Kinematic gait analysis of the hind limb after tibial plateau levelling osteotomy and cranial tibial wedge osteotomy in ten dogs

This study identifies and compares the kinematic gait changes occurring in tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) and cranial tibial wedge osteotomy (CTWO) limbs after transection of the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL). Ten, healthy, adult beagle dogs were assigned to TPLO (five dogs) and CTWO (five dogs) groups. Hind limb kinematics were assessed, while dogs were trotted at speeds ranging from 2.0 to 2.3 m/s. The animals were evaluated preoperatively (prior to TPLO and CTWO surgery) and at both 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. Two-dimensional evaluation was synchronized to obtain the three-dimensional coordinates using the APAS motion analysis software. Gait patterns were assessed by measuring stifle, tibiotarsal joint angles and stifle joints angular velocity. Stifle and tibiotarsal joint functions were not affected by TPLO surgery, but stifle and tibiotarsal joint angles were changed, following CTWO surgery, compared with their preoperative values. The angular velocity patterns of CTWO were characterized by increased stifle joint extension velocity from the middle to end swing phase and decrease in the peak velocities (flexion) during swing phase. None of these changes was observed in the stance phase after the CTWO surgery. These kinematic results showed that dogs that underwent a CTWO procedure were more likely to have significantly hyperextended gait patterns of the swing phase postoperatively than the dogs that had a TPLO procedure for repair of a ruptured CrCL.     

Effects of early intensive postoperative physiotherapy on limb function after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy in dogs with deficiency of the cranial cruciate ligament

OBJECTIVE: To determine effects of early intensive postoperative physiotherapy on limb function in dogs after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) for deficiency of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL). ANIMALS: 8 adult dogs with CCL deficiency. PROCEDURE: After TPLO, dogs underwent a physiotherapy program 3 times/wk (physiotherapy group; n = 4) or a walking program (home-exercise group; 4). All dogs were evaluated before surgery, 1 and 10 days after surgery, and 3 and 6 weeks after surgery. Thigh circumference (TC), stifle joint flexion and extension range of motion (ROM), lameness, and weight-bearing scores were recorded. RESULTS: Before surgery, CCL-deficient limbs had significantly reduced TC and reduced flexion and extension ROMs, compared with values for the contralateral control limb. Six weeks after TPLO, the physiotherapy group had significantly larger TC than the home-exercise group, with the difference no longer evident between the affected and nonaffected limbs. Extension and flexion ROMs were significantly greater in the physiotherapy group, compared with values for the home-exercise group, 3 and 6 weeks after surgery. Six weeks after surgery, the difference in flexion and extension ROMs was no longer evident between the affected and nonaffected limbs in the physiotherapy group. Both groups had improvements for lameness and weight-bearing scores over time, but no difference was found between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: After TPLO in CCL-deficient dogs, early physiotherapy intervention should be considered as part of the postoperative management to prevent muscle atrophy, build muscle mass and strength, and increase stifle joint flexion and extension ROMs.     

Effects of postoperative rehabilitation on limb function after cranial cruciate ligament repair in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of early postoperative rehabilitation on limb function in dogs after surgery for ruptured cranial cruciate ligament (RCCL). DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: 51 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURE: Dogs weighing between 20 and 40 kg (44 to 88 lb) that had RCCL and medial meniscal injury were studied. After removal of the RCCL and complete medial meniscectomy, the stifle joint was stabilized by use of a lateral retinacular stabilization technique. Twenty-five dogs were included in a postoperative rehabilitation group, and 26 dogs were included in an exercise-restricted group. Limb function (peak vertical force [PVF] and vertical impulse [VI]) was determined before surgery and 6 months after surgery, using force platform gait analysis. RESULTS: Prior to surgery, mean PVF and VI in affected limbs were similar between groups. Six months after surgery, PVF and VI were significantly increased in dogs of both groups. However, PVF and VI in dogs in the rehabilitation group were significantly greater than those of dogs in the exercise-restricted group. At this time, differences in limb function (as measured by PVF and VI) between the repaired and normal limbs were not evident in dogs in the rehabilitation group. Conversely, limb function in the repaired limb of dogs in the exercise-restricted group was still significantly less than that of the normal limb. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dogs that have surgery for RCCL and a torn medial meniscus benefit from postoperative rehabilitation; rehabilitation should be considered part of the postoperative management of these patients.     

Kinematic analysis of the hind limb during swimming and walking in healthy dogs and dogs with surgically corrected cranial cruciate ligament rupture

OBJECTIVE: To determine hip, stifle, and tarsal joint ranges of motion (ROM) and angular velocities during swimming and walking in healthy dogs and dogs with surgically corrected cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: 13 healthy dogs and 7 dogs with CCL rupture. PROCEDURE: Dogs with CCL rupture were enrolled in a postoperative aquatic rehabilitation program and evaluated 21 to 35 days after surgery. Dogs were filmed while swimming in a pool and while walking at a fast (1.3 m/s) or slow (0.9 m/s) pace on a treadmill. Maximal angles of extension and flexion, ROM, and angular velocities were calculated. RESULTS: In healthy dogs, swimming resulted in a significantly greater ROM in the hip joint than did walking, but in dogs with CCL rupture, ROM of the hip joint did not vary with swimming versus walking. For dogs in both groups, swimming resulted in significantly greater ROM of the stifle and tarsal joints than did walking, primarily because of greater joint flexion. Stifle joint ROM was significantly lower in dogs with CCL rupture than in healthy dogs, regardless of whether dogs were swimming or walking. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that following surgical management of a ruptured CCL in dogs, swimming resulted in greater ROM of the stifle and tarsal joints than did walking. This suggests that if ROM is a factor in the rate or extent of return to function in these dogs, then aquatic rehabilitation would likely result in a better overall outcome than walking alone.     

Canine Total Knee Replacement: Surgical Technique and One-Year Outcome

Objective— To describe a surgical technique for total knee replacement (TKR) in dogs with severe osteoarthritis (OA) and report 1-year outcome.
Study Design— Prospective clinical case study.
Animals— Dogs (n=6) with severe stifle OA.
Methods— Preoperative and postoperative evaluations were compared after 6 dogs had TKR. Data gathered included radiographs, goniometric measures of passive range of motion, ground reaction forces, and girth measurements of the thigh before surgery and at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year.
Results— Stifle extension and excursion angles were significantly improved by 3 months after TKR. Mean peak vertical force and impulse were significantly improved by 6 months.
Conclusions— TKR is a viable treatment option for dogs with severe stifle OA.
Clinical Relevance— With continued refinement of surgical technique, instrumentation, and implants, TKR could become a reliable treatment for dogs with disabling, painful nonseptic stifle OA.     

Results of arthroscopic versus open arthrotomy for surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament deficiency in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate postoperative morbidity in dogs after experimental cranial cruciate ligament transection and immediate stifle stabilization using an arthroscopically assisted or open arthrotomy technique. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental, prospective study. ANIMALS: Thirteen mature, healthy dogs. METHODS: Dogs were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups. Seven underwent open arthrotomy while 6 underwent arthroscopy of 1 stifle joint. Cranial cruciate ligaments were transected and debrided and all stifles were stabilized using 2 lateral extracapsular fabellar-tibial sutures. Minimally invasive suture placement was employed in the arthroscopy group. All animals were evaluated for 9 weeks using kinetic gait assessments, comfortable stifle range of motion measurements, thigh girth measurements, differential cell counts of synovial fluid, and subjective scores of behavior, limb use, and lameness. RESULTS: Significant differences in postoperative morbidity were observed during the 9-week postoperative period. Greater peak vertical force for 8 weeks (P=.015), vertical impulse for 6 weeks (P=.044), comfortable stifle range of motion for 9 weeks (P=.017), comfortable stifle flexion for 4 weeks (P=.005), and operative limb thigh circumference (P=.020) for 9 weeks were observed for the arthroscopy group. A trend towards a lower differential mean synovial polymorphonuclear cell count in the arthroscopy group was seen at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively. No differences in subjective evaluation scores were noted. CONCLUSIONS: In this study population, significant differences were seen between the arthroscopy and arthrotomy groups for peak vertical force, vertical impulse, comfortable stifle range of motion, comfortable stifle flexion, and thigh circumference data. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of this study suggest that short-term postoperative morbidity may be reduced in dogs receiving arthroscopic joint surgery with a limited approach for stifle stabilization as compared with a traditional open arthrotomy technique.     

Proximal tibial intraarticular ostectomy for treatment of canine cranial cruciate ligament injury

OBJECTIVE: To report a technique for surgical alteration of the slope of the tibial plateau by a proximal tibial intraarticular ostectomy (PTIO) after injury to the canine cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) and to determine the outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=52) with CCL injury in 60 stifle joints. METHODS: CCL injury was treated by lateral stifle arthrotomy, removal of CCL remnants, and appropriate meniscal surgery. PTIO was performed to remove a wedge of bone from the proximal aspect of the tibia. The ostectomy site was reduced and stabilized using a bone plate and screws applied to the medial surface of the tibia as well as a craniocaudal positional screw. Dogs were evaluated at 6 weeks, 6, and 12 months by complication assessment, lameness scores, stifle range of motion (ROM), thigh circumference, radiographic assessment, degenerative joint disease (DJD) scores, and surgeon and owner evaluation of function. RESULTS: Lameness scores improved by 6 and 12 months in all but 1 dog. Thigh circumference and DJD were increased at 6 and 12 months. Complications occurred in 20% of dogs with all but 1 occurring perioperatively or within 6 weeks; most common were injury to the long digital extensor tendon (4 dogs) and plate failure (3); 2 other dogs required surgery to treat complications. Most owners (98%) reported that lameness had improved by 12 months; 90% were extremely or very satisfied with the procedure and 90% would have the same procedure performed on another dog. CONCLUSION: PTIO to level the tibial plateau provided a satisfactory clinical outcome in dogs >20 kg with CCL injury and the complication rate was similar to tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO). Stifle osteoarthritis continued to progress radiographically. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: PTIO represents an alternative to TPLO that does not require specialized surgical equipment.     

Pre- and postoperative force plate analysis of dogs with experimentally transected cranial cruciate ligaments treated using tibial plateau leveling osteotomy

Objective— Quantitative and objective assessment of hindlimb kinetics after cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) transection and subsequent stifle stabilization using the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) in normal dogs.
Study Design— In vivo experimental biomechanical evaluation.
Animals— Six healthy adult foxhounds.
Methods— Dogs were screened by orthopedic and radiographic examination before study entry. Force plate analysis of gait was measured before extirpation of the right CrCL and TPLO and again at 8 and 18 weeks after surgery.
Results— There was a significant decrease in peak vertical forces (PVFs) and vertical impulse (VI) of the treated hindlimb at 8 weeks when compared with preoperative and 18-week measurements. When compared with preoperative values, there was no significant difference in 18 week PVF and VI in dogs that had TPLO.
Conclusion— TPLO can restore kinetic measures of limb function at 18-weeks after surgery when compared with preoperative values after experimental transection of the CrCL in dogs.
Clinical Relevance— TPLO induces lameness that returns to near normal at 18 weeks. The severity and duration of lameness was similar to that reported for other experimental models of stifle instability repaired by different techniques.     

Correlative biomechanical and histologic study of the cranial cruciate ligament in dogs

The mechanical properties of the cranial cruciate ligament were determined, using unilateral bone-ligament-bone preparations from 65 dogs of various ages and body sizes. Tensile loading of the cranial cruciate ligament from 1 of each pair of stifle joints demonstrated a decrease in material properties (modulus, maximum stress, strain energy) with aging. The decreases in maximum stress and strain energy with age were significantly less (P less than 0.05 and P less than 0.05, respectively) in the cranial cruciate ligament from dogs weighing less than 15 kg, compared with those weighing 15 kg or more. The cranial cruciate ligament and remaining femorotibial ligaments were collected from the opposite stifle joints and examined microscopically. By 5 years of age, the cranial cruciate ligaments of dogs weighing greater than 15 kg consistently had microscopic evidence of degenerative disease (loss of ligamentocytes, metaplasia of surviving ligamentocytes to chondrocytes, and failure to maintain collagen fibers and primary collagen bundles) which progressed in severity with age. The caudal cruciate ligaments were similarly affected, although the degenerative changes were rarely as severe as in the cranial cruciate ligament. The collateral ligaments underwent minimal degeneration. Sex differences had no bearing on degeneration. The cranial cruciate ligaments in dogs weighing less than 15 kg generally had less severe alterations than those in heavier dogs, and the onset of the degenerative process was delayed by several years. Cranial cruciate ligaments removed from dogs after ligament failure not only had degenerative disease, but also had undergone unsuccessful attempts at repair. In contrast, fibrous repair was rarely present in intact ligaments of asymptomatic dogs with degenerative disease of the cranial cruciate ligament.     

Meniscal Release in Cruciate Ligament Intact Stifles Causes Lameness and Medial Compartment Cartilage Pathology in Dogs 12 Weeks Postoperatively

Objective— To evaluate after 12 weeks the effects of caudal medial meniscal release (MR) in the cranial cruciate ligament-intact canine stifle.
Study Design— Blinded, prospective in vivo study.
Animals— Purpose-bred hound dogs (n=10).
Methods— Either MR (n=5) or a sham (SH) surgery (n=5) was performed via arthroscopy. Orthopedic examination and subjective lameness evaluation were performed in each dog preoperatively and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. Twelve weeks postoperatively, ultrasonographic, radiographic, and arthroscopic examinations were performed on the operated stifles. Gross pathology of the articular cartilage, cruciate ligaments, and menisci was assessed. India ink staining of the femoral and tibial articular surfaces was performed to determine the percent area of articular cartilage damage.
Results— At 8 and 12 weeks after surgery, MR dogs were lamer than SH dogs. At 12 weeks, the degree of radiographic OA was significantly higher in MR stifles than in SH stifles. Gross and sonographic meniscal pathology was more severe in MR stifles compared with SH stifles. MR stifles had significantly more severe articular cartilage pathology compared with SH stifles 12 weeks after surgery; pathology was most severe in the medial compartment.
Conclusions— MR alone is associated with articular cartilage loss, further meniscal pathology, degenerative joint disease, and lameness.
Clinical Relevance— Subsequent osteoarthritis and dysfunction of the stifle joint should be considered when making clinical decisions regarding MR in dogs.     

Radiographic assessment of the progression of osteoarthrosis in the contralateral stifle joint of dogs with a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament

The formation and progression of osteoarthrosis in the unaffected contralateral stifle joints of 14 dogs with a unilateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture were monitored radiographically in terms of a global score and the scores for 10 parameters specific for the stifle joint. The dogs were examined initially and six and 12 months later by three observers, and the variability between the observers' scores was also assessed. The score for osteophytes at the tibial attachment site of the ligament was the most reliable parameter, and that for the increase in femoropatellar joint space was the least reliable. In the contralateral stifle joints there were significant increases after six and 12 months in osteophyte formation caudal to the tibial plateau, and in subchondral sclerosis of the tibial plateau and of the long digital extensor muscle groove. These three parameters progressed more regularly during the disease process than the other parameters. The global osteoarthrosis score of the contralateral stifle joint was an important risk factor for sustaining a rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament in that joint during the next six months.     

The effects of epidural deracoxib on the ground reaction forces in an acute stifle synovitis model

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of epidurally administered deracoxib to mediate the signs of a sodium urate crystal-induced stifle synovitis in dogs, and to compare the efficacy of epidural versus subcutaneously administered deracoxib. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled modified cross-over design. ANIMALS: Random source, adult, mixed breed dogs (n = 24; 14 males, 10 females). METHODS: Sodium urate crystals were used to create a stifle synovitis model to evaluate the efficacy of deracoxib. Dogs were divided into 4 groups: 3 mg/kg epidural deracoxib, 1.5 mg/kg epidural deracoxib, 3 mg/kg subcutaneous deracoxib, and a placebo (vehicle for deracoxib). Force plate and subjective evaluations were made at time 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours post-treatment. Repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni-corrected post hoc comparisons was used to determine significant treatment effects. RESULTS: Peak vertical force (PVF) and vertical impulse (VI) were both significantly higher in deracoxib treated dogs compared with placebo. For 3 mg/kg epidural and subcutaneous deracoxib, PVF and VI were significantly greater than for 1.5 mg/kg epidural deracoxib. Overall pain score for all deracoxib-treated dogs was significantly lower than for placebo dogs. CONCLUSIONS: Epidural administration of deracoxib is effective at providing analgesia in an acute joint pain model; however, it does not appear to be more effective than systemic administration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Injectable deracoxib is effective in providing analgesia in acute inflammatory conditions of synovial joints.     

Use of hinged transarticular external fixation for adjunctive joint stabilization in dogs and cats: 14 cases (1999-2003)

OBJECTIVES: To describe placement of hinged transarticular external fixation (HTEF) frames and evaluate their ability to protect the primary repair of unstable joints while allowing joint mobility in dogs and cats. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 8 cats and 6 dogs. PROCEDURE: HTEF frames were composed of metal or epoxy connecting rods and a hinge. Measurements of range of motion of affected and contralateral joints and radiographs were made after fixator application and removal. RESULTS: 9 animals (4 cats and 5 dogs) had tarsal and 5 (4 cats and 1 dog) had stifle joint injuries. Treatment duration ranged from 45 to 100 days (median, 57 days). Ranges of motion in affected stifle and tarsal joints were 57% and 72% of control while HTEF was in place and 79% and 84% of control after frame removal. Complications were encountered in 3 cats and 2 dogs and included breakage of pins and connecting rods, hinge loosening, and failure at the hinge-epoxy interface. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: HTEF in animals with traumatic joint instability provided adjunctive joint stabilization during healing and protection of the primary repair and maintained joint motion during healing, resulting in early weight bearing of the affected limb.     

Osteophyte formation in the canine stifle joint following treatment for rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament

A clinical and radiological study of osteophyte formation following surgical or conservative treatment for rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (C.C.L.), was carried out in thirty-eight dogs. Osteophyte formation had occurred in all of the affected stifle joints, in the period between treatment and the re-examination, irrespective of the method of treatment. In general, the degree of formation was less than that which had occurred before treatment. In the larger and more obese dogs, osteophyte formation was more extensive. The degree of lameness did not appear to be related to the degree of osteophyte formation radiographically evident at re-examination. No direct correlation could be established between the degree of joint instability, assessed at the re-examination, the degree of osteophyte formation following treatment, or the function of the limb.     

Detection of synovial macrophages in the joint capsule of dogs with naturally occurring rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypotheses that the densities of macrophages in the synovial membranes and capsules of stifle joints in dogs with ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments are greater than those of normal joints and that those densities in affected joints are positively correlated with the chronicity and severity of the disease. ANIMALS: 17 dogs with naturally occurring rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament and 5 healthy control dogs. PROCEDURE: All dogs underwent orthopedic and radiographic evaluations. In affected dogs, duration of clinical signs was used as an indicator of disease chronicity and the severity of osteoarthritis in the stifle joint was determined radiographically. Joint capsule specimens were evaluated histologically; macrophages, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were identified by use of immunocytochemical techniques. RESULTS: Compared with unaffected joints, macrophage density was increased in all affected joints. Duration of disease was significantly associated with radiographic severity of osteoarthritis and synovial macrophage density. Synovial macrophage density was significantly associated with severity of osteoarthritis and with the presence of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-a. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that synovial macrophages may be involved in the development of pathologic changes (including osteophyte formation) in the stifle joints of dogs with osteoarthritis secondary to rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament. Determination of the importance of synovial macrophages in the development of changes in osteoarthritic joints may result in new treatment strategies that involve elimination of the deleterious effects of those cells.     

Extended proximal trochleoplasty for the correction of bidirectional patellar luxation in seven Pomeranian dogs

Seven Pomeranians with bidirectional patellar luxation (BPL) were prospectively studied regarding aetiology and results of a new surgical technique. Radiographic evaluation of the ratio between patellar ligament length and patellar bone length revealed no differences between Pomeranians with bidirectional patellar luxation and healthy stifle joints. Functional rather than anatomic patella alta might be associated with bidirectional patellar luxation in Pomeranians. The surgical outcome of extended proximal trochleoplasty was good‐to‐excellent in 87·5% of the stifles and all dogs achieved functional recovery. There was only minimal radiographic progression of osteophyte formation at 48 weeks after surgery. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report on bidirectional patellar luxation in small breed dogs and its successful surgical treatment.     

Incidence of motion loss of the stifle joint in dogs with naturally occurring cranial cruciate ligament rupture surgically treated with tibial plateau leveling osteotomy: longitudinal clinical study of 412 cases

OBJECTIVE: To report the incidence of loss of stifle extension or flexion and its relationship with clinical lameness after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) for treatment of cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture. STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=280) with CCL rupture (n=412). METHODS: TPLO was performed without meniscal release or arthrotomy. Angles of extension and flexion of the stifle were measured by goniometry to determine range of motion. Based upon motion loss, stifles were divided in 3 groups: no loss of extension or flexion (n=322), <10 degrees loss of extension or flexion (n=78), > or =10 degrees loss of extension or flexion (n=12). RESULTS: Loss of extension or flexion > or =10 degrees was associated with significantly (P=.001) higher clinical lameness scores in comparison with no loss, or loss of extension or flexion <10 degrees. Osteoarthrosis in the cranial femorotibial joint was significantly correlated (P<.005, r(2)=0.55) with loss of extension. Loss of extension > or =10 degrees was less tolerable and less amenable to physical rehabilitation than flexion loss. CONCLUSIONS: Loss of extension or flexion > or =10 degrees was responsible for higher clinical lameness scores. Osteoarthrosis in the cranial femorotibial joint led to extension loss. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Loss of extension or flexion should be assessed in dogs with persistent clinical lameness after TPLO so that early intervention can occur. Our study provides guidelines to define clinically relevant loss of extension or flexion of stifle joint after TPLO.     

The possible role of the tibial plateau angle for the severity of osteoarthritis in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture

The purpose of this study was to determine factors correlated with the severity of radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) scoring in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CrCLR). Three radiographs of stifle joints (craniocaudal, mediolateral, and mediolateral radiograph with 90 degree flexion of the stifle and tarsal joints) were obtained from 36 dogs with CrCLR (Clinical group) and from 22 dogs without stifle joint disease (Control group). Information about these dogs was collected from the owners and from medical records. Radiographic OA scores in each dog in the clinical group were determined from radiographs using a numeric grading system previously reported. The tibial plateau angle (TPA) in each dog in both groups was measured on mediolateral radiographs with 90 degree flexion of the stifle and tarsal joints. The Mann-Whitney's U test was used for comparing variables between the clinical group and the control group, and Spearman's rank correlation test was used for evaluating correlations between radiographic OA scores and variables in the clinical group. No significant differences were detected between the clinical group and the control group for any of the variables. There were two positive correlations; one between the radiographic OA score and TPA (r=0.395, p=0.014); and the other between body weight and OA score (r=0.399, p=0.013) in the clinical group. Our results indicate that body weight and TPA could affect the severity of the radiographic OA score in dogs with CrCLR.     

Comparison of Force Plate Gait Analysis and Owner Assessment of Pain Using the Canine Brief Pain Inventory in Dogs with Osteoarthritis

Background

Lameness assessment using force plate gait analysis (FPGA) and owner assessment of chronic pain using the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) are valid and reliable methods of evaluating canine osteoarthritis. There are no studies comparing these 2 outcome measures.

Objective

Evaluate the relationship between CBPI pain severity (PS) and interference (PI) scores with the vertical forces of FPGA as efficacy measures in canine osteoarthritis.

Animals

Sixty‐eight client‐owned dogs with osteoarthritis (50 hind limb and 18 forelimb).

Methods

Double‐blind, randomized. Owners completed the CBPI, and dogs underwent FPGA on days 0 and 14. Dogs received carprofen or placebo on days 1 through 14. The change in PS and PI scores from day 0 to 14 were compared to the change in peak vertical force (PVF) and vertical impulse (VI).

Results

PS and PI scores significantly decreased in carprofen‐ compared with placebo‐treated dogs (P = .002 and P = .03, respectively). PVF and VI significantly increased in carprofen‐ compared with placebo‐treated dogs (P = .006 and P = .02, respectively). There was no correlation or concordance between the PS or PI score changes and change in PVF or VI.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

In these dogs with hind limb or forelimb osteoarthritis, owner assessment of chronic pain using the CBPI and assessment of lameness using FPGA detected significant improvement in dogs treated with carprofen. The lack of correlation or concordance between the change in owner scores and vertical forces suggests that owners were focused on behaviors other than lameness when making efficacy evaluations in their dogs.     

Comparison of tibial plateau angles in dogs with and without cranial cruciate ligament injuries

OBJECTIVE: To measure and compare tibial plateau angles (TPA) of dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) injuries and dogs without CrCL injuries. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 87 dogs. PROCEDURE: Stifle joints were measured from lateral radiographic views to determine TPA in 3 groups: group-1 dogs had CrCL injuries, group-1a dogs, a subgroup of group 1, had 1 unaffected stifle joint, and group-2 dogs had no CrCL injuries. Age, sex, breed, body weight, limb injured, and TPA were recorded for each dog. RESULTS: 56 stifle joints were measured in group-1 dogs; mean TPA was 23.76 degrees , and mean age and weight were 5.7 years and 37.91 kg (83.4 lb), respectively. Fourteen stifle joints were measured in group-1a dogs; mean TPA was 24.71 degrees , and mean age and weight were 5.6 years and 38.06 kg (83.8 lb), respectively. Sixty stifle joints were measured in group-2 dogs; mean TPA was 18.10 degrees , and mean age and weight of these dogs were 4.83 years and 35.85 kg (79 lb), respectively. The most common breeds included Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Rottweiler. The TPA of dogs in group 1 and group 1a were significantly greater than the TPA of dogs in group 2. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dogs with CrCL injuries have a significantly greater TPA than dogs without CrCL injury. With further investigation, a normal TPA can be determined. In the future, TPA measurements may be used to screen dogs suspected of being susceptible to CrCL injury.