By Peter Lopatin for WebVet
In dogs, as in people, the knee joint is a frequent site of injury. In fact, tearing (or "rupture,'' as it's technically called) of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is the most common orthopedic injury in dogs. The good news is that there are a number of surgical procedures that -- together with good post-operative care and rehabilitation -- can restore function to the ruptured ligament and return your dog to "active duty.''
Understanding the CCL
A dog's rear knee joint (or "stifle joint,'' as it's called in veterinary lingo) is a complex piece of bioengineering, no less so than its human counterpart. You can think of it as nature's solution to the problem of connecting the femur, or thighbone, to the tibia, the large bone of the lower leg. A system of ligaments links the two bones so that they can function as a unit. A cushion of cartilage called the meniscus prevents the bottom of the femur from rubbing directly against the top -- or plateau -- of the tibia.
The CCL prevents the tibia from sliding forward, away from the femur, when a force is applied to the leg. If the CCL is torn, the stability of the joint is compromised and lameness results, accompanied by pain. Left untreated, CCL can cause irreversible arthritis, which will eventually result in permanent damage to the joint, worsening pain, and lameness.
What's the cause of CCL rupture?
CCL rupture can be chronic or acute in its origin. Pamela Schwartz, FACVS ,&...
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