The knee joints of dogs and cats (and of people) are held together by a fibrous joint capsule and a number of ligaments; the most prominent of these are the cruciate ligaments. Because of their configuration, the range of motion allowed the knee joint is limited to simple flexion and extension. If an abnormal force is placed on the joint from trauma or from planting the leg wrong on the ground, these ligaments could tear or rupture, leading to instability and pain within the affected knee joint. This instability, if not corrected in a timely fashion, will lead to arthritic changes and permanent pain within the joint.
As with humans, cruciate injuries seemingly affect active, athletic canines more than others do, but older, obese dogs and cats also have their fair share of this type of problem. Ruptured cruciates can also occur secondary to patellar luxation in toy dog breeds. Acute ruptures or tears involving the cruciate ligaments usually result in a sudden, non-weight-bearing lameness in pets so affected. Over time, a gradual return to function can occur even if the condition is not treated, but the lameness will undoubtedly return as the activity level of the pet increases or as arthritis strikes the joint.
A diagnosis of torn knee ligaments is made if a veterinarian can demonstrate an obvious laxity within the affected knee joint. Because nof the pain involved with such a diagnostic procedure, sedation might be necessary in order to obtain an accurate assessment. Radiographs might be helpful, depending on the duration of the problem.
Treatment of this condition involves surgical repair and reconstruction of the torn ligaments in an effort to restore normal knee joint stability. Many techniques for such repair are available for use, depending on the extent of the injury and other circumstances involved. In general, cats and smaller dogs that do not have to carry as much weight around on their knee joints as do larger dogs have the most satisfactory postsurgical results.
Following surgical repair, disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs) can be used to speed the healing of any cartilage damaged as a result of the injury.
As with humans, cruciate injuries seemingly affect active, athletic canines more than others do, but older, obese dogs and cats also have their fair share of this type of problem. Ruptured cruciates can also occur secondary to patellar luxation in toy dog breeds. Acute ruptures or tears involving the cruciate ligaments usually result in a sudden, non-weight-bearing lameness in pets so affected. Over time, a gradual return to function can occur even if the condition is not treated, but the lameness will undoubtedly return as the activity level of the pet increases or as arthritis strikes the joint.
A diagnosis of torn knee ligaments is made if a veterinarian can demonstrate an obvious laxity within the affected knee joint. Because nof the pain involved with such a diagnostic procedure, sedation might be necessary in order to obtain an accurate assessment. Radiographs might be helpful, depending on the duration of the problem.
Treatment of this condition involves surgical repair and reconstruction of the torn ligaments in an effort to restore normal knee joint stability. Many techniques for such repair are available for use, depending on the extent of the injury and other circumstances involved. In general, cats and smaller dogs that do not have to carry as much weight around on their knee joints as do larger dogs have the most satisfactory postsurgical results.
Following surgical repair, disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs) can be used to speed the healing of any cartilage damaged as a result of the injury.
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