Trochleoplasty and patellectomy for bilateral medially displaced patella in a goat

One and a half year old non-descript female goat was presented to the clinics with a complaint of awkward gait and inability to stand for long time. Physical examination revealed reluctance to walk, bow legged stance, when forced, walking with rear quarter in a crouched position. On palpation medially displaced patella could be located along side femoral condyles on both the hind limbs, suggestive of grade IV luxation. Considering lameness and severe degree of hind limb deformity, it was decided to perform trochleoplasty of the right femoral condyle. Through craniolateral parapatellar incision, wedge recession trochleoplasty was performed but patella could not be forced back in to the normal position. This necessitated the patellectomy, which resulted in full extension of the affected limb. Arthrotomy wound was closed with chromic catgut No. 1 in a simple interrupted pattern followed by fascia lata and subcutaneous tissue. Post-operatively bandaging of the limb and streptopenicillin administration was undertaken for a week's time. Follow up of the case after one month revealed considerable improvement in the gait of the animal. The repeat of operation on the left stifle was suggested, but the owner was not willing for financial reasons and as such there was considerable improvement in the gait and the animal was able to move comfortably on three limbs.