Patellar Luxation in Chinese Crested Dogs
Patellar luxation is a condition in which the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal groove in the femur, either sideways (most commonly medially, toward the inside of the leg) or occasionally laterally. It is one of the most common orthopedic conditions in small and toy breeds, including the Chinese Crested.
What causes it?
Unlike single-gene conditions such as PLL or PRA, patellar luxation is considered a polygenic, developmental condition — it results from a combination of anatomical factors (shallow femoral groove, misaligned quadriceps mechanism, soft tissue laxity) rather than a single identified mutation. Both genetics and individual development play a role, which is why there is no single DNA test for it.
How is it graded?
Veterinarians grade patellar luxation on a scale from 1 to 4:
- Grade 1 — the kneecap can be manually luxated but returns to place on its own.
- Grade 2 — the kneecap luxates occasionally during normal movement.
- Grade 3 — the kneecap is luxated most of the time but can be manually repositioned.
- Grade 4 — the kneecap is permanently luxated and cannot be manually repositioned.
Important health information
A dog that suddenly skips or hops on a hind leg for a few strides before resuming normal gait is showing a classic sign of patellar luxation. Persistent lameness or visible discomfort warrants a veterinary orthopedic exam.
How is it managed?
Grade 1 and mild Grade 2 cases are often managed conservatively with weight control and joint-supportive exercise. Higher grades, or cases causing persistent lameness, typically require surgical correction. Responsible breeders have breeding stock evaluated by a veterinarian and avoid breeding dogs with Grade 3 or 4 luxation.
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See the full health overview for other inherited conditions in the breed.