Canine Flash Notes - Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease Flashcards
what are 3 physical exam findings that are highly suggestive of a ruptured CCL?
stifle externally rotated & has increased flexion when walking
joint effusion & thickening of the joint capsule
cranial drawer sign, cranial tibial thrust, or meniscal click
what are 3 radiographic findings seen with a ruptured CCL?
patellar fat pad compression, joint effusion of the stifle, & degenerative joint disease changes
what are 5 surgical techniques that can be used to treat a ruptured CCL?
- intracapsular fascia lata/patellar tendon autogenous graft
- extracapsular suture stabilization (femoral condyle or fabella to tibia)
- fibular head transposition to advance the insertion of the lateral collateral ligament
- TPLO to change the tibial plateau angle from 20-26° to 5-10°
- TTA
complete or partial medial meniscotomy - medial meniscus should be inspected in all cases
what should an owner be told when their 90 lb GSD is diagnosed with CCL injury in their left hind limb?
injury of the other ligament occurs in 40% of patients!!!
increases to 60% if radiographic changes are evident in the uninjured leg
what is the diagnostics of choice for CCL rupture?
physical exam
rads - look for fat pad compression, effusion, DJD, & measuring the tibial plateau angle for surgical planning
what is the common signalment of dog affected by CCL rupture?
acute or progressive onset in large breed dogs
what is the prognosis of conservative management of CCL rupture?
dogs & cats under 10 kg = 50% will do well
dogs over 10 kg = 20% do well
what is the prognosis of dogs with CCL rupture that have surgical correction done?
85% of all sizes will do well regardless of chronicity before surgery
what medical treatment is used for dogs with CCL rupture?
physical rehab, NSAIDs, & disease-modifying OA agents such as polysulfated glycosaminoglycans
