Cryotherapy Improves Limb Use But Delays Normothermia Early After Stifle Joint Surgery in Dogs

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of cold compression therapy (CCT) relative to a soft padded bandage (SPB) in dogs undergoing surgery to manage cranial cruciate ligament injury. Methods: Dogs were randomized into groups that received CCT or SPB after surgery. Weight bearing was measured using a weight distribution platform before and the day after surgery. Stifle joint flexion and extension were measured using a goniometer before and the day after surgery. Rectal temperatures were measured every 15 min for 2 h after surgery and the morning after surgery. Mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNT) were measured using an algometer the day after surgery. Findings in both groups were compared using a mixed model ANOVA. Results: 20 dogs were enrolled: 10 in the CCT and 10 in the SPB group. Dogs undergoing CCT had more stifle joint flexion (P = 0.008) and weight bearing (P < 0.001) after surgery than dogs with SPB. MNT after surgery correlated statistically with stifle joint flexion after surgery (r = −0.315, P = 0.014), extension after surgery (r = 0.310, P = 0.016), and weight bearing after surgery (r = 0.314, P = 0.003). Return to normothermia was delayed in the CCT group, with temperatures ∼0.5 • C (1.0 • F) lower 105 (P = 0.018) and 120 min (P = 0.013) after surgery. Conclusion: Relative to bandaging, CCT had a positive short-term impact on stifle flexion and weight bearing. CCT delayed warming after surgery but dogs were only mildly hypothermic [0.5 • C [1.0 • F]].

Patient-Specific 3D-Printed Osteotomy Guides and Titanium Plates for Distal Femoral Deformities in Dogs with Lateral Patellar Luxation

“…In addition, oral anti-inflammatory therapy with meloxicam (Metacam, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Italia S.p.A., Noventana, Italy; 0.2 mg/kg on the first day, then 0.1 mg/kg, q24h for 10 days) and gastroprotective therapy (omeprazole at 1 mg/kg and sucralfate at 50 mg/kg, both OS for 15 days) were administered. During the first postoperative week, cooling therapy with ice was used five times a day for 10 min per session to reduce initial oedema and wound inflammation [ 45 , 46 , 47 ]. Owners were given clear and strict instructions to follow during the postoperative period, such as keeping the patient in a confined space and avoiding sudden exertion or jumping from any height.…”

Contribution to the Study of Perioperative Factors Affecting the Restoration of Dog’s Mobility after Femoral Head and Neck Excision: A Clinical Study in 30 Dogs

“…The Von Frey fibril principle, using an algometer, has been employed to evaluate postoperative pain following OHE in both cats [77][78][79] and dogs [80][81][82]. Similarly, this approach has been utilized in studies involving dogs with thoracolumbar muscle pain [83], chronic neuropathic pain [84], stifle and hip osteoarthritis [85], as well as after osteosynthesis [35] or stifle stabilization following cranial cruciate ligament rupture [86]. The algometer is a reliable means of assessing pain and gauging the level of analgesia by stimulating the nerve pathway responsible for transmitting painful stimuli (A and C nerve fibers), analogous to natural stimuli [87].…”

Rehabilitation nach Kniechirurgie beim Hund – optimale und sinnvolle Gestaltung

“…Neben einer unbedingt notwendigen medikamentösen Therapie mittels NSAIDs und der eventuell zusätzlichen Gabe von Opiaten, sollten zusätzliche Maßnahmen ergriffen werden. Beispielsweise stellt die Kryotherapie eine effiziente Methode zur Schmerzlinderung und Entzündungshemmung im akuten postoperativen Zeitraum dar [4,5], und betroffene Gelenke sollten innerhalb der ersten 3-5 Tage täglich 4-6 × für ca. 10-20 Minuten gekühlt werden.…”