What It Is:
The Cranial Cruciate Ligament is one of the main stabilizing ligaments in the knee. This ligament can rupture from either an inheritted weakness or an injury to the leg. A reluctance to use the leg is it's only symptom and this lameness may seem to heal after a few days. However the resulting instability of the knee causes degenerative joint disease, and chronic problems lead to arthritis, making a surgical recovery more difficult.
The Cranial Cruciate Ligament is one of the main stabilizing ligaments in the knee. This ligament can rupture from either an inheritted weakness or an injury to the leg. A reluctance to use the leg is it's only symptom and this lameness may seem to heal after a few days. However the resulting instability of the knee causes degenerative joint disease, and chronic problems lead to arthritis, making a surgical recovery more difficult.
What To Do:
Surgery to repair the joint is recommended for all bigger dogs to preserve joint stability and prevent arthritis. Small dogs may be able to get by without surgery, but with careful restrictions on exercise and weight control. Knee x-rays and evaluation by an orthopedic veterinary surgeon will determine what course of action you should take if your dog has a rupture.
Surgery to repair the joint is recommended for all bigger dogs to preserve joint stability and prevent arthritis. Small dogs may be able to get by without surgery, but with careful restrictions on exercise and weight control. Knee x-rays and evaluation by an orthopedic veterinary surgeon will determine what course of action you should take if your dog has a rupture.
