Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the complications and the long-term outcome
of TTA Tiny in small dogs using data from pressure-sensitive walkway analysis and
the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) questionnaire. This is a retrospective
study. Dogs under 15 kg were included. Breed, weight, gender, age, and lameness were
recorded. Clinical examination, radiographs, and pressure-sensitive walkway analysis
were performed during the long-term follow-up visit. Radiographs were assessed for
the postoperative patellar tendon angle (PTA), bone healing, and implant position,
and the postoperative complications were recorded. Twenty-nine stifles were included.
One dog (3%) had an intraoperative major complication and 14 (48%) had minor complications.
Medium- to long-term follow-up was available in 20 of the 23 dogs (87%). Eight (40%)
dogs were followed up by telephone using the LOAD questionnaire and 12 dogs (60%)
came back for a long-term follow-up appointment. The average LOAD score was 3.6 and
the average lameness score was 0. All the dogs presented at a clinical follow-up were
considered lame free. All the owners were pleased with the long-term result after
surgery based on the LOAD score and the return to normal activity. The result from
this study showed low rate of perioperative complications with the use of the TTA
Tiny implant in small dogs and a good long-term outcome based on client questionnaire
and the result from pressure-sensitive walkway analysis.
Keywords
cruciate ligament disease - TTA - small dog - force plate
