Comparative analysis of post-operative rehabilitation approaches for medial patellar luxation in small-breed dogs

Research (Published online: 07-03-2024)

6. Comparative analysis of post-operative rehabilitation approaches for medial patellar luxation in small-breed dogs

Ekkapol Akaraphutiporn, Irin Kwananocha, Chularach Meechai, Pijitra Suksomboonwong, Suchanun Aramsriprasert, Ornjira Meethong, Arttapol Triampitak, and Chalika Wangdee

Veterinary World, 17(3): 550-557

Ekkapol Akaraphutiporn: Department of Veterinary Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.

Irin Kwananocha: Research and Academic Service, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.

Chularach Meechai: Department of Veterinary Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.

Pijitra Suksomboonwong: Department of Veterinary Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.

Suchanun Aramsriprasert: Department of Veterinary Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.

Ornjira Meethong: Department of Veterinary Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.

Arttapol Triampitak: Department of Veterinary Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.

Chalika Wangdee: Department of Veterinary Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand; Veterinary Clinical Stem Cells and Bioengineering Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.

Background and Aim: Electrical stimulation (ES) and light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (LASER) therapy are frequently used in post-operative rehabilitation; however, there is currently insufficient research comparing their effectiveness. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of post-operative rehabilitation following medial patellar luxation (MPL) surgical correction by comparing ES and LASER therapy when combined with exercise. This was compared with a control group that consisted solely of post-operative home exercise implemented by the owner.

Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective clinical trial on dogs that had undergone surgical treatment for MPL. The dogs were categorized into the following three groups: The control group, which did not participate in any post-operative rehabilitation program; the ES group, which received post-operative rehabilitation involving ES therapy; and the LASER group, which underwent post-operative rehabilitation featuring LASER therapy.

Results: There were no significant differences among the groups regarding the evaluation parameters, including lameness score, pain score, thigh muscle circumference, and range of motion. Although there may have been a difference in pain score in some groups, it could be attributed to the pre-operative condition of patients. These results aligned with the owner questionnaires’ canine brief pain inventory assessments, showing no significant differences between treatment groups.

Conclusion: Post-operative rehabilitation for MPL correction may enhance limb usage, joint function, muscle mass, and pain relief. However, the duration and level of post-operative pain may influence the necessity for rehabilitation. In addition, ES and LASER therapy offer similar pain-relieving effects after MPL surgery; therefore, the choice between these methods depends on the availability of equipment and veterinarian preferences.

Keywords: electrical stimulation, light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation therapy, medial patellar luxation, post-operative management, rehabilitation.

This document is about a comparative analysis of post-operative rehabilitation approaches for medial patellar luxation in small-breed dogs.

Medial patellar luxation (MPL) is a common cause of lameness in small-breed dogs, particularly Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Pomeranians.

Surgical intervention is often recommended for MPL correction, especially in young dogs, to prevent future complications such as osteoarthritis and cranial cruciate ligament rupture.

Post-operative rehabilitation following MPL surgery may enhance limb usage, joint function, muscle mass, and pain relief.

Electrical stimulation (ES) and light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (LASER) therapy are commonly used in post-operative rehabilitation for pain relief, but there is currently insufficient research comparing their effectiveness.

This study found that there were no significant differences in outcomes between dogs that underwent post-operative rehabilitation supervised by a veterinarian and those that only performed home exercises prescribed by the owner. Additionally, there were no significant differences in the efficacy of ES and LASER therapy for pain relief after MPL surgery. The choice between these methods depends on the availability of equipment and veterinarian preferences.