title: Effect of cold compression therapy on postoperative pain, swelling, range of motion, and lameness after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy in dogs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effect of cold compression therapy (CCT) on postoperative pain, lameness, range of motion of the stifle joint, and swelling following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) in dogs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  34 client-owned dogs with unilateral deficiency of a cranial cruciate ligament undergoing TPLO.
  
  
  METHODS
  Dogs were assigned to 2 groups. Group 1 (n = 17 dogs) received CCT in the 24-hour period following TPLO. Group 2 (n = 17 dogs) received no CCT. Degree of lameness, range of motion, and circumference of the stifle joint were measured before surgery and 1,14, and 28 days after surgery. A modified composite Glasgow pain scale, visual analogue scale, and pain threshold score were used to evaluate signs of pain before surgery and 1,14, and 28 days after surgery. Logistic regression and linear regression analysis were used to compare the measured variables.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No complications were observed, and all dogs tolerated CCT. Use of CCT resulted in lower values for the visual analogue scale and Glasgow pain scale and lower pain threshold scores; lower lameness scores; less swelling; and an increased range of motion 24 hours after surgery. At 14 days after surgery, there were no significant differences between groups. At 28 days after surgery, too few data sets were available for comparison.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CCT decreased signs of pain, swelling, and lameness and increased stifle joint range of motion in dogs during the first 24 hours after TPLO.
authors.affiliation: Affiliated Veterinary Specialists, Orange Park, FL 32073, USA. Kevind33@aol.com
authors.forename: Kevin A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Drygas
authors.forename: Scott R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: McClure
authors.forename: Robert L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Goring
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pozzi
authors.forename: Sheilah A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Robertson
authors.forename: Chong
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs; D007249:Inflammation / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016015:Logistic Models; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D013977:Tibia / Q000601:surgery*