How to Prevent a Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Rupture
Let’s discuss two key indicators that may suggest risk that a dog's Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) will rupture; joint fluid thinning and increased volume of fluid in the joint. In our video, I will show you how to test for each of these indicators.
Cranial cruciate repair is so common now that 50-85% of all canine orthopedic surgeries performed each year are to repair ruptured CCLs, making it the most common orthopedic surgery done by orthopedic veterinary surgeons.
When I graduated from veterinary school in 1992, CCL tears were typically believed to be caused by trauma. However, today, we see that breakdown of the ligament, secondary to inflammation, is more frequently to blame.
Following that train of thought, if we can minimize or eliminate inflammation in the stifle, we can reduce the likelihood of a dog sustaining this painful injury and requiring surgery.
The first indication of inflammation, joint fluid thinning, is similar to a car's oil that does not perform optimally when it thins out. Joint fluid's primary role is to cushion the joint. It is thick and viscous and allows cartilage surfaces to glide next to each other smoothly as the joint flexes and extends under pressure.
When this cushion of joint fluid thins, the cartilage surfaces grind against each other. This results in the wear and tear of healthy cartilage and the release of chemicals that cause even more inflammation and further thinning of the joint fluid.
These chemicals that are released cause continuing breakdown of the CCL, allowing fibers to rupture bit by bit, until a partial or full CCL rupture has occurred.
Additionally, as cartilage wears away, an inferior cartilage matrix may develop to fill the gap, which is more prone to damage, and so the cycle continues.
Ideally, we want to find and stop this cycle of degeneration and inflammation as soon as possible. The test I show you in the video is the perfect way to identify the problem so we can break the cycle early.
They can be performed by veterinarians and pet parents, alike, so be sure to watch as I explain exactly what to look for.
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