Huerta et al: Evaluation of Osteotomy Healing in Boxer Dogs Undergoing Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy Using Two Radiographic Scoring Systems
Veterinary and Comparative Orthopedics and Traumatology 1, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

Population: 29 Boxer dogs and 29 age-matched Labrador Retrievers undergoing TPLO.
Scoring Systems Compared: 5-point vs. 10-point radiographic healing systems.
Healing Scores (Week 8):

• Boxers: 5-point mean = 3.3; 10-point mean = 6.9
• Labradors: 5-point mean = 3.6; 10-point mean = 7.5
• → Statistically significant difference (p = 0.0003 and p < 0.0001)

Osteotomy Gap ≥1 mm (present in 16.4%): Associated with significantly lower healing scores and increased recommendations for additional radiographic follow-up (p < 0.0001).
Observer Reliability:

• Both systems = good interobserver consistency.
• Slightly better intraobserver consistency with the 10-point scale.

Clinical Implication: Boxer dogs may need extended healing time or altered follow-up strategy after TPLO.