The Flatcoated Retriever Society has a screening scheme for patellar luxation, assessments are carried out by Veterinary Surgeon Jane Alexander. The stifle (knee) joints are examined, and any abnormalities noted, a certificate is issued to owners of assessed dogs and this can be made available for prospective puppy purchasers to view. Patellar luxation is a developmental condition, but it is thought that there may be breed related inherited factors that predispose dogs to this condition. The aim of assessment is to give breeders knowledge to enable them to make informed choices in their breeding programmes without narrowing the gene pool, by screening they can be aware of minor faults that might predispose future generations to overt problems.
Patellar screening will be offered at the Society Championship show to be held at the Kennel Club Building, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire CV8 2LZ on June 13th 2026. The testing session will take place between 9am and 1pm.
Members: £15 for first dog, £12 for subsequent dogs in same ownership.
Non-members £25 per dog.
Appointments for this testing session should be made in advance by contacting Liz Branscombe email: lizzie@torinmill.plus.com
NB, there is a minimum number of bookings required to make the session viable, so please do support this health testing initiative.