The methods for treating a luxating patella in dogs range from conservative medical management to surgery, depending on the grade of the disease.

Most grade I and grade II instances are treated through pain and anti-inflammatory medications, weight management and exercise restriction. Physical rehabilitation therapy may also be helpful here, as it can help your dog rebuild muscle strength and ease back into normal activities. Some dogs with grade II who experience significant pain from cartilage damage and significant lameness may benefit from surgery to improve their quality of life. Surgery is usually indicated for both grade III and grade IV patellar luxation as they can cause significant lameness and pain.

Surgeries for dog patella luxation are divided into those that correct either bony or soft tissue structures. No matter the surgery, the overall goal is to realign the supporting structures of the knee joint to allow the kneecap to move normally and stay in the groove of the femur. Common surgical procedures include:

Techniques to deepen the groove on the femur where the kneecap sits.
Moving the joint that attaches the kneecap to the shinbone more laterally.
Reinforcing the knee joint's soft tissue structures.
Surgery is often staged if both of the dog's hind limbs are affected, starting with operation on the most affected knee first.

To allow the site to heal appropriately, your dog may have to wear a soft bandage or brace for three to five days and have their exercise restricted for about four to eight weeks following surgery. During this recuperation time, your dog's walks should be limited to short on-leash trips to use the bathroom, and they may have to be crated or confined to a small room to restrict activity. Physical rehabilitation can be helpful to reduce the loss of muscle mass on the affected limb and may help some dogs return to normal function sooner.