Patellar luxation is defined as the dislocation of the patella, or knee cap, either in a lateral or medial direction. In can occur in different levels of severity and is one of the recommended but optional health tests for the Akita. The Akita is considered to be a breed that has a predilection for patellar luxation.
When a dog has patellar luxation, it compromises the strength and stability of that leg. In most dogs if it is present it is bilateral, however unilateral (only on one leg) can occur. Many of these dogs will have an odd gait when walking, trying to place the leg in a position to either try to prevent the luxation or find the best way to be stable with each step. If severe enough, you can actually visualize the patella popping back and forth on the stifle. Over the lifetime, many dogs will develop osteoarthritis in the affected leg, and frequently, they have other orthopedic concerns as well.
The diagnosis of this can be done at an early age, often times at 6-8 weeks. Many breeders can recognize this in a puppy through a quick manual exam of the stifle, but it is always good to have a veterinarian confirm the diagnosis. Besides the manual exam, radiographs can also be done to make this diagnosis. There are surgical corrections available for patellar luxation and should be considered in this large breed to provide stabilization to this stifle joint and prevention of future problems as the luxation either becomes worse over time or leads to osteoarthritis. Luxations of the patella are graded from 1-4 with respect to severity of the luxation, grade 4 being the worst.
If a dog has had a patellar exam, which can be done by a non-boarded veterinarian, it can apply for patellar certification through OFA. This is done one time, usually after 12 months of age as this is the minimum age at which OFA will provide certification. See the image below for what the OFA certification looks like.
You can also search for the certification by following this link and using either the dog’s AKC registration number or AKC registered name: https://ofa.org/advanced-search/
For more detailed information on patellar luxation and the varying grades that can be assigned relating to severity, please follow this link:
