Measurement of the tibial plateau angle in normal small breed dogs

This study measured the tibial plateau angle (TPA), a value that predicts cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) and a prerequisite for dynamic stabilization, in small breed dogs. The cadavers of 32 skeletally mature small breed dogs without CCLR were used to measure TPA. Differences were evaluated between males and females, left and right limbs, and among breeds. The mean TPA of all dogs was 26.13° 2.33°. The mean TPAs of left and right limbs were 26.00°± 2.23° and 26.26°± 2.45°, respectively, which was not a significant difference. The mean TPAs of male and female dogs were 26.01°± 1.57° and 26°.22 ± 2.80°, respectively, which was also not significant difference. The mean TPAs in Maltese, Poodle, Shih Tzu, and Yorkshire terrier were 26.06°± 2.96o, 25.21°± 1.38°, 26.65°± 2.96°, and 26.27°± 1.61°, respectively. Differences in these means were not statistically significant. The TPA measured from this study could provide important information for further investigation of the pathogenesis of and surgical techniques for CCLR in small breed dogs.