The Utility of Routine Radiographic Follow-Up for Dogs with Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease Undergoing Uncomplicated Cranial Closing Wedge Ostectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the utility of routine follow-up radiographs after cranial closing wedge ostectomy (CCWO) for cranial cruciate ligament disease in dogs with a normal clinical examination and no owner concerns. STUDY DESIGN: Records were retrospectively reviewed to identify dogs that underwent CCWO with no complications reported prior to routine follow-up re-examination. Owner-reported concerns, clinical examination abnormalities and radiographic abnormalities were identified, and any resulting alteration to the ongoing rehabilitation plan was recorded. Radiographs were subsequently blindly assessed by a European College of Veterinary Surgeons board-certified specialist and a European College of Veterinary Surgeons surgical resident. Radiographic abnormalities and resultant changes to the rehabilitation plan were evaluated. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-four CCWO surgeries were evaluated. Dogs presented for follow-up at a median of 8 weeks (range 6-12) postoperatively. No owner concerns or clinical examination abnormalities were identified in 120/134 (90%). Of these, 33/120 (28%) had altered treatment recommendations based solely on radiographic findings by at least one of the clinicians. CONCLUSION: Radiographic findings at routine follow-up altered rehabilitation regimes in 14 to 28% of dogs after CCWO, even when there were no concerns from the owners or on examination. We, therefore, recommend performing radiographs as routine at follow-up after CCWO even when the recovery appears uneventful.