Maggie, Mac, and Tucker - Cruciate Surgery

CRUCIATE SURGERY

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture occurs in all breeds of dogs and cats, and is the most common knee injury in dogs. A dog that is suddenly so sore that he or she can hardly bear weight on their rear leg is most likely suffering from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

The knee is a complicated joint that consists of the femur (thigh bone) above, the tibia (shin bone) below, the patella (kneecap) in front, and the fabellae behind. Cartilage called the medial and lateral menisci fit between the femur and tibia like cushions. The anterior cruciate ligament and the posterior cruciate ligament cross inside the knee joint and hold everything together, allowing the knee to bend properly.

Although any dog or cat can experience a cranial cruciate ligament rupture, there are some factors that may make an animal more prone to this injury. One scenario is a young athletic dog, usually a large breed dog, out playing roughly and takes a bad step. This dog will usually have a sudden onset of lameness. Another common scenario is an older large dog, especially if overweight, who may have weakened ligaments. This dog may experience a slower stretch of the ligaments or a partial rupture that can go unnoticed or assumed to be something else such as chronic joint disease. Then something as simple as jumping off the bed can be enough to completely tear the ligament.

If left untreated, the pet will limp or not bear weight on the affected leg. Pain, instability and arthritis will progress. The goal of surgery is to decrease the pain and to stabilize the joint. Arthritis can set in relatively quickly following a rupture; however, surgery typically cannot prevent mild arthritis from occurring. Torn remnants of the ligament which cannot be repaired will be removed. Also, the medial meniscus frequently tears and must be either repaired or removed. Quite a few dogs that have a cruciate tear in one leg are at higher risk to develop a tear in the other leg months to years later.

What can you do to help prevent a cruciate ligament rupture? It is very important to keep your pet at their appropriate weight. Even slight obesity worsens the pain of any unstable or arthritic joint. Routine moderate exercise helps with weight control, and additionally strengthens muscles that can help protect ligaments from strain. If you notice any signs of lameness, have your pet examined as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis of their condition.

Meet three special pets who underwent cruciate surgery at our hospital in the very same week!

                      MAGGIE LININGER                             MAC DIAL                                  TUCKER TYMN