Comparison of short‐term complications between unilateral and single‐session bilateral surgery for medial patellar luxation in small/medium breed dogs

• Published in: Journal of small animal practice 2019-01, Vol.60 (1), p.51-57
• Main Authors: Sanders, L. B., Bevan, J. M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Complications; Dog Diseases - surgery; Dogs; Female; Male; Medical records; Patellar Dislocation - surgery; Patellar Dislocation - veterinary; Postoperative Complications - veterinary; Retrospective Studies; Surgery; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0022-4510; 1748-5827
• DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12939

Objectives To compare the short‐term complications of unilateral versus single‐session bilateral medial patellar luxation surgery in small dogs. Materials and Methods The medical records of dogs weighing less than 13∙6 kg that underwent medial patellar luxation surgery were reviewed. Dogs were included in one of two groups based on the type of surgery performed (unilateral or single‐session bilateral). Postoperative patellar luxation grade and complications were compared between the groups. Results Two hundred and fifty‐one dogs were included. In the bilateral treatment group, there was less improvement in patellar luxation grade and postoperative medial patellar luxation grade was higher. The frequency of major complications was higher in the bilateral group (23%) compared with the unilateral group (12%). Clinical Significance Single‐session bilateral medial patellar luxation surgery was associated with a higher complication rate compared to unilateral surgery in this non‐randomised observational study. Staged rather than single‐session bilateral surgery should be considered in dogs with bilateral medial patellar luxation to improve clinical outcome and reduce the chance of major complications.