Bilateral, Chronic Cranial Cruciate Ligament Avulsion in a Six-Year-Old Dog

Summary

A 6-year-old Samoyed was admitted with bilateral hindlimb stiffness and left hindlimb lameness. Results of clinical, radiographic and scintigraphic examinations were consistent with bilateral cruciate ligament deficiency. There was complete avulsion of the tibial insertion of the cranial cruciate ligament of the left stifle and partial avulsion of the right cranial cruciate ligament. Surgical treatment consisted of removal of avulsed bone fragments and placement of an intra-articular fascial graft.

Avulsion of the cranial cruciate ligament is reported rarely in the dog. All cases in the literature have involved dogs less than three years of age and there is often a history of trauma. This Case Report describes bilateral atraumatic cranial cruciate ligament avulsion in a six-year-old dog. The factors involved in patterns of cruciate injury are discussed.

Keywords

Cranial cruciate ligament - avulsion - stifle - dog

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