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Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture is the most common cause of hind limb lameness in dogs. It is equivalent to the human ACL tear.
Key Facts
- Most common orthopedic injury in dogs; uncommon in cats
- Can be traumatic (sudden) or degenerative (gradual weakening)
- Predisposed breeds: Labrador, Golden Retriever, Rottweiler, Newfoundland
- Signs: sudden lameness, swelling of stifle (knee), sitting with leg out to side
- 40-60% of dogs that rupture one CCL will rupture the other within 1-2 years
- Surgery is the gold standard treatment; several techniques available
- TTA (tibial tuberosity advancement): changes the biomechanics of the knee
- TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy): another common surgical technique
- Conservative management (rest, weight loss, anti-inflammatories) may work for small dogs <30 lbs
- Species: dogs (primarily)