Comparison between surgical and non-surgical treatments of concomitant cranial cruciate ligament rupture and medial patellar luxation in small-breed dogs

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CrCLR) and medial patellar luxation (MPL) are common problems that cause hindlimb dysfunction, lameness and pain in dogs. Although surgical intervention is recommended for these conditions, it may not be suitable for an individual with some underlying diseases. The objective of the present study was to compare the outcomes between surgical and non-surgical treatments for concomitant CrCLR and MPL in small-breed dogs. Seven stifles from five small-breed dogs with concomitant CrCLR and MPL were enrolled and divided into two groups. Four limbs (three dogs) in Group 1 were treated conservatively, and three limbs (two dogs) in Group 2 were treated surgically with tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). Both groups received rehabilitation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and dietary supplements. In Group 1, two limbs had fully recovered within 24 weeks of conservative treatment, whereas the other two limbs showed a gradually improved limb function but did not return to normal after 32 weeks. All three limbs in Group 2 returned to normal limb function without lameness within 8 weeks after surgery. In conclusion, the TPLO surgery in dogs with concomitant CrCLR and MPL is considered an effective treatment with rapid recovery and limb function restoration compared to non-surgically conservative treatment.