Patellar Luxation in Dogs – Our Experience with Lucy
It was in 2018 when we suddenly noticed that our little Lucy was only walking on three legs. Without warning, she lifted her left hind leg, set it down briefly, and then relieved it again. We could immediately feel that something was wrong.
After the visit to the veterinarian, the diagnosis came: Patellar luxation grade 3 on the left leg and grade 2 on the right. Until then, we had hardly had any contact with this issue. From one moment to the next, we were faced with questions, worries, and decisions that no one had prepared us for.
At that time, Lucy weighed barely two kilos. So small, so delicate – and yet it quickly became clear that surgery would be necessary. This time was very emotionally taxing for us. Not only because of the diagnosis itself but also due to the uncertainty of how Lucy would cope and what her path would look like afterward.
The surgery went well. But the weeks that followed challenged us in a completely different way. Lucy initially hardly wanted to use her leg. The muscles had already atrophied, and she had gotten used to walking on three legs. It was hard to watch. At the same time, patience, calmness, and consistent support were particularly important during this time.
We received a piece of advice from the veterinarian that has stayed with us to this day: The joints should be particularly well protected from cold, moisture, and hypothermia during this phase. Especially during the healing period, this was an important part of our daily routine for Lucy.
A small coincidence eventually became a real turning point for us. We had a suit with legs at home and initially just wanted to prevent Lucy from getting cold. But with this suit, she could no longer completely withdraw the operated leg. She began to cautiously use it again. Step by step, movement returned, and over time, so did muscle. For Lucy, this was an important part of her journey back to more stability.
Today, many years later, Lucy walks steadily again. What remains is not only the relief but also a very deep understanding of how vulnerable small dogs can be – and how important protection, patience, and careful observation are in everyday life.
What we have learned from this time
Patellar luxation is not an abstract topic for us. We know the worries, the uncertainty, and the many small decisions that suddenly become part of everyday life.
We have learned how important it is to take changes in gait seriously early on and to have them evaluated by a veterinarian. We have learned how much patience a healing process can require. And we have learned that protection from cold and moisture can be much more than just a matter of comfort, especially in sensitive phases. These three points are already explicitly mentioned in your existing article as the most important learning experiences.
Why we share this experience
We tell this story not to instill fear. We share it because we know how helpless one can feel in such a moment.
If our journey with Lucy helps other dog people to notice changes earlier, to accompany their dog more consciously during a difficult time, or to feel a little less alone with their worries, then this experience has meaning. The existing version ends exactly with this thought of wanting to encourage other dog people.
Best regards
Nataly from Lucy & Fly
