STIFLE INJURIES

By Dr. Blaine Burkett

The stifle joint of the dog is very commonly affected with osteoarthritis. The most common cause of osteoarthritis in the canine stifle joint is a result of a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament (CCL). This is a similar injury to what occurs in humans (torn ACL). The CCL prevents hyperextension and over-internal rotation in the stifle. Dogs can tear the CCL as a result of an acute traumatic injury, but, most commonly the tear occurs as a result of a chronic degeneration of the ligament over time.

A myriad of biological events occur in the stifle after the cruciate ligament has been damaged. The resultant instability leads to cartilage wear and the formation of osteoarthritis. This instability can also lead to a torn meniscus in the stifle joint. Fibrils within the ligament when exposed to synovial fluid incite further inflammation and pain. The resultant degenerative joint disease can be very painful.

There are many surgical and non-surgical treatment options available for dogs with CCL injury. Surgery should be performed in all dogs. Surgical stabilization of the joint is the first step in attempt to decrease the development of further osteoarthritis. Non-surgical treatments revolve around weight control, exercise control, pain control and the use of chondroprotective agents such as glucosamine. Glucosamine will function to assist the dog in two main ways. The first is to minimize the inflammation found within an injured joint the second is to help maintenance of the cartilage and aid in repair and some degree of regeneration.