Patellar Surgery
Patellar luxation (dislocated kneecap) is a common cause of lameness in both small and large breed dogs — and occasionally in cats. At Belconnen Veterinary Centre, we offer advanced diagnostic imaging and corrective knee surgery tailored to each individual patient, including custom 3D surgical planning.
What Is Patellar Luxation?
Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal groove in the thigh bone. This condition can range from mild to severe and may affect one or both hind legs. While some pets appear to recover momentarily, repeated luxations can cause pain, joint damage, and arthritis if left untreated.
Signs your dog may have a cruciate rupture include:
- Limping or lameness in a back leg (may come on suddenly)
- Difficulty rising, jumping, or climbing stairs
- Reluctance to exercise or play
- Weight shifted to the front legs while standing
- "Toe touching" – the injured leg barely touches the ground when walking
- Swelling around the knee joint
- Muscle loss in the affected hind leg over time
- Yelping or signs of pain when moving or touched near the knee
If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, book an appointment with our experienced team for a lameness and joint assessment in Belconnen.
For Large Breeds or High-Grade Luxations
Large dogs and small dogs with grade III/IV luxation often require advanced imaging and planning to ensure surgical success. We recommend:
Pre-operative CT Scanning
This will assess limb alignment in 3D
3-D Printed, Patient-Specific Surgical Jigs
This allows for precision-guided correction
Distal Femoral Wedge Osteotomy
This cutting-edge approach improves surgical accuracy, reduces complications, and offers better outcomes — especially in more complex or bilateral cases.
Why Choose Belconnen Veterinary Centre?
- One of the few veterinary hospitals in Australia offering 3D-printed surgical jigs for patellar correction
- Experienced surgical team with advanced orthopaedic training
- Full in-house imaging and pre-operative planning including CT scans
- Affordable patellar luxation surgery in Canberra with flexible payment options
- Compassionate, local care for Canberra pets and their families
Have a question about our services?
