Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy in small breed dogs with high tibial plateau angles using a 4-hole 1.9/2.5 mm locking T-plate.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To report clinical experiences with tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) to address cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease in small breed dogs with high tibial plateau angles (TPA) using a specific 4-hole locking T-plate. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Small breed dogs (<15&#x2009;kg) with high TPA (>30&#xb0;): n&#x2009;=&#x2009;19 (29 CCL ruptures). METHODS: TPLO was performed by standard technique using a 1.9/2.5&#x2009;mm 4-hole locking T-plate. Preoperative, immediate postoperative, and 6-8 weeks postoperative TPA were measured from radiographs. Lameness was scored subjectively preoperatively and 6-8 weeks postoperatively. Mid to long term follow-up was by client telephone questionnaire (mean, 12.1 months after surgery). RESULTS: Mean&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;SD preoperative TPA was 37.0&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;4.9&#xb0;, immediate postoperative TPA, 6.4&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;2.8&#xb0; and 6-8 weeks postoperative TPA, 8.0&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;4.9&#xb0;. Postoperative complications occurred in 4 dogs (13.8%) all of which had been operated as single-session bilateral procedures. Three stifles had failure of a single screw and postoperative increase in TPA. Periprosthetic infection necessitated plate removal in 1 dog. Lameness scores by veterinary assessment reduced from mean 3.4/5 preoperatively to 0.4/5 at 6-8 weeks postoperatively. Mid to long-term follow-up revealed no lameness by owner assessment. CONCLUSION: A 4-hole 1.9/2.5&#x2009;mm locking T-plate may be used in the stabilization of unilateral TPLO in small breed dogs with high TPA.