The medical records of 155 dogs with patellar luxation (PL) from three different centres
were analysed. Each case was classified according to the nature of its luxation and
any concurrent orthopaedic conditions plus the age at diagnosis were also noted. Measurements
relating to angle of inclination (AOI) of the femoral neck and medio-lateral bowing
of the femur and tibia at the stifle were also recorded. The femoral and tibial data
were compared to dogs with another orthopaedic condition in a case-control assessment.
Labradors were most commonly affected (21%). Most luxations were medial (92%) and
54% of affected dogs were female. The mean AOI of the hip was 148.95°. There was a
statistically significant difference between the stifles of dogs with PL compared
to a control population. This study concluded that PL in large breeds is increasing.
Lateral luxation was uncommon and was not associated exclusively with large breeds.
Females were more likely to have PL than males and being female was a risk factor
associated with coxa valga. There are significant differences in medio-lateral stifle
conformation between dogs with PL and control dogs.
Keywords
Patella luxation - canine - prevalence - coxa vara - genu varum
