How to use the Dog Patellar Luxation Factor Checklist
Patellar luxation is often first noticed as a gait that simply looks different from usual. This checklist takes the body weight and body condition score, counts how many of the knee burden factors you observed at home apply, and lays the result out so you can hand it straight to your veterinarian.
The size band is drawn from weight alone, and the body condition score uses the 9-point scale shared by AAHA and WSAVA, where 4 to 5 points is the ideal range. Falling outside that range is counted as one burden factor. No official model puts a number on the risk of developing patellar luxation from breed or weight, so the result stops at the count and the list of items (as of October 2026).
A count of zero does not mean the knees are sound, and several factors are not proof of luxation. Grading a luxation and deciding whether surgery is needed are not supported here. This tool is for reference only and does not replace veterinary care. Contact your veterinarian right away if you notice symptoms or suspect a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. This checklist produces no probability and no grade. Patellar luxation is confirmed only by a hands-on knee examination and imaging performed by a veterinarian.
No official table grades patellar luxation risk by breed, so none was built. The tool uses only weight-based size bands and items you can observe at home.
The 9-point scale, with 4 to 5 points treated as the ideal range. If your clinic used a 5-point scale, ask them for the 9-point equivalent before entering it.