Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
French bulldogs with kneecap tracking issues treated by groove
By Vedrine, Bertrand & Fernandes, David·Published in The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne·2024·Clinique vé, France·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Patellar groove replacement in patellar maltracking with patellofemoral cartilage erosion in bulldogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Three French bulldogs were brought in for skipping lameness in one back leg, but they did not have patellar luxation (a dislocated kneecap). After examining their joints, the vet found that the patella was not tracking properly and there was significant damage to the cartilage in the knee. The dogs underwent a surgery called patellar groove replacement to fix the tracking issue. Fortunately, there were no complications during or after the surgery, and all three dogs showed excellent improvement and owner satisfaction afterward.
People also search for: French bulldog skipping leg · patellar maltracking treatment · knee surgery for dogs · bulldog lameness causes
Abstract
This retrospective case series reports on French bulldogs diagnosed with patellar maltracking without patellar luxation. We describe clinical presentation, joint exploration, and surgical treatment with patellar groove replacement to alleviate maltracking in the first attempt. Three French bulldogs were included. Clinical presentation was similar in all cases, with intermittent skipping lameness of 1 hind limb, absence of patellar luxation, and patellar maltracking. Joint exploration revealed abnormal conflict between the patella and medial ridge of the trochlea, with secondary severe erosion of articular cartilages of both patella and medial ridge of the trochlea. Patellar groove replacement was completed without perioperative or postoperative complications. Follow-up results and owner satisfaction were excellent in all cases. Patellar maltracking should be included as a differential diagnosis for stifle lameness in French bulldogs. Patellar groove replacement should be considered to alleviate maltracking associated with secondary severe patellofemoral erosion. Key clinical message: Patellar maltracking seems to be a misdiagnosed component of patellar luxation in the dog, particularly in the French bulldog. Patellar groove replacement may be a first-attempt surgical treatment to alleviate the maltracking.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39494187/