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

Abstract

ObjectiveTo report current recommendations made by veterinarians for rehabilitation after surgical treatment of cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) disease.Study designAnonymized electronic survey.Sample populationVeterinarians performing CrCL stabilization.MethodsAn 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.ResultsThe 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).ConclusionMost respondents recommended either formal or informal postoperative rehabilitation therapy.Clinical significanceIf 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.

Observational Study on Lameness Recovery in 10 Dogs Affected by Iliopsoas Injury and Submitted to a Physiotherapeutic Approach

“…Moreover, dogs with mild injuries may experience a gradual improvement over time, but a decrease in performance during training or competition is often reported [3,4]. Lesions of the iliopsoas muscle are generally classified into three grades based on severity: grade 1 (mild), grade 2 (moderate), and grade 3 (severe) [5][6][7].…”

Systematic review of postoperative rehabilitation interventions after cranial cruciate ligament surgery in dogs

“…In human medicine, systematic reviews led to the formation of rehabilitation guidelines for physical therapy of patients recovering from anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. 9 Currently, an estimated 70‐71% of veterinary practitioners refer patients for postoperative orthopedic rehabilitation, 8 , 10 yet there is a lack of clear guidance on which modalities offer the greatest (if any) benefits. Modalities such as laser therapy (also known as photobiomodulation) and hydrotherapy are commonly considered as part of rehabilitation; however, other modalities such as custom exercise programs can also be utilized.…”