Luxating Patella Surgery in Fairlawn, OH
MPL Surgery and Kneecap Repair for Dogs
If your dog occasionally skips while walking, holds up a back leg for a few steps, or seems uncomfortable after activity, a luxating patella may be the cause. This condition occurs when the kneecap slips out of its normal position in the knee joint.
At Copley Fairlawn Veterinary Clinic, we evaluate dogs with suspected patellar luxation carefully and explain treatment options clearly. When surgical correction is recommended, we guide you through the procedure and recovery process so you know what to expect.
We provide luxating patella surgery and MPL surgery for families in Fairlawn, Copley, and the surrounding Akron area.
What Is a Luxating Patella?
The patella, or kneecap, normally sits in a groove at the end of the thigh bone. In some dogs, this groove is too shallow or the surrounding structures do not align properly. As a result, the kneecap slips out of place. This is called patellar luxation.
The condition may affect one or both knees and can range from mild to severe. Small breed dogs are more commonly affected, but larger breeds can develop it as well.
Common signs include:
- Skipping or hopping while walking
- Sudden lifting of a back leg
- Intermittent limping
- Stiffness after exercise
- Difficulty jumping or climbing stairs
Some dogs experience occasional slipping with minimal discomfort. Others develop persistent pain and joint damage over time.
When Is MPL Surgery Recommended?
Not every case of patellar luxation requires surgery. Mild cases may be monitored if discomfort is minimal.
Surgical correction is typically recommended when:
- The kneecap slips out frequently
- Limping is persistent
- Pain is present
- Joint damage is progressing
- Mobility is affected
We base our recommendation on your dog’s level of discomfort, the severity of luxation, and long-term joint health.
Abdominal Exploratory Surgery
If your pet is vomiting, experiencing abdominal pain, or may have swallowed a foreign object, exploratory surgery allows us to identify and treat problems such as intestinal obstruction, foreign bodies, or abdominal masses. In some cases, biopsies are taken to better understand chronic digestive issues.
What Happens During Luxating Patella Surgery?
The goal of luxating patella surgery is to restore proper alignment of the kneecap and stabilize the joint.
Depending on the severity of the condition, the procedure may involve:
- Deepening the groove where the kneecap sits
- Adjusting surrounding soft tissues
- Realigning bone structures
- Stabilizing the joint to prevent future slipping
Before surgery, we perform a thorough physical exam and may recommend radiographs and bloodwork to evaluate joint structure and anesthesia safety.
During the procedure, we continuously monitor heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and temperature. Pain management begins before surgery and continues throughout recovery.
Recovery After Dog Kneecap Surgery
Recovery from MPL surgery requires structure and patience. Activity restriction is essential during the healing period.
Most dogs require:
- Strict limitation of running and jumping
- Controlled leash walks only
- A gradual return to activity
- Follow-up evaluations to monitor healing
Improvement is often seen gradually over several weeks. Consistency with recovery instructions plays an important role in long-term success.
We provide detailed discharge instructions and remain available if questions arise during healing.
What Happens If Patellar Luxation Is Not Treated?
When moderate or severe luxation is left untreated, it may lead to chronic knee instability. Over time, this can contribute to cartilage damage, arthritis, and increased strain on other structures within the joint.
Dogs with untreated luxation may also be at higher risk for ACL or CCL injury due to abnormal knee mechanics.
Early evaluation helps determine whether monitoring or surgical intervention is appropriate.
Is Luxating Patella Surgery Safe?
All surgery carries some risk. We reduce risk by performing careful pre-surgical evaluations, recommending bloodwork when appropriate, and closely monitoring your dog during anesthesia.
If your dog has other medical conditions, we discuss how those factors may influence surgical planning.
Our goal is to support both safety and comfort throughout the process.
Why Families in Fairlawn Choose Us for MPL Surgery
Choosing kneecap repair for your dog is an important decision. Families in Fairlawn and Copley trust us because we focus on:
- Clear explanation of diagnosis and options
- Careful anesthesia monitoring
- Structured recovery guidance
- Ongoing follow-up support
Dr. Ashley Staycheff and our team work together to provide individualized orthopedic care for every patient.
If you would like to learn more about other knee procedures, visit our Dog ACL Surgery page or our Advanced Surgery page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luxating Patella Surgery
How do I know if my dog has a luxating patella?
Intermittent skipping or hopping while walking is a common sign. A physical exam confirms the diagnosis and helps determine severity.
What is the difference between ACL surgery and MPL surgery?
ACL surgery stabilizes a torn ligament inside the knee. MPL surgery corrects kneecap alignment. Some dogs may have both conditions.
How long does recovery take after MPL surgery?
Most dogs require approximately 8 to 10 weeks of structured recovery with restricted activity.
Can luxating patella heal without surgery?
Mild cases may be managed conservatively. Moderate to severe cases often benefit from surgical correction to prevent long-term joint damage.
Will my dog develop arthritis?
Joint instability can contribute to arthritis over time. Surgical correction may help reduce progression.
Can both knees be repaired?
If both knees are affected, we discuss timing and surgical planning carefully before proceeding.
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Introducing Vello
A Better Way to Stay Connected
We’re excited to announce that starting August 4th, our clinic is using Vello, a convenient text messaging app designed to make communication with us easier than ever. With the Vello app, you can easily get appointment reminders, request visits, text our team, and enjoy faster, more convenient service - all from your phone.
We encourage all appointment requests to go through the Vello app beginning August 4th, so you can enjoy a smoother, more connected experience with our team.
Schedule a Luxating Patella Consultation in Fairlawn
If your dog is showing signs of kneecap instability or persistent limping, we are here to help.
We will evaluate your dog’s knee, explain whether luxating patella surgery is appropriate, and guide you through the recovery process.
Schedule a Surgical Consultation
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Different Procedures We Offer
Spay/Neuter
Spaying is the surgical removal of a female dog’s reproductive organs to prevent reproduction. Neutering involves removing both testicles in male dogs to render them infertile.
Exploratory Surgeries and Biopsies
Cytology involves examining cell samples under a microscope to help diagnose tumors, fluid buildup, or issues in organs like the liver or lungs. A biopsy is the surgical removal of tissue for detailed microscopic analysis of suspicious lesions.
TTA/CCL Repairs
A common knee injury in dogs is a tear in the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), similar to the ACL in humans. This ligament helps stabilize the knee, and when torn, it causes the shin bone to move abnormally, leading to pain, lameness, and joint damage. Over time, this instability can result in osteoarthritis.
MPL Procedures
A luxating patella occurs when the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal position in the groove at the end of the thighbone. This condition causes instability in the knee joint and can lead to discomfort or difficulty walking.
Amputation Services
Amputation is a surgical procedure to remove a pet’s limb, often due to cancer, severe injury, infection, or chronic pain. Forelimb amputations usually involve removing the entire limb, while hindlimb amputations are done at the hip or upper thigh. In some cases, modifications may be made to allow for a prosthetic limb.
Fracture Repairs
In many cases, surgical stabilization is recommended for treating fractures in pets. Unlike humans, dogs and cats often fracture major bones like the femur or humerus, which can't be easily treated with splints or casts.
Mass Removals
Finding a lump under your pet’s skin can be alarming and should be checked by a vet. Many are harmless lipomas (fatty tumors), but some may involve mast cells, which are part of the immune system. Proper diagnosis is important to determine if the lump is benign or cancerous.
Splenectomy
The spleen is a tongue-shaped organ located below the stomach with a texture similar to the liver. While dogs can live without it, the spleen plays a supportive role in overall health.
Cystotomy
Bladder stones are mineral formations that develop in the urinary bladder, ranging in size from tiny grains to larger rocks. They often result from bladder disease or inflammation and can appear as a single stone or a mix of various sizes.
Perineal Urethrostomy (PU)
A perineal urethrostomy (PU) is a surgical procedure for male cats with urinary blockages. It widens the urethral opening to make urination easier and reduce the risk of future obstructions.
C-Sections
A caesarean section (C-section) is a major surgery to deliver puppies, often done in emergencies when natural birth is difficult. Most dogs recover quickly, but if labor was prolonged before surgery, recovery may be slower and require extra care.
