Complications after knee surgery in very large dogs over 50 kg

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To analyse and compare major complications in dogs ≥50 kg undergoing tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) or tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) for treatment of cranial cruciate ligament disease. METHODS: Medical records and radiographs of client-owned dogs (≥50 kg) treated for cranial cruciate ligament disease with either TTA or TPLO between January 2011 and November 2015 were reviewed. Ninety-one TTA cases and 54 TPLO cases met the study inclusion criteria. All complications within one year of surgery were recorded. Major complications were those requiring surgical revision or intervening medical therapy to resolve. Logistic regression analysis evaluated for associations with major complication occurrence. Major complications were statistically compared between TTA and TPLO treatment groups. RESULTS: Incidence of major complications following TTA and TPLO surgery were 19.8% and 27.8%, respectively. Surgical site infection (SSI) was the single most common major complication following both TTA (15.4%) and TPLO (25.9%) surgery. There were no significant differences between TTA and TPLO treatment regarding the rate of SSI, surgical revision, or overall occurrence of major complications. Postoperative antibiotic therapy significantly reduced the risk of a major complication in all dogs ≥50 kg (p = 0.015; OR: 0.201: 95%CI: 0.055-0.737). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Major complications occurred frequently following TTA and TPLO treatment of cranial cruciate ligament disease in dogs ≥50 kg. The increased chance for SSI should be considered and postoperative antibiotic therapy is recommended.