Grades of Patellar Luxation PL
(Singleton)
by Gisela Aach
(Any copies, or excerpts, only with permission by the author)
Patella = Knee cap. Luxatio patellae (Patellar Luxation) is one of the most common disorders in dogs. Two types of this condition can be differed: Congenital (present from birth) Patellar Luxation and patellar luxation caused by trauma.
The dog is examined by adspection in rest and in motion (watching) as well as by palpation (feeling). No medication and especially no anaesthesia is needed for this examination.
Grades of Luxation
PL 0 - no luxation present, and cannot be luxated manually.
PL 1 - Through bending or stretching, the patella can be luxated manually (by the examiner) from medial/lateral. It returns to the trochlea when released. These dogs rarely show any lameness.
PL 2 - The patella can be luxated manually through the examiner either by applying finger pressure from medial/lateral or by stretching the knee, also the dog can luxate it himself. The patella remains luxated medial/lateral until replaced or until active bending or stretching brings it back into position. Lameness varies from occasionally carrying the limb to a permanent and high grade lameness.
PL 3 - The patella is luxated medial/lateral. It can be replaced manually into its normal position. As soon as the pressure is lessened, the patella luxates again. In many cases these dogs show a more or less severe lameness.
PL 4 - The patella is permanently luxated medial/lateral. It cannot be replaced manually. These dogs show permanent lameness.
On this basis, the Zuchtgemeinschaft für Eurasier e.V. expects the patella
examination as part of the overall veterinary health check of young Eurasiers at
the age of approximately 15 to 20 months (The German Kennel Club VDH has
also published this method).
Zuchtgemeinschaft für Eurasier e.V.