Species: Dog
Condition: Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Organ System: Musculoskeletal
Cranial cruciate ligament rupture is the tearing of the cranial cruciate ligament, the ligament that connects the thigh bone with the lower leg bone and helps stabilize the knee joint. Causes include degeneration and stretching of the cruciate ligament, excessive weight, and breed. At an increased risk are Rottweiller, Newfoundland, Staffordshire Terrier, Mastiff, Akita, Saint Bernard, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and Labrador Retriever, female and neutered dogs. The severity of the disease depends on the degree of rupture. Signs include lameness, knee pain, inflammation, accumulation of fluid in the joint, and arthritis. Treatment options are surgery and non surgical therapy (weight reduction, rehabilitation therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and custom knee bracing).
Breeds exposed to Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture – Research Reference
Golden Retriever Cross – (Popovitch et al. 1994)
Golden Retriever – (Popovitch et al. 1994)
Golden Doodle (Groodle) – (Popovitch et al. 1994)
Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine
To learn more about Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.
This information is accurate as at May 2014 and is subject to change without notice.
For Petmed Pet Health Insurance – pre-existing condition exclusion applies. Annual Benefit Limits and excess amounts vary based on pet health insurance plans.