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ModeratePrevalence: Very common — affects up to 30% of small breeds

Luxating Patella in Yorkshire Terriers

Luxating patella is one of the most common orthopedic conditions in Yorkshire Terriers. Their small frame and relatively shallow patellar groove mean the kneecap can slip out of its normal position, causing sudden skipping or leg-holding. While often intermittent at first, untreated patellar luxation in Yorkshire Terriers progresses to chronic lameness.

Prevalence

Very common — affects up to 30% of small breeds

Typical Onset

4 months to 6 years

Severity

Moderate

Symptoms to Watch For

If your Yorkshire Terrier shows any of these signs, monitor closely and consult your veterinarian.

intermittent skipping or hopping on one hind leg
sudden leg-holding while running then resuming normally
bow-legged stance
reluctance to jump
cracking or popping sound from the knee
progressive stiffness in affected leg

Risk Factors

  • •small body size with shallow patellar groove
  • •bow-legged conformation
  • •trauma or injury to the knee
  • •overweight body condition
  • •genetic inheritance (autosomal recessive suspected)

Diagnosis

Diagnosed through physical examination — the vet can manually luxate (displace) the kneecap and grade its severity (Grade I-IV). Radiographs assess bony changes and help plan surgery. Sedation is usually not needed for diagnosis.

Treatment

Grade I-II: weight management, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and monitoring. Grade III-IV: surgical correction (trochleoplasty to deepen the groove, tibial tuberosity transposition) with 90%+ success rate. Post-surgical rehabilitation is critical.

Prevention

Choose breeders who screen for patellar luxation (OFA patella evaluation). Maintain lean body weight. Avoid excessive jumping from heights during puppyhood. Provide ramps or steps for furniture access in predisposed breeds.

When to See a Vet

See your vet if your dog intermittently holds up a back leg, skips steps while running, or you notice bow-legged posture developing. Grade I can progress to Grade IV without intervention.

Other Health Conditions in Yorkshire Terriers

Legg-Calve-Perthes DiseaseSevereTracheal CollapseSevereDental DiseaseModerate

Worried about Luxating Patella in your Yorkshire Terrier?

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