Patellar groove replacement in patellar maltracking with patellofemoral cartilage erosion in bulldogs.

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.