(Medial Patella Luxation Correction)

PRICING

• Medial Patella Luxation (MPL) under 10kg (inc post op apts) $2,500
• Medial Patella Luxation (MPL) under 20kg (inc post op apts) $2,800
• Medial Patella Luxation (MPL) under 30kg (inc post op apts) $3,000

What’s Included in Our All-Inclusive Surgical Package:

We’ve designed our pricing to be transparent, affordable, and all-inclusive—so you’re not caught off guard by unexpected costs later. Our surgical bundle includes:

      ✅ Surgical consultation upon admission with our veterinary team

      ✅ The surgery itself, performed by experienced veterinarians

      ✅ Take-home medications directly related to the procedure (e.g., pain relief, antibiotics)

      ✅ Post-operative appointments to monitor healing and recovery

      ✅ Follow-up radiographs and/or ultrasounds, if required, to assess surgical success

The only item not included is post-operative sedation, which may be required. If sedation is recommended for your pet’s comfort or safety at home, we’re happy to provide an individual estimate.

At Moreton Bay Vets, we’re proud to offer MPL (Medial Patella Luxation Correction) — a highly effective surgical solution.

Medial Patella Luxation (MPL) is a common orthopedic condition in dogs and occasionally in cats, particularly in small and toy breeds. It occurs when the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal position in the groove of the thigh bone (femur) and moves toward the inside of the leg (medially). This can cause pain, lameness, and long-term joint damage if left untreated.

MPL can range in severity from a mild, occasional "skipping" lameness to persistent pain, reduced mobility, and progressive arthritis. In moderate to severe cases, surgical correction is recommended to realign the patella and restore proper function to the knee joint.

What Are the Signs of Patella Luxation?

Common signs of MPL include:

• Intermittent skipping or holding a back leg up while walking

• “Popping” sounds or sensations in the knee joint

• Difficulty standing up or jumping

• Limping or favoring a hind leg

• Bow-legged or knock-kneed posture in more advanced cases

Some pets show symptoms as puppies, while others develop problems later in life due to trauma or worsening joint alignment over time.

What is MPL Surgery?

MPL surgery is designed to restore the kneecap to its normal position and prevent it from dislocating again. The procedure typically involves one or more of the following techniques:

• Trochleoplasty: Deepening the groove of the femur to better hold the kneecap in place

• Tibial Tuberosity Transposition (TTT): Realigning the patellar tendon by repositioning the bony attachment point on the tibia

• Medial Release and Lateral Imbrication: Loosening tight tissues on the inner side of the knee and tightening tissues on the outer side to keep the kneecap centered

The combination of techniques used is tailored to your pet’s anatomy and the severity of the luxation.

What to Expect: From Diagnosis to Surgery

1. Diagnosis in the Consultation Room

During a physical exam, your vet will assess the patella’s stability using manual tests. Patella luxation is graded from Grade I (mild, occasional luxation) to Grade IV (permanent luxation that cannot be manually replaced). X-rays are often recommended to assess bone alignment and rule out other joint issues.

Surgical correction is generally recommended for:

• Persistent lameness or pain

• Grade II or higher luxation

• Pets with worsening symptoms or arthritis risk

2. Surgical Admission

On the day of surgery:

• Your pet will be admitted in the morning after fasting overnight

• We will run pre-anaesthetic blood work using in-house lab machines to ensure your pet is safe for anesthesia

• Your pet will receive pain relief, IV fluids, and general anesthesia

• The knee joint is surgically corrected using the appropriate techniques, followed by sterile wound closure

Most surgeries take between 1–2 hours depending on the complexity.

Post-Operative Care and Recovery

Recovery is critical to a successful outcome. You can expect:

• Restricted activity for 6–8 weeks: No running, jumping, or playing. Short leash walks only.

• Pain relief and anti-inflammatories will be prescribed

• Elizabethan collar (cone) to prevent licking the surgical site

• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and remove sutures

• In some cases, rehabilitation exercises or physiotherapy may be recommended to improve joint strength and mobility

Most pets make a full recovery with noticeable improvement in comfort and mobility. Mild limping may persist for a few weeks as they regain muscle strength.

Why MPL Surgery is Important

Without treatment, moderate to severe patella luxation can lead to:

• Chronic pain and lameness

• Degenerative joint disease (arthritis)

• Limb deformities or altered gait

• Reduced quality of life

Surgery not only corrects the current problem but helps prevent long-term complications and gives your pet a better chance at an active, pain-free life.

If your dog or cat is showing signs of patella luxation, early assessment and treatment can make a significant difference. Contact our team today to book a consultation and discuss whether MPL surgery is the right option for your pet.

Why We Bundle Our Surgical Pricing

We believe quality veterinary care should be affordable and stress-free. By bundling the full surgical journey into one straight-forward price:

      💡 You avoid unexpected add-on fees

      💰 You get excellent value for a comprehensive surgical care package

      💬 You know exactly what to expect—before, during, and after your pet’s procedure

This unique approach allows us to provide high-quality care at a fair, accessible price, without compromising on the comfort or safety of your pet.