Retrospective analysis of complications and outcomes in Boxers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers undergoing cranial cruciate ligament surgery.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether Boxers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers (SBT) have a higher incidence of complications or a worse outcome after cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) surgery compared with control breeds. DESIGN: The design was a retrospective cohort study with data reviewed from medical records and outcome assessed by owner questionnaire. RESULTS: The cohort included 210 canine stifles comprising 33 Boxers, 47 SBTs and 130 controls. For Boxers, the overall complication rate (39.4%), major complication rate (30.3%) and revision surgery rates (18.2%) were significantly higher than those of the control groups (14.6%, 10.8% and 4.6%, respectively). Overall, SBTs were no more likely to suffer complications or repeat surgery than the control group. Considering only lateral fabello-tibial suture (LFS) stabilisation, both Boxers (32.0%) and SBTs (23.3%) had higher complication rates than the control group (6.3%). There were no significant differences in outcome among the Boxer, SBT and control groups; median follow-up time was 2 years (range 0.5-7 years). CONCLUSIONS: The overall complication rate for Boxers undergoing CCL surgery was higher compared with other breeds of dog. When surgical techniques were analysed separately, the LFS was associated with a higher complication rate in Boxers and SBTs. Further investigation into breed-specific surgical techniques is indicated.