Objective: To describe the outcome of cranial closing wedge osteotomy (CWO) of the tibia for treatment of cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL)-deficient stifles in dogs with a body weight of <15 kg.
Study design: Retrospective case series.
Animals: Forty-five client-owned dogs (n=55 stifles).
Methods: Medical records (2005-2014), radiographs, and owner questionnaire were used to identify the surgical procedure performed, associated complications and outcome in 45 dogs undergoing CWO in 55 stifles.
Results: Data for 55 stifles from 45 dogs were included. Bichon Frise was the most frequent dog breed (n=11). Mean pre- and postoperative tibial plateau angle (TPA) were 36.3° (95% CI 35.1-37.5) and 7.5° (95% CI 6.7-8.2), respectively. Pin and tension bands were placed in 38/55 stifles (69%). The most frequent complication at short-term follow-up (2 weeks) was incisional complications in 8 stifles; all resolved with systemic antibiotic administration alone. Data were available for all stifles at 8 week follow-up with an overall complication occurrence in 16/55 stifles (28%); 1 dog required revision surgery. Tibial osteotomy healing was evident on radiographs at 8 weeks postoperative in 53 stifles (96%), considered complete in 27 stifles, and good in 26 stifles. Follow-up owner questionnaire was available for 36 dogs at a mean of 24 months and 34/36 owners (94%) were satisfied with the procedure and considered their dog had a good quality of life with minimal long-term complications.
Conclusion: Dogs with a body weight <15 kg undergoing CWO for treatment of a CrCL-deficient stifle had a good outcome based on clinical status, radiographic evaluation, and owner questionnaire.
© Copyright 2016 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.