Patellar luxation

How it is done

Examination by a vet

Also called

Patellaluxation · patellaluxatie · luxation de la rotule

What it looks for

Whether the kneecap (patella) can be displaced from its normal position, and how far — from a knee where it cannot be luxated at all to one where it sits permanently out of place and cannot be put back by hand.

Why it matters

The document does not state this.

How it is done

By palpation of the kneecap. The examination is done once, from a minimum age of 1 year. Each knee is graded and the grade of the more badly affected knee is the dog's final grade. The cited document does not state who may carry the examination out.

What the results mean

• 0 — No luxation.
• 1 — The kneecap can be pushed out of place by hand, but returns to its normal position as soon as it is released.
• 2 — The kneecap slips out when the knee is bent or when the leg is handled, and only returns to its normal position when the knee is straightened or it is pushed back by hand.
• 3 — The kneecap is out of place all the time. It can be pushed back by hand, but slips out again on its own as soon as the pressure is released.
• 4 — The kneecap is out of place all the time and cannot be pushed back by hand.

Source: Fokprogramma Cairn Terrier (Vlaamse overheid, Dierenwelzijn), Rasfiche — Verplichte prestatieonderzoeken, "Aandoening: Patellaluxatie (PT)" (p. 1); and "Patellaluxatie (PT) via Palpatie knieschijf" — fokadvies table and graad 0-4 definitions (p. 3) (Dit document werd het laatste bijgewerkt op: 18/07/2026) — https://assets.vlaanderen.be/image/upload/v1747394527/repositories-prd/DWZ_fokprogramma_Cairn_Terrier_fkil2q.pdf · Explanations checked: 2026-08-11

All health tests

Explanations checked: 11 August 2026