NOSOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF DOGS SUBMITTED TO TPLO BY AN ORTHOPEDIC SERVICE IN THE STATE OF RJ, BRAZIL

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs causes knee instability. It is one of the main causes of pelvic limb lameness in this species. There are several techniques for surgical treatment, and TPLO – tibial plateau leveling osteotomy aims to change the biomechanics of the knees in an attempt to better distribute the forces and generate dynamic stability in the joint. Still, little epidemiological data about dogs submitted to TPLO has been published. This retrospective study investigated nosological and epidemiological characteristics of 76 dogs submitted to this technique performed by a private orthopedic service in two cities in the state of Rio de Janeiro over fourteen months. The mean time between diagnosis and surgery was 23 days (median nine days). The mean age of the dogs was 73±43 months, and there were no differences between males and females. Approximately 10,5% of dogs had contralateral ligament rupture. Most animals were spayed or neutered (66,66% vs. 33,33%, p=0,02). There were no transpiratory complications in 89,6% of patients, and 79,2% had no postoperative complications. Exploratory arthrotomy was the most performed associated surgery technique (61% of patients). It is believed that studies like this allow a better understanding of this rupture and its treatment options, providing a better quality of life for affected dogs.