer) has a Medial Patella Luxation/MPL Grade 2 on his right hing leg. He’s gonna be 2 in July. He didn’t really explain anything and told me supplements, pain medication and worst comes to worst surgery will help. Thank you for this, I’m going to try this with my dog.

[@thedogwellnesscentre]

We are sorry to hear about your dogs diagnosis. But there are loads of things you can do to help him so don't worry. Strengthening exercises are really beneficial. We would love to hear how you get on with the exercises. Good luck 🙂

[@kamillatoth4234]

What Should i do is ma dög cannot sit straight?

[@loonylinda]

i give up on this straight away..my lhasa wouldnt be interested in all this...she would not keep focused long enough

[@thedogwellnesscentre]

Yes, these exercises are best for dogs who enjoy obedience type activities with their owners like Juci the dog featured in this video.

[@gametabulas]

Same my lahsa would rather break both of his legs because he is too energetic. I tried everything but that small nuclear reactor wont stop. He could run a marathon.

[@susananery4260]

OmG!!! Exactly what we need, my 4y old Yorkshire has the same problem. I’ll start that exercises immediately. We’re in Maryland- USA. Thank you so much for all you guys are doing ❤

[@KennyFalmouth506]

my one year old JRT had the surgery in g reece, cost 800euro, 6 weeks rehabilitation but now its good as new, my doc said i had grade 2 problem. it doesnt skip steps anymore although these six weeks of rehab were like hell

[@thedogwellnesscentre]

Great to hear your JRT is fully healed with good knees now! Those 6 weeks rehab can be tough and test your patience a little, especially with a high energy dog! We hope with these videos we can make the rehab a bit easier for owners and doggies

[@Gemini_cls-jb8sm]

My deer head chihuahua Moby can not sit tight - he leaves his left hind leg out to the side. Are these moves correct for this stage of luxation? 4:07 thank you 🐶❤

[@lindalays8770]

May i know what grade of patella was the Dog suffering ? For grade 4 is it possible for exercise witbout surgery?

[@thedogwellnesscentre]

This case was a low grade & did very well conservatively. Unfortunately the more severe cases require surgery. Exercise alone is not enough to help them. Good luck ☘️

[@PuckWeijers]

How many times do you need to train? Everyday?

[@melissav.r.4212]

My dog was diagnosed with only one luxating patella a few days ago. That explains why I first noticed him hopping on one leg a while ago. It’s grade 1 or 2 right now. I hope this exercises can help prevent it from getting worse. Thank you!

[@thedogwellnesscentre]

Sorry to hear about your doggy. Amazing job on doing your research on the condition, we love to see owners learning! Good luck with the exercises, we hope you can avoid surgeries.

[@jadefay5762]

Hi these are fab exercises! I have a 14 year old yorkie with arthritis in lower spine and bag left hip and/orleg. However she has always walked with a hopping motion in her left leg and patella luxation has been queried historically. Short of this she is in brilliant health but I would love to strengthen her back legs (she has phenomenal strength in the front for her age!) would these exercises be helpful for her?

[@thedogwellnesscentre]

Great to hear she is in good health. Yes you could try these exercises for her rear limb strength but take a gentle approach with low repetitions as you get started. Thanks for your kind words.

[@jadefay5762]

@@thedogwellnesscentre thank you so much!

[@Kudravets-Diana]

I hear clicks from a 3-4 month old Chihuahua mini puppy when he gets up from lying down to sitting. What do you think it is and is it dangerous? And his back legs is slightly bowed.. forms like an ovale shape. Thx.

[@thedogwellnesscentre]

Hello, it's impossible for us to tell without an examination of each of the joints in your pups body. Best person to check with is your vet. It's better to understand your dogs joints sooner rather than later! Good luck 🍀

[@amanley]

Thank you for this video. I have an 11 yr old Jack Russell that has had issue with both for years on occasion. She is an only dog and not food oriented. If I use a toy then she gets too excited. Any suggestions? She is a hunting farm dog so keeping her still is definitely an issue..lol

[@thedogwellnesscentre]

Hi there, Some dogs who aren't food oriented just need a higher quality food. You could try something like chicken etc. Otherwise you may need to have someone help you and have your dog on a short lead

[@LisaGallegos]

Such a cute model 😍

[@thedogwellnesscentre]

We agree! Juci is adorable.

[@elsaanndo7720]

Can this exercise be perform with medial luxating patella in back leg too or is it for front leg exercise only .thank you

[@gigii2727]

My son Boji is diagnosed with grade II. (left leg). He’s a pomeranian. (3.5kg.) These exercises would be effective for him or are they insufficient for grade II? Thank you in advance! 💖

[@Cassie_kitten90]

My 3yr old jack Russell has patella luxation on his right rear leg. I have had to remove toys from the yard because if we kick it away, he sprints and then hurts it, will these exercises help him, or is there any suggestions to help him with recovery

[@thedogwellnesscentre]

Hi there, Luxating patellas are very common in Jack Russells. These exercises can help to strengthen the muscles around the knee and help support the knee. Some dogs with low grade lux pat do well with physio and no surgery but if the luxation is a high grade then they will most likely need surgery. Best to talk to your vet for your options.

[@matejmandic1627]

Does this also works with a bigger breed. I have American Pitbull Terrier (55lbs) and her left leg has medial patelar luxation stage 2. She is not in pain, she limbs when she just gets up and it only luxates when her leg is in extension. We bought knee cap but i dont know if that helps. I talked to the vet she said that it is not for operation but its been few weeks and it doesnt look that her leg is any better

[@thedogwellnesscentre]

Sorry to say but Grade 2's especially in bigger breeds will most likely require surgery. If the knee cap is constantly moving out of place with extension, it's going to be causing irritation.

[@andikasz.1470]

My dog only 8 month and his both leg have patella 😢😢 Doktor said he dont operating yet because he is jung and very small chi..1.5kg only and very tiny. We are doing exercises but my therapist said thats bit good if he sit...she said only work with stand .I mean when we working with my dog dont let him to sit..she said like that he have more cartilaginous..is true ?

[@sincerelyunique9859]

Oh man, my dog needs every bit of this. Lexi’s doing really good then out of no where’s she’s doing really bad, and then amazing again. But nothing happens in between and that scares me.

[@manhattanbeaconsllc]

Our leashed service dog, attacked by unleashed dog. Has Bl ACL tear hind legs. Dr says not candidate for surgery. Need to make knee brace

[@thedogwellnesscentre]

We are so sorry to hear about your service dog! Good luck with the braces

[@manhattanbeaconsllc]

@@thedogwellnesscentre Thank you. But do you know of any organization that provides tree wheelchair. I was informed not to do knee brace cause if done wrong can harm more than help. Dog that attacked our service dog; owner & dog disappear.

[@SL-ig7db]

What a helpful video. Thanks Pearl and team 🙏

[@thedogwellnesscentre]

Delighted to hear you have found this video helpful.

[@andikasz.1470]

​@thedogwellnesscentre Hi can you show more exercise for avoid surgery?

[@graceb5291]

Is it a sign of a problem if my dog naturally sits with her feet outside of her knees?

[@BeeKayCee911]

Thank You So Much⚘️

[@coastalcoyote]

Hello! Would all of these be suitable just for strengthening knees for older dogs, or are some specific to helping with luxating patellas? I have a 14.5 year old medium sized dog who I think can do all of these (strength wise) once taught. She's still sitting quickly and often when asked, jumping onto and off of furniture (ARGH!!) and using her knees for our walks instead of holding them stiff like I keep hearing old dogs will do. I just want to help her keep her knees (and everything else) strong if I can.

[@thedogwellnesscentre]

Hi there, great to see that you're learning how to help keep your doggy fit and pain free. These exercises can help your dog strengthen his knees and hind leg muscles. We suggest to visit your vet to check that your dog is suitable for these exercises and has no underlining conditions making her unstable Thanks

[@michelleanderson8537]

Hi everyone my Frenchie has just been diagnosed with luxating patella I was heartbroken and they wanted 3,000 for an operation. I just knew I couldn't afford it as her insurance only covers up to a 1,000 after doing some searching for answers I was put in touch with animal trust who will do the operation for995 which my insurance will cover it seems as when she's walking on flat surface s she is fine but I have to watch her for jumping about that's when she limps so I massage her. leg then she's ok at the moment she's on loxicom and restricted exercise which seems to keep her comfortable her assessment with the animal trust vet is next Tues so I hope we'll no more .to see what grade he thinks it is I think some of these vets are extortionate in their prices. Can anyone give me any advice as we only found out this week .thanks. Michelle

[@thedogwellnesscentre]

Hi there Michelle, we are sorry to hear about your Frenchies knees. Unfortunately it is a common condition in the breed. Hopefully the luxation is a low grade and you can avoid surgeries. Good luck!!

[@yukirozu1162]

Thank you so much for this video, my dog has recently been diagnoses with 3 on her left side and 2 on her right, is it possible for her to recover without surgery on her left side?

[@chandelleleigh6215]

My puppy was just diagnosed the same I’m just searching for answers now was hoping someone might have replied to you or dmd you?

[@dhesh0066]

Does these exercises work for dachshund puppies with stage 1 luxating patellas?

[@thedogwellnesscentre]

Hi there, these exercises are fine for a dachshund, as long as there are no underlying issues. Check with your vet to ensure your dachshund is okay :)

[@tmcooper2013]

How often do you do these exercises?

[@koreapt3590]

02:00 it helps!

[@vandacruz]

These are great but not easy to perform when the dog has only one leg in the front...

[@thedogwellnesscentre]

Having a tripod can definitely make some exercises tricky!! We will have to make a video to help you. Thanks for the idea!

[@Nana-ed1rr]

Thank you ! I will try it out!

[@thedogwellnesscentre]

Would love to hear how you have been going with this

[@Nana-ed1rr]

@@thedogwellnesscentre Actually really good! Her patella haven’t shifted for few months since I train every other day. I was also training her abs and giving her omega 3. Thanks so much for the tip 💕

[@thedogwellnesscentre]

@@Nana-ed1rr that's a great outcome!! we love hearing about owners supporting their dogs through these conditions

[@andikasz.1470]

​@@Nana-ed1rrhi.how you train her abs?

[@77rockcity]

♥️💯

[@althea280]

I have a yorkshire terrier mixed with maltese.hopping hes right leg while we walk it take 1 to 2 mins walk then he hops gain lifting his leg up..could be it? Been up and down to the vet but they said to get an x ray

[@thedogwellnesscentre]

It may well be a luxating patella. An Xray will give you a firm diagnosis of any issues and then you can commence a treatment plan.

[@Snezana90]

​@@thedogwellnesscentreWhat degree of patella injury is operated on?