Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

390 •DOG OWNER’S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK
A restriction bandage is used to immobilize the leg of this Poodle.
STIFLE INJURIES
The stifle joint is stabilized by a number of ligaments. The two large ligaments
that cross in the middle of the joint are the cranial and caudal cruciates. The
ligaments that stabilize the sides of the joints are the medial and lateral collaterals.
The meniscus is a cushion of cartilage between the femur and the tibia
and fibula.
Rupture of the cranial cruciate is a common and serious injury of the stifle.
It occurs in all breeds at all ages, but is more likely to occur in younger, active
dogs. There may be a congenital or developmental predisposition in some
dogs (see Osteochondrosis, page 400). If one tears, unless it is repaired, the ligament
in the other knee also eventually tears.
The sudden onset of rear leg lameness suggests a rupture. The lameness
may disappear with rest, then recur with exercise. In some cases the presenting
sign is persistent lameness in one or both hind legs. The diagnosis is confirmed
by palpating the stifle joint. In many cases the medial collateral
ligament is also damaged.