ObjectiveTo report extended long‐term outcomes of dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture treated by tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) or tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA).Study designRetrospective clinical cohort study.AnimalsClient‐owned dogs with ≥3 years follow‐up (118 dogs, 166 stifles).MethodsRecords from June 2012 to May 2015 were reviewed. Follow‐up examination and radiography were performed in dogs meeting the inclusion criteria. Measures of outcomes included a radiographic osteoarthritis score (preoperative, 8 weeks postoperative, and ≥3 years postoperative), the Canine Brief Pain Inventory, and the Canine Orthopedic Index.ResultsNinety‐four dogs treated with TPLO (133 stifles) and 24 dogs treated with TTA (33 stifles) met the inclusion criteria. All dogs underwent meniscal release or partial medial meniscectomy. Osteoarthritis score progressed more after TTA (P = .003) and in dogs with bilateral surgery (P = .022). Long‐term outcomes that were better after TPLO compared with TTA included average pain in the last 7 days (P = .007), interference with walking (P = .010), morning stiffness (P = .004), jumping (P = .003) and climbing (P = .040), limping during mild activities (P = .001), and overall quality of life (P = .045).ConclusionOsteoarthritis progressed more after TTA and in dogs with bilateral stifle surgery. Dogs treated with TPLO subjectively seemed to have less pain and fewer mobility issues.Clinical significanceTibial plateau leveling osteotomy provides a better long‐term radiographic and functional outcome than TTA.

The modified technique resulted in a smaller neck angle and minimal subsidence. Bone strain was minimally altered so stress shielding may be less compared to findings with traditional implants. Motion detected during cyclic and failure testing may lead to implant loosening in vivo.

A prospective, clinical trial was conducted using 12 dogs that were presented for intestinal biopsy. Comparisons were made between paired jejunal biopsies collected using a Keyes biopsy punch and a standard scissor excisional technique. There were no differences in speed of collection, diagnostic value of specimens, complication rates, or sample quality. In this study, the Keyes skin punch was found to be safe, rapid, and diagnostic in all animals. Based on results of this study, the use of a Keyes punch instrument can be recommended as an alternative to other open intestinal biopsy methods.

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