The knee is an articulation that unites the femur with the tibia. This articulation is composed, among other things, by the ligaments. The cranial crusader ligament has the function of preventing knee hyperextension and preventing the internal rotation of the tibia, stabilizing it.
The rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament is the most frequent cause of the Claudication of the rear limbs in dogs (rare cats) and can be bilateral or not. The rupture of the ligament can be total or partial or may come from the insertion of the ligament of your point of origin or your insertion point.
The causes of this rupture can be: traumatic, such as running, a fall or too rapid rotation of the articulation or degenerative with loss of ligament integrity. It can also occur associated with other joint pathologies. The degenerative causes are the most common and in large animals the disease begins early and progresses faster. In small animals, the disease appears in the most advanced age.
Dogs of any breed, gender or age can be influenced, however the younger animals are more likely. Races as Retriever Labrador, Chow-Chow, Rottweiler, among others, is more widespread. Obese animals, whether it is dogs or cats, are more likely to be affected by the disease.
Clinical signs of a rupture of the crossed width in animals
Since it is an often chronic pathology, the lame is generally intermittent and exacerbated by physical activity. In an acute situation or when, although chronic, the physical state has worsened, clinical signs can be:
- Severe claudation (without support or partial support);
- Dor;
- Difficulty in breeding or sitting;
- Muscle atrophy (in chronic situations).
Diagnosis of a crushed friendship breakdown in animals
The diagnosis of this disease is through anamnesis and a complete orthopedic examination. The test of the positive cranial drawer indicates the breakage of the cranial cruciate ligament, but in partial rides they may not be enough. It is a test that often requires sedation in nervous or painful animals. The tibia compression test can be performed with agreed animals and is particularly useful in large animals. However, it is less sensitive than the head of the cranial drawer.
The X -ray is used to integrate the orthopedic examination, detect signs of osteoarthritis and exclude other diagnoses. It often serves the surgeon to decide the technique to use. Other complementary exams such as arthroscopy, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging or computerized tomography (CT) can be used to integrate the diagnosis or, if TAC confirms the diagnosis and changes in all knee structures more thoroughly.
Conclusion
The knee is one of the most important joints in dogs, allowing proper mobility, stability, and weight-bearing. Within its complex structure, the cranial cruciate ligament plays a crucial role by preventing hyperextension of the joint and limiting excessive internal rotation of the tibia. When this ligament is compromised, the consequences for the animal’s mobility and quality of life can be significant.
Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament is, in fact, the most common cause of lameness in the rear limbs of dogs, while being relatively rare in cats. This injury can occur in one or both knees, and the severity of the rupture may vary. In some cases, the ligament is only partially torn, while in others it is completely ruptured, either at its origin, along its fibers, or at its insertion point. Regardless of the degree, the result is instability, pain, and a marked difficulty in normal locomotion.
The complexity of this condition lies not only in its impact on movement but also in the variability of its presentation. Some dogs may develop progressive degeneration that weakens the ligament over time, while others may suffer an acute rupture after sudden activity or trauma. Because of this, early recognition of symptoms such as limping, reluctance to bear weight, or stiffness is fundamental for diagnosis and timely intervention.
In conclusion, rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament highlights the delicate balance of structures that maintain joint stability. As the leading cause of rear limb lameness in dogs, it represents a significant orthopedic challenge that requires careful evaluation and management. Whether partial or total, unilateral or bilateral, addressing this injury promptly is essential to reduce pain, restore mobility, and improve the long-term quality of life of affected animals.
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