Complications and postoperative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory use of three extracapsular cruciate ligament repair techniques performed in a general practice clinic environment

Abstract

Objective: To report complications and postoperative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory use associated with fabellotibial suture, Tightrope and Ligafiba Isotoggle procedures performed on dogs of varying weights within a general practice setting.

Materials and methods: Clinical records of eligible patients from 2009 to 2018 were retrospectively extracted from five general practice clinics. Data for signalment, patient weight, surgery performed, complications, postoperative use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and timing thereof were extracted and analysed using multinomial logistic regression. Predicted probability tables were generated for complications and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use.

Results: The study included 370 surgeries, with 97 fabellotibial suture, 158 Tightrope and 42 Ligafiba Isotoggle procedures in patients less than 15 kg, and 43 fabellotibial suture, 16 Tightrope and 30 Ligafiba Isotoggle procedures in patients at least 15 kg. The proportion of patients that can be expected to have no complications was greatest for older dogs (9 years) weighing less than 15 kg (fabellotibial suture, 91%; Tightrope/Ligafiba Isotoggle, 88%), and the highest major medical and surgical complication risks were expected in young dogs (1 year) weighing over 15 kg (fabellotibial suture, 28%; Tightrope/Ligafiba Isotoggle, 59%). The predicted risk of requiring repeated non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug prescriptions in the 18-month postoperative period for an 15 kg patient was 37% to 39%.

Conclusion: Weight and age were significant factors influencing complications and postoperative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use in fabellotibial suture, Tightrope and Ligafiba Isotoggle surgical patients in a general practice setting.

Clinical significance: Clinicians should consider the possibility of complications and requirement for ongoing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use before performing extracapsular procedures in patients weighing more than 15 kg.