Radiographs Of Dogs Research Articles

Prevalence of an empty colon in patients with acute and chronic small intestinal mechanical obstruction: A retrospective radiographic study in 100 dogs and cats

Small intestinal mechanical obstruction (SIMO) is a common clinical condition, with radiographic studies typically focusing on the small intestine. However, the colon's appearance in SIMO has not been extensively studied. This retrospective study aimed to determine the prevalence of an empty colon on radiographs of dogs and cats with confirmed SIMO. Pre-surgical abdominal radiographs of 100 patients (68 dogs and 32 cats) with surgically confirmed mechanical ileus and a control group of 30 dogs and 20 cats with non-obstructive gastrointestinal (GI) disease and one without GI disease, respectively, were evaluated. The colon was assessed for content (none/collapsed, gas, faeces) and segmental distribution (ascending, transverse, descending colon) and correlated to the duration of clinical signs (acute, chronic). A colon was classified as empty when ≥2/3 was collapsed and/or gas-filled. The overall prevalence of an empty colon in cases of mechanical ileus was 61% (p=0.028), with 49/68 in dogs (72.1%) and 12/32 in cats (37.5%), p=0.001 between dogs and cats. Clinical signs duration did not influence the prevalence 28/61 (45.9%) acute, 33/61 (54.1%) chronic, p=0.522. However, acute cases had more empty colon segments (2/3 segments: 6/28, 21.4%; 3/3 segments: 22/28, 78.6%) than chronic cases (2/3 segments: 23/33, 69.7%; 3/3 segments: 10/33, 30.3%; p≤0.001). In the control groups, the prevalence of an empty colon was 64% (p=0.048) with and 38%, p=0.048) without GI disease, with no statistical difference between dogs and cats. An empty colon can be a supporting radiographic finding in diagnosing patients with GI disease, including SIMO, in addition to other established characteristic features. Dogs are more likely to have an empty colon in the presence of mechanical ileus.

Evaluation of Cardiologic Alterations in Radiographs of Dogs with Pneumonia Before and After Treatment

Pneumonia, a common respiratory disease in small animals, causes significant hypoxemia in dogs due to reduced lung capacity and cardiac output. In addition, pneumonia may lead to cardiac complications. With this approach, the evaluation of the alterations in cardiac silhouette and main vessel views in dogs underwent treatment for pneumonia aimed in this study. For this purpose, radiographic data from 28 dogs with pneumonia diagnosed and treated were analyzed. The study evaluated the cardiological views in radiographs of dogs with pneumonia before and after treatment. The measurements included left atrial size, long axis, short axis, 4th thoracic vertebra, aorta width, caudal vein cava width, and thoracic width. Pre-treatment and post-treatment radiographs showed no alteration in the long and short axes of VHS, 4th Thoracic Vertebra, aorta and caudal vena cava width, and thoracic width. But the left atrial size was observed to be larger in pre-treatment radiographs than in post-treatment ones. Moreover, a strong positive correlation was detected between LA and LA/TV4 in pre- and post-treatment measurements, as well as for measurement differences between pre- and post-treatment radiographs. As a consequence, the radiographs used to monitor the treatment process of pneumonia may give an alert for cardiac complications in dogs with pneumonia as a first line.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of two neural networks (Resnet50v2 and Inception V3) in identifying left atrial enlargement in adult dogs.

Mitral valve endocardiosis is a heart disease that is present in approximately 75% of cases of canine heart disease. Currently, the gold standard for diagnosis is echocardiography, but radiography provides us with valuable information for clinical staging of the disease, such as detecting left atrial enlargement, the presence or absence of pulmonary congestion and cardiogenic pulmonary edema more quickly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of two neural networks, Resnet50v2 and Inception V3, in detecting left atrial enlargement. A database was built with 1052 lateral images. The images were then separated into three distinct groups: 198 images with left atrial enlargement (LAA), 124 images with left atrial enlargement simultaneously with pulmonary edema (LAA_EP), totaling 322 images with left atrial enlargement and 580 images considered normal (N). As a result, all the models were > 90% accurate; Resnet50V2: 94.77%; Inception V3: 92.84%. In conclusion, the use of artificial neural networks to classify left atrial enlargement in radiographs of dogs is a viable approach that can help veterinary radiologists screen patients for left atrial enlargement.

Effect of Plate Inclination and Osteotomy Positioning on Rock-back following Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy in Dogs.

Rock-back is a reported complication following tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO), whereby tibial plateau angle (TPA) increases postoperatively. The mechanism of rock-back is not fully understood, although a recent ex vivo investigation demonstrated that osteotomy exit cut angle (ECA) and inclination of the plate in the sagittal plane might be risk factors. The purpose of this study was to explore these relationships in a clinical dog population. We hypothesized that dogs with rock-back would have a higher degree of plate inclination and downward ECA compared with those without rock-back. Medical records and radiographs of dogs that underwent TPLO between January 2021 and January 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. TPA was recorded preoperatively, postoperatively, and at follow-up. Plate inclination, ECA, and descriptive data were collected. Observers measuring TPA were blinded to other variables. Rock-back was defined as a change in TPA ≥ 2. Ninety-five TPLO procedures met the inclusion criteria (n = 87 dogs). Rock-back was identified in 21% of TPLOs (n = 20/95). The mean increase in TPA in the rock-back group was 3.2 ± 2.6. Plate inclination and ECA were not correlated with the presence of rock-back. Descriptive variables did not have a significant correlation with rock-back. Plate inclination and ECA did not have a relationship with rock-back when defined as a postoperative TPA change ≥2 degrees, in this clinical retrospective study.

Management of Canine Y-T Humeral Fractures Using Titanium Polyaxial Locking Plates in 17 Dogs

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to document the short- and medium-to-long-term outcomes and complication rates of Y-T humeral condylar fractures fixed using titanium polyaxial locking plate (T-PLP). A retrospective review was performed of the medical records and radiographs of dogs with a Y-T humeral condylar fracture treated with T-PLP at a single veterinary referral center (2012–2018). Seventeen cases met the inclusion criteria. Medium- to long-term follow-up (.6 mo) information was derived using the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) questionnaire. Recorded complications were catastrophic (1/17) and minor (2/17). Gait at 10–12 wk following surgery was subjectively assessed as good or excellent for 13 cases. Radiographic bone union was achieved in 7/12 cases at 4–6 wk. LOAD scores obtained a mean of 15 mo (range 6–29 mo) following surgery and indicated no or mild impairment in 15/16 and moderate functional impairment in 1. The application of T-PLP for the treatment of Y-T humeral condylar fractures resulted in adequate stabilization allowing successful fracture healing and medium- to long-term outcomes comparable to previous reports. According to results of LOAD testing, the medium- to long-term follow-up suggests that clients were aware of mild to moderate functional impairment in all cases.

Bone alignment after minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis of the tibia in dogs

ABSTRACT: This study assessed radiographically changes in tibial alignment in the frontal and sagittal planes in dogs that underwent minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) without the aid of image intensifiers. Radiographs of dogs with complete non-articular tibial fractures submitted to MIPO were included and evaluated, without the aid of a transoperative image intensifier and / or an association of implants. The tibial mechanical angles (mMPTA, mMDTA, mCaPTA and mCrDTA) were measured by three evaluators. The data obtained were compared with results from previously published studies. Twenty-seven animals were included in the study. The mean and standard deviation of the angular changes were as follows: mMPTA, 2.54° ± 3.10 (-1.1º to 8.7º); mMDTA, 0.03º ± 0.16 (-3.44º to 0.79º); mCaPTA, 37º ± 4.29 (-6.23º to 14.87º); and mCrDTA, 8.25° ± 5.53 (-0.2º to 17.28º). There was a negative correlation between “mCaPTA” and “mCrDTA”. MIPO of the tibia without using image intensifiers and implant association can potentially cause angular changes, which can lead to clinically relevant deformities after bone healing.

Fibular osteotomy to facilitate proximal tibial rotation during tibial plateau leveling osteotomy.

To identify factors that restrict proximal tibial rotation during tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and report on the outcome of concurrent fibular osteotomy (TPLO-FO). Retrospective case-control study. Dogs undergoing TPLO-FO (n = 23) and dogs undergoing routine TPLO (n = 49). Medical records and radiographs of dogs that had undergone TPLO-FO were reviewed. Data that were collected included signalment, preoperative tibial plateau angle (TPA), mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA), postoperative and recheck TPA and mMPTA, ratio of fibular width to tibial width (FW:TW), presence of tibiofibular synostosis, tibial osteotomy location, and use of additional implants. The odds of exhibiting rotational constraints requiring FO during TPLO were 62-fold greater in dogs with tibiofibular synostosis than in dogs without synostosis. Dogs with FW:TW greater than 0.24 were 7.8-fold more likely to exhibit rotational constraints. After TPLO-FO, the postoperative increase in TPA was greater after single-plate fixation (mean, 5.4 ° ± 4.5 °) compared with fixation with 2 plates (mean, 1.4 ° ± 0.6 °). Proximal tibiofibular synostosis and a relatively wide fibula restricted tibial plateau rotation. In these dogs, concurrent fibular osteotomy allowed adequate rotation. Adjunct plate fixation limited loss of rotation after TPLO-FO. Successful TPLO relies on adequate rotation of the proximal tibial segment. Fibular osteotomy and adjunct plate fixation are recommended to achieve and maintain adequate rotation of the osteotomized tibia in dogs with rotational constraints.

Radiographic location of the origin and insertion of the canine medial glenohumeral ligament.

To define the radiographic origin and insertion of the canine medial glenohumeral ligament (MGHL) at the scapula and the humerus of dogs as radiographic aim points for the surgical ligament reconstruction. The forelimbs (n=20) from 10 adult, orthopaedically unaffected dogs (>20kg body weight) were used. Radiopaque markers (1mm steel bullet) were placed into the visual origin and insertion of the MGHL. Finally, virtual digital radiographs were produced in medio-lateral and cranio-caudal projection and the location of the origin and insertion points were expressed using four different methods (4x4 grid box method, percentage position in the grid box for the medio-lateral projection, the percentage position orientated at different landmarks and the clock-face scale method). The relative positions of the centre of origin and insertion points of the MGHL were located constantly in radiographs in relation to anatomical landmarks in the canine shoulder. Therefore the described methods are useful for determination. The radiographic location of the origin and insertion points of the MGHL can be consistently predicted in radiographs of dogs with a body weight above 20kg. The reported data can be used to verify the correct placement of the insertion of bone anchors for stabilising a medial shoulder instability by ligament reconstruction in dogs.

ACCURACY OF RADIOGRAPHIC DETECTION OF THE CRANIAL MARGIN OF THE DORSAL LAMINA OF THE CANINE SACRUM.

An elongated sacral lamina has been described as one of the contributing factors for dogs with cauda equina syndrome due to degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS); however, published evidence is lacking on the accuracy of radiographic screening for the presence of this lesion. Objectives of this prospective, cross-sectional cadaver study were to describe the accuracy and repeatability of detection of the cranial sacral lamina margin on plain lateral radiographs of the lumbosacral junction in dogs. Twenty-five medium and large breed canine cadavers were radiographed before and after placement of a radiopaque hook in the cranial margin of the sacral lamina. Three independent evaluators placed digital markers at the perceived margin on preinterventional radiographs. The distance from perceived location to the true location on postinterventional radiographs was recorded for each dog and observer. A discordance threshold (distance between perceived and actual margin) of 1.5 mm was subjectively defined as clinically relevant. The three evaluators demonstrated good repeatability, although the accuracy for margin detection was only fair (mean discordance 1.7 mm). Evaluators demonstrated greater accuracy in identifying the landmark in juveniles (1.4 mm) vs. adults (1.8mm; P < 0.01). Results of this study indicated that observer repeatability is good and accuracy is fair for correctly identifying the radiographic cranial margin of the sacral lamina in dogs. This should be taken into consideration when interpreting elongation of the sacral lamina in radiographs of dogs with suspected DLSS, especially adults.

Radiographic location of the femoral footprint of the cranial cruciate ligament in dogs.

To describe the radiographic location of the center of the femoral footprint of the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) in dogs. Using femora from 49 adult, orthopedically sound dogs (bodyweight≥20 kg), a radiopaque marker was placed on the cranial border of the femoral footprint of the CrCL. Computed tomography and threedimensional (3D) reconstruction of each femur was performed subsequently, followed by manual segmentation of the footprint on the 3D models and calculation of its center. Finally, virtual digital radiographs in two planes were produced and the location of the calculated center of the CrCL was expressed using three different methods (4x4 box grid method and percentage position for the medio-lateral projection; o'clock position for the disto-proximal projection). In the medio-lateral radiographs the center of the femoral footprint was consistently located in the second rectangle from the top of the most caudal column of the 4x4 grid. The mean percentage caudo-cranial and proximo-distal location was 20.2% (±2.2) and 33.8% (±3.7), respectively. In the disto-proximal radiograph, the o'clock position of the CrCL center was between 2 and 3 o'clock in 97.6% of cases. The radiographic location of the center of the femoral footprint can be consistently predicted in medio-lateral and disto-proximal stifle radiographs of dogs over 20 kg. The reported data can be used to plan and verify the placement of the femoral tunnel opening for intra-articular anatomic CrCL repair.

A Pitfall on Postoperative Radiographs in Dogs After Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy

To identify the cause of an occasional radiolucent line in the tibia on postoperative radiographs after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) in dogs. Retrospective case series and ex vivo experiment. Dogs (n = 80; 87 stifles) with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture that had TPLO; and 4 canine tibia specimens. Medical records (2007-2010) and radiographs of dogs that had TPLO were reviewed and examined for presence of a radiolucent line on postoperative radiographs. The TPLO procedure was reproduced ex vivo to determine the origin of this line by use of metallic wires to identify bone contours. A curvilinear radiolucent line was visible in 14 (16%) tibias and was 5.4 times more likely to be visible with lateral misalignment of the tibial diaphysis relative to the plateau and 2.6 times more likely visible on caudocranial radiographs with the stifle in outward rotation. Fracture complication rate was higher in dogs with this radiolucent line (P = .02) and with lateral misalignment of the tibial diaphysis relative to the plateau (risk ratio, 3.8). The line could be reproduced ex vivo and caused by superimposition of the craniomedial border of osteotomy with the tibial plateau. The radiolucent line was a spurious fracture line created by the medial margin of the tibial osteotomy and confounding factors such as tibial misalignment may explain the apparently associated higher complication rate.

Benefits of Pre‐ and Intraoperative Planning for Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy

To determine (1) if preoperative and intraoperative osteotomy planning increases the likelihood that a surgeon will achieve a centered osteotomy during tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and (2) if that centered osteotomy reduces the risk of tibial tuberosity (TT) fractures. Retrospective case series. Dogs (n = 406) with cranial cruciate ligament that had TPLO (n = 468). Medical records (2007-2010) and radiographs of dogs that had TPLO were reviewed. Osteotomies from Group A (pre and intra-operative planning) were compared to Group B (free-hand osteotomy only) investigating the influence of osteotomy planning as well as 21 other variables, looking for any other confounding variables that may also contribute to TT fractures. Data were analyzed with logistic regression and χ(2) analysis. Actual osteotomies were closer to the centered-osteotomy position in Group A than in Group B (P ≤ .01). TT fractures occurred in 20 cases (4.3% overall). Group A had 0 fractures out of 172 surgeries and Group B had 20 fractures out of 296 surgeries (6.8%). Five variables were found to increase the risk of TT fractures: lack of osteotomy planning, bilateral same-session surgeries, osteotomy gap, anti-rotational pin location, and decreased tibial crest width at the insertion of the patellar ligament (P ≤ .05). Dogs that had osteotomy planning had a more centered osteotomy position and a reduced risk of developing TT factures.

Experiences using the Fixin locking plate system for the stabilization of appendicular fractures in dogs

To retrospectively evaluate the stabilization of appendicular fractures in dogs using the Fixin locking plate system. Medical records and radiographs of dogs with fractures stabilized with the Fixin system in the period from May 2005 to September 2010 were reviewed. For each patient, data pertaining to signalment, the nature of the fracture, implants used, and evidence of fracture healing were recorded. The outcome and complications were determined from clinical and radiographic follow-up examinations. Limb function was evaluated between 40 days and 90 days postoperatively. Owners of pets with complications were contacted by phone for long-term follow-up. Eighty-two fractures in seventy-five dogs met the inclusion criteria for the study. Radiographic re-examinations were carried out between eight days to two years (median 60 days) following surgery. Seventy-three out of 82 fractures (89%) reached union without complications. Major complications were seen in six dogs (7%). Limb function was graded as 'normal' in 73/75 (97%) dogs and 'mild lameness' in 2/75 (3%) cases. Despite a modest complication rate, the Fixin locking bone plating system appears to be an acceptable choice of implant for the stabilization of appendicular fractures in dogs.

Handling of the tibial muscle envelope in tibial plateau levelling osteotomy - to elevate or not?

To compare the outcome of the tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) procedure, using a 6-hole 3.5 mm locking TPLO plate and performed with the muscle elevation technique (ET) and placement of sponges, to the TPLO without performing these steps (non-elevation-technique [NET]). Medical records and radiographs of dogs with ET (n = 21) or NET (n = 19) were retrospectively reviewed. Signalment, TPLO procedure side, meniscal treatment, surgery time, haemorrhage, pre- and postoperative tibial plateau angle, assistant, amount of rehabilitation, bone healing (cortical, osteotomy, combined healing scores), complications, limb function, recovery time and follow-up were recorded and analysed using multivariate analysis. A value of p <0.05 was considered significant. Surgery time was significantly shorter with the NET (68.5 min ± 3.4) than with the ET (87.8 min ± 3.4) (p <0.01). No significant differences were detected for all other evaluated factors. Soft tissue trauma was minimal and none of the dogs suffered severe haemorrhage. The bone healing scores with the NET and the ET were not significantly different (p = 0.1, p = 0.2, p = 0.1). Complications were rare, minor and not significantly different between groups (p = 0.73). The results of this in vivo study indicate that NET is a feasible technique that can be considered for the clinical setting.

Total Hip Replacement as a Treatment Option for Capital Physeal Fractures in Dogs and Cats

To evaluate outcome of capital physeal fractures (CPFs) treated by total hip replacement (THR) in dogs and cats. Retrospective phase II nonrandomized efficacy study. Dogs (n = 21), cats (n = 4). Medical records (1991-2009) and radiographs of dogs and cats with CPF treated by THR were reviewed. Physical examination findings, radiographs, thigh circumference (TC), force plate gait analysis, and an owner questionnaire were reviewed. Signalment and median interval between CPF and THR of all 25 animals had no clinical correlation with post-THR outcome. Force plate gait analysis and TC were available for 12 dogs. No significant difference in TC or force plate analyses between the THR limb and the normal contralateral limb was identified. Owner questionnaires (13 dogs) revealed improvement after THR with minimal (n = 2) or no lameness (n = 11). Animals with CPF treated by THR did not have statistically significant differences in any subjective (21 dogs, 4 cats) or objective (12 dogs) variable when compared with the normal contralateral limb.

Risk Factors for Fibular Fracture after TPLO

To determine (1) risk factors for fibular fracture after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and (2) if a single postoperative radiographic measurement or measurement ratio of the proximal tibial fragment can be used as a predictor for fibular fracture. Multivariate retrospective clinical study. Dogs (n=326) with cranial cruciate ligament rupture that had TPLO (n=355). Medical records (January 2004-November 2007) and radiographs of dogs that had TPLO were reviewed. TPLO plate type, distance between tibial plateau and proximal screw, proximodistal tibial plateau fragment length, tibial plateau width, the presence of a fibular drill hole filled with a screw or not, and fibular fractures were recorded. The odds of having a fibular fracture were 10 times greater in dogs with a fibular drill hole than in dogs without a drill hole. The odds of having a fibular fracture were 1.46 times greater for every 4.5 g increase in body weight. Tibial plateau angle (TPA) at the time of reevaluation was larger than the postoperative TPA and TPA increase was larger in dogs with fibular drill holes than without (P<.01) and in dogs with fibular fractures than without (P<.01). An unfilled fibular drill hole and increased body weight are risk factors for fibular fracture.

DOES CHANGING THE ORIENTATION OF A THORACIC RADIOGRAPH AID DIAGNOSIS OF RIB FRACTURES?

To test the hypothesis that changing the orientation of a thoracic radiograph aids diagnosis of rib fractures, a case-control study was carried out using 120 radiographs of small animal patients with recent thoracic trauma. Six independent observers representing three levels of experience viewed the radiographs in randomized order in conventional and unconventional orientations at 15-s intervals in a PowerPoint presentation. Sensitivity for rib fractures was 53-69% and specificity was 74-97%, depending on the observer. Radiologists had higher specificity than less experienced observers (P = 0.0001), but comparable sensitivity for rib fractures. Radiologists had significantly higher accuracy than residents (P = 0.03), and residents had higher accuracy than interns (P = 0.02). Accuracy of diagnosis was reduced significantly when based on lateral radiographs compared with dorsoventral (DV)/ventrodorsal (VD) views (P = 0.02) mainly because of low sensitivity of lateral radiographs of dogs with rib fractures. Rotating radiographs 90 degrees clockwise was associated with increased specificity of one intern (from 74 to 90%, P = 0.03), but had no effect on accuracy of diagnosis by other observers (P > 0.16). Turning DV/VD views upside down had no effect on accuracy of diagnosis of any observers (P > 0.40). Changing the orientation of a thoracic radiograph may make it easier for some novices to examine the ribs; hence it could be considered a training aid rather than a technique that will benefit an experienced radiologist.

Crescentic osteotomy for resection of oral tumours in four do

Rim resection of mandibular tumours and a simplified technique using a biradial osteotomy blade for maxillary tumours in dogs has not previously been described. The medical records and radiographs of dogs with mandibular (n = 3) or maxillary (n = 1) tumours resected using crescentic osteotomies were reviewed. The owners of two of the dogs reported excellent outcomes without any long-term complications or tumour recurrence. The goal of this study was to describe the surgical technique for performing a crescentic osteotomy for resection of maxillary and mandibular tumours. This technique for resection of mandibular and maxillary tumours is clinically applicable in carefully selected cases.

Clinical Applications of Demineralized Bone Matrix: A Retrospective and Case‐Matched Study of Seventy‐Five Dogs

To evaluate the outcome in dogs treated with demineralized bone matrix (DBM) as an adjunct to orthopedic procedures. Retrospective and case-match study. Dogs (n=75). Medical records (1999-2006) and radiographs of dogs that had orthopedic procedures (comminuted fractures, tibial plateau leveling osteotomy [TPLO] where correction for tibial rotation created an osteotomy gap, arthrodeses, open corrective osteotomies) where DBM was used were reviewed for signalment, quantity of DBM implanted, duration of exercise restriction, radiographic healing, and complications. Dogs that had TPLO and correction of tibial torsion (n=15), or arthrodesis (n=16) were compared with case-matched controls. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test, ANOVA, Tukey's HSD test, and logistic regression analysis. Mean (+/-SD) healing time for orthopedic surgeries with DBM augmentation were 15+/-6.97 (weeks) and complication rate was 19% (14 dogs). Dogs with a TPLO gap filled with DBM were allowed to return to normal exercise 2 weeks earlier than dogs with a well-apposed TPLO site. Radiographic healing, duration of exercise restriction, and timing of destabilization were similar in dogs undergoing carpal and tarsal arthrodesis whether they received DBM, autogenous graft, or both. DBM can be used to treat uncomplicated bone defects associated with comminuted fracture repairs, open osteotomies, and arthrodeses in dogs. Under these circumstances, clinicians might expect similar clinical outcomes without the possibility of side effects associated with the harvest of autogenous cancellous bone. DBM is safe for use in dogs.

Short‐term and eight to 12 months results of a tibial tuberosity advancement as treatment of canine cranial cruciate ligament damage

To describe the perioperative complications and the six weeks and eight to 12 months outcome of cases of canine cranial cruciate ligament damage treated with a tibial tuberosity advancement. The medical records including the six weeks' postoperative re-evaluation and radiographs of dogs with a tibial tuberosity advancement (70 operated stifles) were analysed regarding the short-term outcome and the recorded complications. A questionnaire for the evaluation of the eight to 12 months outcome was sent to the owners and the answers tabulated. The complication rate was comparable with previous reports of cranial cruciate ligament rupture treated with a tibial tuberosity advancement or a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). The most frequent complication was a symptomatic late secondary meniscal damage in six cases (8.5 per cent). These cases were successfully treated with a partial meniscectomy during a minimal invasive procedure. The six-week re-evaluation showed advanced healing of the tibial crest osteotomies in 94 per cent of the cases and a significant reduction of the lameness in all dogs. Eighty-three per cent of the owners reported that their dogs are never lame or only after heavy exercise eight to 12 months after the tibial tuberosity advancement procedure. Sixty-five per cent of the owners stated the overall treatment to be excellent, 28 per cent good. The six weeks' follow-up examination and the questionnaire revealed results of the tibial tuberosity advancement comparable to previously published studies, stating that the lameness and the activity level of the patients with cranial cruciate ligament disease greatly improved after the tibial tuberosity advancement.