Clinical applications of demineralized bone matrix: a retrospective and case-matched study of seventy-five dogs.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the outcome in dogs treated with demineralized bone matrix (DBM) as an adjunct to orthopedic procedures. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective and case-match study. ANIMALS Dogs (n=75). METHODS Medical records (1999-2006) and radiographs of dogs that had orthopedic procedures (comminuted fractures, tibial plateau leveling osteotomy [TPLO] where correction for tibial rotation created an osteotomy gap, arthrodeses, open corrective osteotomies) where DBM was used were reviewed for signalment, quantity of DBM implanted, duration of exercise restriction, radiographic healing, and complications. Dogs that had TPLO and correction of tibial torsion (n=15), or arthrodesis (n=16) were compared with case-matched controls. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test, ANOVA, Tukey's HSD test, and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Mean (+/-SD) healing time for orthopedic surgeries with DBM augmentation were 15+/-6.97 (weeks) and complication rate was 19% (14 dogs). Dogs with a TPLO gap filled with DBM were allowed to return to normal exercise 2 weeks earlier than dogs with a well-apposed TPLO site. Radiographic healing, duration of exercise restriction, and timing of destabilization were similar in dogs undergoing carpal and tarsal arthrodesis whether they received DBM, autogenous graft, or both. CONCLUSIONS DBM can be used to treat uncomplicated bone defects associated with comminuted fracture repairs, open osteotomies, and arthrodeses in dogs. Under these circumstances, clinicians might expect similar clinical outcomes without the possibility of side effects associated with the harvest of autogenous cancellous bone. CLINICAL RELEVANCE DBM is safe for use in dogs.