Helping TPLO recovery with cold compression therapy

News 23 August 2023 |

2 min read

Cryotherapy is a rehabilitation technique with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, commonly used postoperatively. When combined with intermittent d

The Improve Team

Cryotherapy is a rehabilitation technique with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, commonly used postoperatively. When combined with intermittent dynamic pressure, it is called Cold Compression Therapy (CCT). This study included 30 cranial cruciate ligament-deficient stifle joints of dogs, divided in three groups:

Group I – CCT once before and after surgery
Group II – CCT four times after surgery, at six-hourly intervals
Group III – Control (no CCT)

Before surgery and three times following surgery, a single blinded observer experienced in veterinary rehabilitation measured the range of motion (ROM), evaluated the degree of lameness, quantified the circumference of the stifle joint and classified the patient using the Glasgow Pain Scale. The results for the first two groups were similar. The novel protocol (used for Group I) was based on previous studies in dogs and humans and was viewed as a potential alternative to the commonly used approach (Group II). It is also easier to implement as it does not require as much patient collaboration. One day after surgery, the CCT groups showed a higher ROM and lower scoring on the Glasgow Pain Scale. After 10 days, only the ROM score was significantly lower in Groups I and II compared to III. By the 42 ^nd day, a significantly greater ROM was observed in both CCT groups. All dogs improved clinically with no radiographic complications. The take-home message of this research is that CCT can reduce pain-related parameters following TPLO in dogs but further research is required and it would have been useful to include a study group of patients which only received preoperative CCT.

von Freeden et al. Comparison of two cold compression therapy protocols after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy in dogs. Tierärztliche Praxis Kleintiere 4/2017.

Author

The Improve Team

Helping TPLO recovery with cold compression therapy

Author

Explore our Veterinary Oncology CE programs in 2025

Free Vet Tech CE Anesthesia webinar with Nicki Grint!

Improve Veterinary Education Partners with the AAFP

A Review of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Domestic Rabbits

Improve Veterinary Education supports training of vets involved in rescue and rehabilitation of Moon Bears

Assisting Decision-Making on Age of Neutering for 35 Breeds of Dogs: Associated Joint Disorders, Cancers, and Urinary Incontinence

Helping TPLO recovery with cold compression therapy

Author

Related content

Related content

Explore our Veterinary Oncology CE programs in 2025

Free Vet Tech CE Anesthesia webinar with Nicki Grint!

Improve Veterinary Education Partners with the AAFP

A Review of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Domestic Rabbits

Improve Veterinary Education supports training of vets involved in rescue and rehabilitation of Moon Bears

Assisting Decision-Making on Age of Neutering for 35 Breeds of Dogs: Associated Joint Disorders, Cancers, and Urinary Incontinence