title: Retrospective analysis of complications and outcomes in Boxers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers undergoing cranial cruciate ligament surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to determine whether Boxers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers (SBT) have a higher incidence of complications or a worse outcome after cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) surgery compared with control breeds.
  
  
  METHODS
  The design was a retrospective cohort study with data reviewed from medical records and outcome assessed by owner questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The cohort included 210 canine stifles comprising 33 Boxers, 47 SBTs and 130 controls. For Boxers, the overall complication rate (39.4%), major complication rate (30.3%) and revision surgery rates (18.2%) were significantly higher than those of the control groups (14.6%, 10.8% and 4.6%, respectively). Overall, SBTs were no more likely to suffer complications or repeat surgery than the control group. Considering only lateral fabello-tibial suture (LFS) stabilisation, both Boxers (32.0%) and SBTs (23.3%) had higher complication rates than the control group (6.3%). There were no significant differences in outcome among the Boxer, SBT and control groups; median follow-up time was 2 years (range 0.5-7 years).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The overall complication rate for Boxers undergoing CCL surgery was higher compared with other breeds of dog. When surgical techniques were analysed separately, the LFS was associated with a higher complication rate in Boxers and SBTs. Further investigation into breed-specific surgical techniques is indicated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK. andrewlevien@yahoo.com
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Levien
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Brodbelt
authors.forename: G I
authors.initials: GI
authors.lastname: Arthurs
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000601:surgery*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome