Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Update on the aetiopathogenesis of canine cranial cruciate ligament disease.
- Journal:
- Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T
- Year:
- 2011
- Authors:
- Comerford, E J et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology · United Kingdom
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD) is a common problem in dogs that causes lameness in the back legs and can lead to arthritis in the knee joint. This condition happens when the ligament gradually breaks down, which can eventually result in it tearing. While the exact causes of CCLD are not fully understood, factors like breed, weight, gender, and the shape of the dog's body can increase the risk. For example, Newfoundlands are known to have a genetic tendency toward this disease. Researchers are looking into how inflammation and changes in the ligament's structure might contribute to the problem, with the hope of finding ways to help all dogs at risk, or at least certain breeds.
Abstract
Cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD) is the most common cause of hindlimb lameness in the dog, being associated with and eventually leading to stifle osteoarthritis. Canine cranial cruciate ligament disease is a gradual degeneration of the ligament extracellular matrix (ECM) leading to ligament rupture. The aetiopathogenesis of this condition is still poorly understood but several risk factors have been identified such as breed, bodyweight, gender and conformation. Recent developments in this area include the role of genetics, stifle joint conformation, ligament ECM metabolism, and inflammation associated with immune-mediated disease within the stifle joint. A genetic mode of inheritance has been demonstrated in the Newfoundland which is predisposed to CCLD. Increased cellular metabolism within the cranial cruciate ligament has been directly associated with increased craniocaudal stifle joint laxity in dog breeds at high risk of CCLD. Conformation abnormalities, such as a narrowed distal femoral intercondylar notch, in high risk breeds have been shown to be associated with alterations in cranial cruciate ligament ultrastructure. Increased production of inflammatory cytokines, such as cathepsins and interleukins, by the stifle synovial cells may occur secondary to or may be an inciting cause of ligament degeneration. Future research endeavours will focus on the association between immune-mediated response and fibrocartilaginous metaplasia and matrix degradation within the cranial cruciate ligament, and whether this can be altered in all susceptible dogs or only certain breeds.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21243176/