A retrospective evaluation of stifle osteoarthritis in dogs with bilateral medial patellar luxation and unilateral surgical repair.

The effects of surgical and nonsurgical therapy on the development of osteoarthritis were compared in 12 dogs with bilateral medial patellar luxation and unilateral surgical repair. Evaluations included severity of lameness and patellar luxation, ligamentous stability, range of motion, and radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis before surgery and at a mean of 33 months after surgery. Stifles without surgical treatment served as controls for the contralateral stifles with surgery. All stifles treated surgically had reduced patellofemoral joints, normal range of motion, and improved limb use. Osteoarthritis progressed significantly and comparably in both groups of stifles. Progression of osteoarthritis was not correlated with luxation grade, body weight, or interval from surgery to follow-up. Age at surgery was correlated positively with severity of osteoarthritis in the stifles treated surgically.