Clinical results of triple tibial osteotomy treatment in cranial cruciate ligament-deficient dogs

Canine cranial cruciate ligament ruptures have become common with improved nutrition and nonselective breeding strategies. This study assessed 7 dogs of various breeds and ages with the diagnosis of cranial cruciate ligament ruptures. The triple tibial osteotomy (TTO) method was used to treat the rupture. All of the dogs were admitted to the clinic for varying degrees of lameness. Diagnosis was confirmed using both clinical and radiologic examinations. Body weights of the dogs were between 12 and 65 kg. Informed consent was given by the owners prior to surgery. Postoperatively, early evaluations were made using periodic radiographs and clinical examinations, but long-term evaluations were performed by phone interviews due to economic and other limitations by the owners. The TTO operation method was completed successfully in all of the cases and only with Case 5 was a major complication encountered (tibial tuberosity fracture from the distal pivot hole). In 3 cases, the minor complication of wound contamination occurred due to poor wound care by the owners of the dogs. Owners were advised to restrict mobilization for a week following cast removal. Early, mid-, and long-term postoperative results showed functional recovery in all of the cases. All of the dogs returned to their pretrauma lives and those that had chronic symptoms had a significant increase in their mobility when compared to their previous states after cranial cruciate ligament rupture.