Patellar Luxation In Dogs Research Articles

A IMPORTÂNCIA DA FISIOTERAPIA EM LUXAÇÃO DE PATELA EM CÃES

Physical therapy in cases of patellar luxation in dogs is an essential therapeutic approach that aims not only to alleviate pain but also to restore functionality and prevent future complications. Patellar luxation can result in significant discomfort and difficulty in locomotion, affecting the animal's quality of life. The physiotherapeutic intervention is designed to address these issues through a set of techniques that include muscle strengthening exercises, which help stabilize the knee joint, and stretching, which improves flexibility and range of motion. Hydrotherapy, for example, is often used to allow low-impact exercises, reducing stress on the joints while promoting muscle strengthening. Additionally, manual therapy can be applied to relieve muscle tension and improve blood circulation in the affected area. Physical therapy not only accelerates post-surgical recovery when surgery is necessary but can also be an effective alternative for conservative management in less severe cases. By tailoring treatment protocols to the specific needs of each dog, physical therapy significantly contributes to the rehabilitation and overall well-being of the animals, standing out as a fundamental part of the multidisciplinary treatment of patellar luxation.

Clinical Presentation, Surgical Treatment, and Outcome of Traumatic Patellar Luxation in 11 Dogs and 5 Cats: A Single-Centre Retrospective Study between 2011 and 2022.

Patellar luxation (PL) is commonly diagnosed in dogs and cats; however, a traumatic cause is poorly reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to report the clinical presentation, surgical treatment, and outcome in dogs and cats surgically treated for traumatic PL. This is a retrospective study. Medical records of dogs and cats operated for traumatic PL were reviewed. Short- and long-term follow-ups were assessed with medical records and telephone interviews with owners and referring veterinarians. Data on signalment, lameness, PL characteristics, surgery, complications, and outcome were recorded. Eleven dogs and 5 cats were included. Both species had a median lameness grade of 4/5 and a median PL grade of 3/4. PL was medial in most cases (13/16). Joint capsule lesions were identified in 15 cases, 4 cases had trochlear ridge cartilage damage. All cases had a capsular imbrication, 12 cases had a fabello-patellar suture (FPS). Mean long-term follow-up time was 70.8 ± 42.5 months in 9 dogs and 4 cats. Ten cases out of 13 had no lameness at the 2-month follow-up, and 11/13 cases had no long-term lameness. Eleven cases out of 13 had no PL at the 2-month follow-up. No long-term PL was reported by owners. Complications were mild in 5 cases, moderate in 1, severe in 3. Functional outcome was full in 10 cases and acceptable in 3. Soft tissue techniques and FPS were effective in the surgical treatment of traumatic PL in dogs and cats, resulting in acceptable to full long-term function in all cases, with limited severe complications.

Outcome of surgical correction of medial patellar luxation in dogs weighing less than 10 kg.

Varioustrochleoplasty techniques, including trochlear wedge recession (TWR) and trochlear block recession (TBR), are used to treat dogs with medial patellar luxation (MPL). However, the objective outcomes of these surgical proceduresare underreported. Medical records were obtained for dogs weighing less than 10kg that underwent either TWR or TBR and tibial tuberosity transposition to address grade I-III MPL. Long-term (at least 1 year after the last procedure) follow-up included orthopaedic and radiographic examinations, such as osteoarthritis score (OAS), ground reaction force (GRF) analysis and canine brief pain inventory (CBPI). Overall, 20 dogs (26 stifles) were followed up in the long term. Minor postoperative complications, medial patellar reluxation (MPR) and intermittent lameness occurred in 46.15%, 19.23% and 15% of the dogs, respectively. MPR occurred only in TWR-treated stifles, while mean OAS increased in all groups. Using the CBPI, the owners perceived an excellent or very good outcomein 95% of dogs. The limitations of the study include its retrospective observational nature, a lack of randomisation and a small sample size. Surgical treatment resulted in a favourable outcome. GRF analysis could detect subtle differences in weight bearing in dogs treated for MPL, which might not be apparent clinically. There might be a higher risk for reluxation for TWR. However, a larger-scale prospective study would be required to find which treatment is superior.

Risk Factors for Patellar Luxation in Dogs in the Philippines

A retrospective case-control study was conducted on dogs with patellar luxation who presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital Diliman Station-Companion Animal Clinic between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2019. There was a total of 73 dogs were diagnosed with patellar luxation. The majority of the dogs presented with limping, and the causes were mostly unknown. Unilateral medial patellar luxation was the most common type (21.92%). The average age of patients with patellar luxation was 3.24 years old. Puppies are 0.03 less likely to be diagnosed with patellar luxation, while juveniles are 3.74 times more likely, and mature adults are 2.19 times more likely to be diagnosed. The affected dogs included intact males (47.95%), neutered males (4.11%), and intact females (47.95%). The average weight of the affected dogs was 8.39 kg and the majority (35.62%) had a body condition score of 5/9. The Pomeranian was the most common breed for patellar luxation, followed by the mixed breed Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Chihuahua. Mixed breeds are 0.39 times less likely, and dogs fed with dry dog food are 0.51 times less likely to develop the condition. Age and breed were also significantly associated with patellar luxation.

Outcomes and complications of a modified tibial tuberosity transposition technique in the treatment of medial patellar luxation in dogs.

To report a modification of the tibial tuberosity transposition (m-TTT) technique used to treat medial patellar luxation (MPL) in dogs, and report its complications. Retrospective case series. Dogs (n = 235) undergoing MPL correction, using m-TTT (n = 300 stifles). Medical records and client surveys were reviewed to determine complications associated with this technique and they were compared with previously reported complications using similar techniques. Short-term minor complications included low-grade reluxation (11 stifles, 3.6%), incisional seroma (nine stifles, 3%), pin-associated swelling (seven stifles, 2.3%), patellar desmitis (six stifles, 2%), superficial incisional infection (four stifles, 1.3%), pin migration (three stifles, 1%), tibial tuberosity (TT) fracture (two stifles, 0.6%), tibial tuberosity displacement and patella alta (one stifle, 0.3%), pin-associated discomfort (one stifle, 0.3%), trochlear block fracture (one stifle, 0.3%). Short-term major complications included pin migration (three stifles, 1%), incisional infection (two stifles, 0.6%), tibial tuberosity fracture (two stifles, 0.6%), and high grade reluxation (two stifles, 0.6%). Long-term follow-up examination data were available for 109/300 (36.3%) stifles. One minor complication and four major complications were documented. All long-term complications were due to pin migration. The overall major complication rate was 4.3% (13/300 stifles), with a minor complication rate of 15% (46/300 stifles). The owner survey indicated a 100% satisfaction rate. The m-TTT technique yielded acceptable complication rates, with high owner satisfaction. The m-TTT should be considered as an alternative technique for treating dogs with MPL requiring a tibial tuberosity transposition.

Evaluation of proximodistal patellar alignment in small breed dogs with or without patellar luxation using the Insall-Salvati, Caton-Deschamps, and Blackburne-Peel indices.

Patellar luxation in dogs is thought to be related to proximally (patella alta) or distally (patella baja) positioned patella in the femoral trochlea. The aim of the present study was to calculate and compare the values of Insall-Salvati (ISI), Caton-Deschamps (CDI), and Blackburne-Peel indices (BPI) in orthopedically healthy dogs and dogs with various grades of medial patellar luxation (MPL) from small breeds on mediolateral radiographs. The study included 87 dogs (138 stifles) from four breeds (Mini-Pinschers, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and Yorkshire terriers). Seventy joints (53 dogs) were diagnosed with various grades of MPL and another 68 joints from 34 dogs, free of orthopedic or neurological disorders, were used as controls. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of the three indices. The CDI and BPI showed no significant difference between healthy and MPL joints. The ROC analysis showed that all three studied indices of proximodistal patellar position had poor diagnostic values with low sensitivity and specificity of respective cutoff values. In dogs from the studied four small breeds, the proximodistal ISI, CDI, and BPI patellar indices could not discriminate reliably between healthy stifle joints and joints with MPL.

Ideal Anchor Points for Patellar Anti-rotational Sutures for Management of Medial Patellar Luxation in Dogs: A Radiographic Survey.

The aim of this study was to identify the ideal anchor point for patellar anti-rotational sutures for adjunctive stabilization of medial patellar luxation in both small and large breed dogs. Retrospective radiographic survey was performed on 110 stifles from 101 dogs. Radiographs were grouped based on patient weight (≤15 kg; >15 kg) and diagnosis (medial patellar luxation, cranial cruciate ligament rupture, and normal joints). Radiographic measurements included: the proximal, middle, and distal points of the trochlear ridge, the caudal aspect of Blumensaat's line (roof of the intercondylar notch), the centre of the lateral fabella, as well as the "best-fit" centre of a circle overlying the trochlea. These landmark coordinates were used to calculate radii for comparison, and for scaling between joints. Use of the fabellar centre resulted in larger radii (corrected p <0.001) than those from the best-fit circle centre for all but one combination of patient group and trochlear end point locations. Using the best-fit circle centre, radius variation was less marked than with the fabellar centre. Significant differences in location for centres of the best-fit circle and fabella were seen across all patient categories (Pillai's trace p <0.001). The fabella is unlikely to be the best choice for anchoring a patellar anti-rotational suture. Use of the best-fit circle centre to place a suture anchor should be preferred to maximise suture isometry during joint flexion and extension in large and small breed dogs.

When treating medial patellar luxation in dogs is a block trochleoplasty superior over a wedge trochleoplasty?

PICO question&#x0D; As part of the surgical correction for medial patellar luxation in dogs, which procedure results in a better outcome for the patient: block or wedge recession trochleoplasty?&#x0D; &#x0D; Clinical bottom line&#x0D; Category of research question&#x0D; Treatment&#x0D; The number and type of study designs reviewed&#x0D; Three studies satisfied the inclusion criteria for answering the PICO; one cadaver study, one retrospective observational study and one clinical case series&#x0D; Strength of evidence&#x0D; Weak&#x0D; Outcomes reported&#x0D; Postoperative complications including reluxation rates.&#x0D; Ex vivo: Trochlear groove depth, patella articular contact, percentage of recessed trochlear surface area, resistance to medial patella luxation&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; There is only weak evidence to support block recession trochleoplasty over wedge recession trochleoplasty as part of the surgical correction for medial patella luxation in dogs. Both procedures are associated with a good clinical outcome. There are some proposed benefits to trochlear block recession made from an ex vivo study comparing the two procedures. These include an increased patellar volume under the trochlear ridges when the stifle is extended. The articular contact and recessed trochlear surface area were also increased in the trochlear block recession group when compared to trochlear wedge recession. However, the clinical relevance of these perceived benefits remains unproven. In practice, and until prospective randomised controlled trials are carried out, veterinary surgeon preference and previous experience remain relevant factors in choosing which procedure to perform&#x0D; &#x0D; How to apply this evidence in practice&#x0D; The application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient’s circumstances and owners’ values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources.&#x0D; Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Three-dimensional printing educational anatomical model of the patellar luxation in dogs.

BackgroundFew studies are available for assessing the current situation of 3D printing in veterinary medicine, due to the recent popularization of this technology. This study aimed to simulate a 3D model of the femorotibiopatellar joint of dogs based on the medial patellar luxation. The scanning, editing and printing of the femur, tibia, fibula and patella of a dog from the Laboratory of Anatomy of FMVZ USP were performed.ResultsThree femorotibiopatellar joint models were printed: one representing a healthy join without alterations; the second one with the medially deviated tibial tuberosity; and a last one representing the shifted tibial tuberosity and the trochlear sulcus flattened as consequence. The 3D edition consisted of medial rotation of the tibia and tibial tuberosity (22° against the healthy tibia), and the flatten of the medial femoral condyle (0.2 cm) and femoral trochlear groove. After printing, the corresponding measurements were taken with the alterations and the bone models were made with elastics to represent the anatomical components of the dog joint. Finally, the measurements corresponding to the distance from the patellar ligament to the lateral femoral condyle were taken in each specimen, in order to observe the change in position of the ligament according to the occurrence of the bone alterations.ConclusionWe printed 3D articular anatomical components of the femurotibiopatellar joint that could be valuable educational tools for the study of medial patellar luxation in dogs.

Comparison of Semi-Cylindrical Recession Trochleoplasty and Trochlear Block Recession for the Treatment of Canine Medial Patellar Luxation: A Pilot Study.

The aim of this study was to describe an alternative method for trochleoplasty, semi-cylindrical recession trochleoplasty (SCRT), and compare it to trochlear block recession (TBR) in regard to recessed trochlear depth, patellar depth, patellar articular contact with the trochlea, recessed trochlear surface area, procedure time, complications and functional outcome. Ten dogs with bilateral grade II-III medial patellar luxations underwent bilateral simultaneous correction surgery including tibial tuberosity transposition, lateral imbrication and trochleoplasty with one stifle each undergoing TBR and SCRT. Patients received pre-and postoperative stifle computed tomography scans and pre- and 8-week postoperative pressure platform analysis and physical examinations. Recessed trochlear depth, patellar depth, trochlear surface area, patellar articular contact, procedure time, complications and functional outcomes as measured by gait analysis were compared between the two techniques. There was no significant difference in measured outcome variables between techniques at any time point. At the time of the 8-week reassessment, no patella had reluxated. Short-term follow-up shows similar functional outcomes between both techniques regarding rate of reluxation and limb function. The SCRT was subjectively easier to perform than TBR, particularly in small patients. The SCRT is an acceptable method of trochleoplasty for the treatment of medial patellar luxation in dogs and further studies evaluating long-term outcomes are justified.

Epidemiology of Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture and Patellar Luxation in Dogs from the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of cranial cruciate ligament rupture and patellar luxation and the associated risk factors in dogs. A total of 13,072 clinical records of dogs were reviewed from School Hospital (Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata). Data of age, breed, sex, body weight, patellar luxation and cranial cruciate ligament rupture condition were registered. Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare the prevalence of cranial cruciate ligament rupture and patellar luxation with the variables and then univariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the risk of having cranial cruciate ligament rupture and patellar luxation. Multivariable logistic regression was used including all variables to assess the odds of having patellar luxation and cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Of 13,072 patients treated, 72 and 51 had cranial cruciate ligament rupture and patellar luxation respectively. Sex was not a major risk factor for either condition. Adult (odds ratio [OR] = 8.2) and senior (OR = 4.3) patients had increased risk of having cranial cruciate ligament rupture, while for patellar luxation age was not a risk factor. Groups 2, 3 and 8 were more likely to have cranial cruciate ligament rupture (OR = 5.5, OR = 9.1 and OR = 2.6), and group 11 had lower risk of having patellar luxation (OR = 0.08). Maxi (OR = 2.4) and giant (OR = 6.0) breeds had higher risk of having cranial cruciate ligament rupture, and medium and maxi breeds had higher risk of patellar luxation (OR = 0.05 and OR = 0.3). Multivariate OR test confirmed that age (adult), body size (giant and maxi) and breed group (Group 3) were significantly associated with having cranial cruciate ligament rupture, and age was associated with having patellar luxation. This is the first epidemiological study of cranial cruciate ligament rupture and patellar luxation in dogs from School Hospital (Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata). Giant and large adult dogs from the Molossoid and Terrier breeds were more likely to have cranial cruciate ligament rupture, while mixed and large dog breeds showed the lowest risk of having patellar luxation.

Radiographic evaluation of patellar tendon length following corrective surgical procedures for medial patellar luxation in dogs.

To quantify changes in the patellar tendon length following surgical correction of medial patellar luxation in dogs and evaluate potential risk factors associated with patellar tendon elongation. Retrospective case series (n = 50). Dogs that underwent surgery for medial patellar luxation correction and had 2-3 months follow up were included. Digital radiographs were utilized to quantify the patellar tendon length to patellar length ratio at various follow-up points. Odds ratio comparisons between potential risk factors associated with changes in patellar tendon length were performed. Post-operative patellar tendon lengthening of ≥ 5% was observed in 20% of stifles and post-operative patellar tendon shortening of ≥ 5% was observed in 22% of stifles at the 2-3 month follow up period. The risk factors including age, body weight, trochleoplasty and grade of medial patellar luxation were not significantly associated with risk of patellar tendon elongation. Patellar tendon lengthening was not associated with recurrence of luxation. Patellar tendon lengthening and shortening can be observed in dogs following common medial patellar luxation corrective procedures in the short term follow up period. Patellar tendon lengthening does not appear to be associated with age, weight, trochleoplasty, grade of luxation, or risk of luxation recurrence.

Occurrence of canine hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament rupture and patellar luxation in dogs in a retrospective study of 100 orthopedic cases

Canine hip dysplasia (CHD), cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CrCLR) and patellar luxation (PL) are the main causes of lameness in orthopedics of dogs. The present study evaluated dogs with these conditions attended at the Veterinary Unit of the Pontifical Catholic University of Parana (PUCPR), between the years 2014 and 2018. A 100 charts were analyzed, the animals were divided by weight [w1 (0 - 20 kg), w2 (20.1 - 40 kg), w3 (40.1 - 60 kg), w4 (60.1 - 80 kg)], age [puppy (0-1year), adult (1.1-7 years), aged (> 7 years)], gender, reproductive status (neutered and non-neutered), PL degrees (I to IV), and affected limb. The correlation of the degree of PL with gender was analyzed by Mann Whitney. The degree of PL with weight and age by Kruskal-Wallis. Other data were correlated with the diseases by the Chi-Square Test. In the w1 category, the prevalence of CrCLR and LP was 73.7% and 87%, respectively, while the majority of CHD (65.3%) was found in the w2 category. Most dogs with CHD were male (54.9%), for PL most were female (89%), whereas in CrCLR there was no gender predisposition, as there was no predisposition regarding age and reproductive status for any of the conditions. The highest prevalence of affections was CHD (44%), followed by PL (16%) and CrCLR (8%). Concerning comorbidities, 3% of the cases had CHD, PL and CrCLR, another 3% had CHD and CrCLR, 2% CHD and PL, 24% CrCLR and PL, totalizing 51% of animals with CHD, 38% with CrCLR and 45% with PL. These findings elucidates that CHD, CrCLR and PL can be considered concomitantly in unresolved cases of lameness in pelvic limbs of dogs, therefore tests should be performed to rule out such conditions. The data obtained are similar to the literature consulted, however, prevalence and correlations remain not well understood

Patellar luxation in dogs

Patellar luxation is one of the most common orthopaedic diseases in dogs. Medial luxation occurs more frequently than lateral, and females and small-breed dogs are overrepresented. Diagnosis can be achieved with a simple orthopaedic examination, but the use of imaging is essential to determine what deformities have caused the patellar luxation and therefore aid planning surgical intervention. Surgery is recommended in patients that are clinically affected and is normally a combination of trochleoplasty, tibial tuberosity transposition and imbrication techniques. The prognosis is generally favourable following surgery, although surgery does not prevent the progression of osteoarthritis.

Patellar luxation in dogs.

Patellar luxation is a common orthopedic problem in dogs. Medial luxation is more common than lateral luxation and is usually diagnosed in dogs of small breed. Diagnosis is based on clinical evidence of patellar instability; however, diagnostic imaging is required to assess the amount of skeletal deformity and then the most appropriate method of treatment. Surgical options include both soft tissue and osseous techniques, however, in most of the cases, a combination of more procedures is used to achieve the correction of the luxation. Complication rate is generally low and the most common complications include reluxation and implant-associated complications. Prognosis is generally favorable, with most of the dogs returning to normal limb function. This article describes patellar luxation features in dogs, including clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment options available.

Biomechanical Comparison of Soft Tissue Reconstructions in the Treatment of Medial Patellar Luxation in Dogs

Biomechanical Comparison of Soft Tissue Reconstructions in the Treatment of Medial Patellar Luxation in Dogs

Prevalence, treatment and outcome of patellar luxation in dogs in Italy. A retrospective multicentric study (2009-2014).

To determine the prevalence of patellar luxation in dogs in Italy and its relation to signalment, the frequency and the type of postoperative complications and the outcome of treatment, and to compare the findings with those of other studies. The medical records from four referral clinics were searched for dogs with orthopaedic disorders referred from 2009 to 2014. From these data, the records of dogs with patellar luxation were identified, and the signalment, age and body weight, grade, side and direction of patellar luxation, treatment, postoperative complications, and outcome were retrieved. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were used to evaluate the data. Of 8,694 canine orthopaedic cases, fractures not included, patellar luxation was diagnosed in 559 dogs (801 stifles). Mixed breed dogs were most commonly affected (18%), 85% of the luxations were medial, and 52% of the dogs were female. Of the 559 dogs examined, 400 (574 stifles) met the inclusion criteria for treatment evaluation. Minor complications occurred in five percent of the dogs, and major complications in 16%, including recurrence of patellar luxation in seven percent of the dogs. The outcome was good in 88% of stifles, fair in two percent, and poor in 10%. Although patellar luxation was more common in small breed dogs, it also was diagnosed in a significant number of large breed dogs, which included medial patellar luxation in 73% and lateral patellar luxation in 27% of stifles. Body weight and grade of luxation were the only variables statistically correlated with surgical complications.

Postoperative Complications and Short-Term Outcome Following Single-Session Bilateral Corrective Surgery for Medial Patellar Luxation in Dogs Weighing

To assess complication rates and short-term outcome in small dogs with bilateral medial patellar luxation (MPL) undergoing single-session bilateral corrective surgery. Retrospective case series. Dogs weighing <15 kg with congenital bilateral MPL that underwent single-session bilateral corrective surgery (n = 50). Surgical procedures for MPL correction included trochlear wedge recession (TWR), crest transposition, lateral imbrication, and medial fascial release. Complication rates were correlated with number of surgical procedures, weight, whether or not a bandage was applied postoperatively, and surgeon experience (ACVS Diplomate vs resident). Results were compared with the most recent study evaluating single-session bilateral corrective surgery for MPL. Overall complication rate was 22% (11 of 50 dogs). Implant failure occurred in 2 dogs (3 stifles) requiring revision. Grade 1 patella reluxation was the most common minor complication at 10% (5/50). Overall complication and reluxation rates were similar to previous studies. There were no intraoperative complications after performing TWR in small dogs. Single-session bilateral corrective surgery for MPL is well tolerated in small dogs with complication rates historically similar to dogs undergoing unilateral or staged bilateral surgery. With individual case assessment, single-session surgery could be offered to owners, allowing one anesthetic episode and potentially lowering the chance for morbidity. Further studies, ideally prospective studies, are needed toassess long-term outcome following single-session bilateral corrective surgery forMPL.

Outcomes and complications following surgical correction of grade IV medial patellar luxation in dogs: 24 cases (2008-2014).

OBJECTIVE To determine short- and long-term outcomes and complications of dogs undergoing surgical correction of grade IV medial patellar luxation (MPL). DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 24 dogs (29 stifle joints) that underwent surgical correction of grade IV MPL between March 2008 and April 2014. PROCEDURES Medical records of all dogs were reviewed. When available, long-term follow-up information was obtained for each dog via the orthopedic surgeon (results of orthopedic examination and radiographic interpretation) and the dog's owner (responses to a questionnaire regarding postsurgical outcomes). Types of postsurgical complications and intervals to follow-up data collection were recorded. Recurrence of MPL was recorded separately. Successful outcome was defined as one without catastrophic complication, with owner-reported full or acceptable return to function and a surgeon- and owner-assigned pain or lameness score < 3. RESULTS 24% (7/29) of stifle joints had major complications, and 21% (6) of joints required surgical revision. Grade II to IV recurrence of MPL was identified in 21% (6) of stifle joints. One dog had a catastrophic complication requiring limb amputation. For all other dogs, owner-reported return to function was full or acceptable. Surgeon-assigned pain and lameness scores for all dogs at the final follow-up evaluation were < 2/5 (0 = pain or lameness free). Surgical correction of grade IV MPL had an overall success rate of 93% (27/29). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Surgical correction of grade IV MPL in dogs had a favorable overall success rate; however, owners should be counseled regarding the high rate of complications associated with surgery.

The epidemiology of patellar luxation in dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in England.

BackgroundCanine patellar luxation is one of the most common orthopaedic disorders of dogs and is a potential welfare concern because it can lead to lameness, osteoarthritis and pain. However, there are limited epidemiological data on the disorder relating to the general population of dogs in England. This study aimed to investigate the VetCompass Programme database of dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in England to report on the prevalence, risk factors and clinical management of diagnosed patellar luxation cases.ResultsThe study included all dogs with at least one electronic patient record in the VetCompass database from September 1st, 2009 to August 31st, 2014. Candidate patellar luxation cases were identified using free-text word searching of the clinical notes and VeNom diagnosis term fields. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression modelling was used for risk factor analysis.The overall dataset comprised 210,824 dogs attending 119 clinics in England. The prevalence of patellar luxation diagnosis in dogs was 1.30 % (95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.21–1.39). Of the 751 incident cases, 293 (39.0 %) received medical management, 99 (13.2 %) received surgical intervention and 28 (3.7 %) were referred for further management.Multivariable modelling documented 11 breeds with increased odds of patellar luxation compared with crossbred dogs, including the Pomeranian (odds ratio [OR]: 6.5, 95 % CI 4.0–10.7, P < 0.001), Chihuahua (OR: 5.9, 95 % CI 4.4–7.9, P < 0.001), Yorkshire Terrier (OR: 5.5, 95 % CI 4.3–7.1, P < 0.001) and French Bulldog (OR: 5.4, 95 % CI 3.1–9.3, P < 0.001). Dogs with bodyweight below their mean for breed and sex had a 1.4 times odds of diagnosis (95 % CI 1.2–1.6, P < 0.001). Dogs aged ≥ 12.0 years showed 0.4 times the odds (95 % CI 0.3–0.5, P < 0.001) compared with dogs aged < 3.0 years. Females had 1.3 times the odds (95 % CI 1.1–1.5, P < 0.001), neutered dogs had 2.4 times the odds (95 % CI 1.8–3.2, P < 0.001) and insured dogs had 1.9 times the odds (95 % CI 1.6–2.3, P < 0.001).ConclusionsPatellar luxation warrants inclusion as a welfare priority in dogs and control strategies that include this disorder should be considered as worthwhile breeding goals, especially in predisposed breeds.