Pilot study measuring the effects of bandaging and cold compression therapy following tibial plateau levelling osteotomy

OBJECTIVES To compare cold compression therapy, modified Robert‐Jones bandage or the combination of cold compression therapy plus modified Robert‐Jones bandage on operated limbs following tibial plateau levelling osteotomy in dogs. METHODS Twenty‐one client‐owned dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease were prospectively enrolled. Dogs were randomly assigned to one of three postoperative treatment groups: cold compression therapy, modified Robert‐Jones bandage or a combination of both. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at 12, 24 and 36 hours following tibial plateau levelling osteotomy. Measurements included weight‐bearing on the operated limb, stifle flexion and extension angles and circumference of the operated limb at four levels. RESULTS There was no significant difference in weight‐bearing, range of motion or limb swelling between groups. There was a trend for dogs in the cold compression therapy and cold compression therapy with a bandage groups to have a greater increase in weight‐bearing after surgery compared with the bandage‐only group. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Cold compression therapy is a safe modality following tibial plateau levelling osteotomy surgery. The trend towards improved use of the operated limb in the groups receiving cold compression therapy compared with those treated with only a bandage may be an indication that these patients are more comfortable in the postoperative period. The small sample size limits interpretation of the data but this pilot study provides data to guide future investigation.