Outcome of triple pelvic osteotomy in dogs is established within a month after the surgery

Abstract

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the temporal aspect of the onset of the outcome of a triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) in a group of 34 dogs younger (but one) than 12 months of age with a homogenous longer follow-up. In each case, lameness and positive Ortolani sign were detected. In some cases, bilateral TPO or denervation of the contralateral hip was performed. Clinical and radiological re-checks were performed in a uniform way for all dogs one and three months after surgery. The mean angle of reduction and subluxation for the operated joints decreased substantially by 17.3 +/- 1.58 degrees one month after the surgery, without any further statistically significant reduction at three months. Additionally, in 71% of the operated joints, the outcome of the TPO, defined in terms of the absence of the angle of reduction and subluxation, was already established at one month post-surgery and did not change at three months post-surgery. These results indicate that the outcome of the TPO in dogs is established within a month after the surgery and is basically maintained afterwards.