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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2016; 29(01): 39-45
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-15-02-0036
Original Research
Schattauer GmbH

Incidence of complications associated with tibial tuberosity advancement in Boxer dogs

Brigite de Lima Dantas
1   Glasgow University Veterinary School, Division of Small Animal Sciences, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
3   Current: Pride Veterinary Centre, Small Animal Surgery Referrals, Derby, UK
,
Rui Sul
1   Glasgow University Veterinary School, Division of Small Animal Sciences, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
2   Current: North Downs Specialist Referrals, The Friesian Buildings 3 & 4, The Brewerstreet Dairy Business Park, Brewer Street, Bletchingley, Surrey, UK
,
Tim Parkin
1   Glasgow University Veterinary School, Division of Small Animal Sciences, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
,
Ignacio Calvo
1   Glasgow University Veterinary School, Division of Small Animal Sciences, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
4   Current: Royal Veterinary College, Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Hatfield, North Mymms, UK
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 19 February 2015

Accepted: 30 July 2015

Publication Date:
19 December 2017 (online)

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Summary

Objective: To retrospectively review and describe the incidence of complications associated with tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) surgical procedures in a group of Boxer dogs (n = 36 stifles) and compare the data with a non-Boxer control population (n = 271 stifles).

Methods: Retrospective analysis of medical records to identify all dogs that underwent TTA surgery due to cranial cruciate ligament disease. These records were categorized into two groups: Boxer dogs and non-Boxer dogs (controls – all other breeds).

Results: Of the 307 stifles included, 69 complications were reported in 58 joints. The complication rate differed significantly for Boxer dogs (16/36 stifles) and non-Boxer dogs (42/271 stifles), corresponding to an odds ratio of 5.8 (confidence interval: 1.96–17.02; p-value <0.001). Boxer dogs were more likely to undergo revision surgery and to develop multiple complications. The incidence of tibial tuberosity fractures requiring surgical repair (2/36 versus 1/271) and incisional infections requiring antibiotic treatment (three in each group) was significantly higher in the Boxer group.

Clinical significance: Boxer dogs had more major and multiple complications after TTA surgery than the control non-Boxer group; these complications included higher rates of revision surgery, tibial tuberosity fractures requiring stabilization, and infection related complications. The pertinence and value of breed-specific recommendations for cranial cruciate ligament disease appears to be a subject worthy of further investigation.

Keywords

Boxer dogs - complications - tibial tuberosity advancement - TTA - cranial cruciate ligament disease
 

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