Epifisiodese proximal da tíbia para nivelamento preventivo do platô tibial em cães da raça labrador

Abstract

This study is divided and presented in two scientific papers. The first aimed to evaluate two preventive techniques of proximal tibial epiphysiodesis for proper tibial plateau leveling in dogs. The second study evaluated the effects of two techniques of epiphysiodesis on the patellar ligament. Six young Labrador Retriever dogs were used and divided into two groups of three animals each. The technique of locking screw was employed for one group and the technique of electrocautery was employed for the other group. The animals underwent surgery at five months old in only one stifle joint, remaining the intact contralateral stifle joint as a control. The operated and control hindlimbs were evaluated by clinical orthopedic and radiographic examinations. The patellar ligaments were evaluated by ultrasonography. The examinations were performed until the animals were 12 months old. The technique of locking screw had a higher degree of invasiveness in relation to the technique of electrocautery. In conclusion, the results showed that both techniques of proximal tibial epiphysiodesis for preventive leveling of the tibial plateau were effective in obtaining reduced slope of the tibial plateau and did not cause significant joint changes. The patellar desmitis was a common disorder after surgical procedures; however, there was a gradual return of the patellar ligament to its normal condition.