Anteriror (Cranial) Cruciate Ligament Repair
The cruciate ligaments are tough fibrous bands that connect the distal femur (thigh bone) to the proximal tibia (shin bone). Two cruciate ligaments, the anterior and the posterior cruciate ligaments, are found in the knee joint of dogs and cats (and most other domestic animals). These ligaments are responsible for providing anterior-posterior stability to the knee joint.
Normal Knee Joint of a Dog
Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament is rare in cats. It occurs frequently in overweight, middle- and older-aged dogs. Certain dogs appear to be predisposed to anterior cruciate ligament rupture. Very often, both knee joints are affected, with one cruciate ligament rupturing soon after the other.
Knee Joint Showing Anterior (Cranial) Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Symptoms usually include a history of acute rear leg lameness. The lameness can be mild, resolve, then appear again. Some dogs are completely non-weight bearing on the affected leg. Knee joint pain is usually a symptom of anterior cruciate ligament rupture. The pain may be inapparent until someone accidentally manipulates the dog's leg. A nip or bite from a normally friendly dog is a good indication that he or she is in pain.
Veterinarian Testing for Signs of Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture
If left untreated, a torn anterior cruciate ligament can lead to degenerative joint disease (degenerative arthritis) of the knee. Meniscal injuries often result from ruptured anterior cruciate ligaments. (The meniscus usually tears—In humans, this is called tearing the cartilage of the knee)
Surgery is the treatment of choice for a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. Some small dogs however, show signs of improvement with just rest and limited exercise.
A ruptured anterior cruciate ligament is not always an obvious condition. Careful manipulation and palpation of the knee is required for obtaining an accurate diagnosis. Often, heavy sedation or general anesthesia is required for this orthopedic examination.
Ruptured anterior cruciate ligament is a common injury of the dog's knee joint. Once diagnosed, your veterinarian will recommend the treatment that is best for your pet.