Recommendations for rehabilitation after surgical treatment of cranial cruciate ligament disease in dogs: A 2017 survey of veterinary practitioners

Jennifer Eiermann, Kristin Kirkby-Shaw, Richard B. Evans, Sebastian C. Knell, Michael P. Kowaleski, Philipp A. Schmierer, Mary S. Bergh, Jason Bleedorn, Laura C. Cuddy, Nina R. Kieves, Peter Lotsikas, Antonio Pozzi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To report current recommendations made by veterinarians for rehabilitation after surgical treatment of cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) disease. Study design: Anonymized electronic survey. Sample population: Veterinarians performing CrCL stabilization. Methods: An electronic survey was created to collect information on general attitudes toward postoperative rehabilitation and recommendations regarding therapeutic modalities and bandaging. Quantitative data are reported by descriptive statistical analysis, percentage of responses, or mean (±SD). The recommendations for postoperative bandaging beyond 24 hours and for postoperative rehabilitation after extracapsular stabilization compared with after tibial osteotomy were tested by using Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel tests, with P <.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The data analysis included 376 responses (13% response rate). Most (71%) respondents consistently recommended postoperative rehabilitation. Rehabilitation was more than twofold more likely to be recommended after extracapsular stabilization than after osteotomies (P =.0142). Most respondents did not recommend bandaging beyond 24 hours postoperatively (P =.00012). Conclusion: Most respondents recommended either formal or informal postoperative rehabilitation therapy. Clinical significance: If the survey respondents are representative of veterinarians performing CrCL surgery, the current attitude is supportive of postsurgical rehabilitation. Most respondents would welcome evidence-based guidelines for rehabilitation protocols.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)80-87
Number of pages8
JournalVeterinary Surgery
Volume49
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2020
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2019 The American College of Veterinary Surgeons

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