If the dog has a torn ligament. Painful and quite dangerous for the future torn ligaments in dogs

The knee joint is one of the most complex parts of the body in its structure and anatomy. The femur (lower section) connects to the tibia and fibula (upper sections) through the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments. These ligaments do not allow the joint to “walk” freely, i.e. restrict his movement.

The anterior ligament controls the forward movement, the posterior ligament, respectively, regulates the backward movement. Menisci are located in the cavity of the knee joint, protecting the bones from friction against each other and providing better articulation of the bones.

The reasons

If in humans the most common cause of cruciate ligament rupture is mechanical damage, then in dogs there are several of them:

Breed predisposition. It occurs in dogs of large and giant breeds, as well as a predisposition seen in dogs of breeds Labrador, Rottweiler and Staffordshire Terrier.
Excess weight. Excess weight of the dog puts increased pressure on the limbs, respectively, all the components work "for wear and tear". The slightest careless movement can lead to a rupture.
Deformity of the knee joint. Improper placement of the components of the knee joint can cause abnormal tension in the ligaments and, as a result, their rupture.
Dislocation of the patella. The process is similar to deformation. As a result of dislocation, excessive tension occurs, and the ligaments are torn.
Excessive exercise. Too strong jumps, sudden movements on unheated muscles and joints, a large load on exhausted organs, etc. - all this can provoke damage to the joints and rupture of ligaments.
Ligament Degeneration in Older Dogs. With age, the strength of the ligaments decreases, and it becomes easier to break them. Most often, ligament rupture occurs in dogs of both large and small breeds at the age of 5-7 years.
Inflammation of the knee joint. Due to inflammation of the joint, pus that has fallen on the ligaments can lead to their melting, which will provoke a rupture.

Symptoms

Depending on the characteristics of the disease, symptoms appear.

Ligament tear or complete rupture.
The immediacy of the gap or the phased process.
Maintaining the integrity of the meniscus or its destruction.
The presence or absence of an inflammatory process.

When a ligament is torn in an animal, sudden lameness, it does not use the damaged leg for movement and keeps it on weight. Externally, there may be swelling in the knee area. After about a week, the animal begins to use the paw again, but does not rely on it entirely, but only on the fingers. When moving, a characteristic clicking or crackling sound is usually heard.

The most characteristic sign of cruciate ligament rupture is the so-called “drawer syndrome”, when the femur and tibia “walk” freely, not fixed by ligaments. Hypotrophy (i.e., a decrease in muscle mass) of the thigh muscles may also gradually occur.

Diagnostics

Palpation, detection of "drawer syndrome".
Radiography, which reveals an abnormal location of the bones of the knee joint, secondary changes in the joint.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
Arthroscopy (surgical manipulation performed to detect pathologies and internal injuries associated with the joints).

In most cases, a complex of procedures is carried out immediately to diagnose the disease, because. each of them individually is not able to fully identify the degree and nature of the disease. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that in this case, diseases, i.e. ligament rupture, the most effective method is arthroscopy, during which not only damage is detected, but also therapeutic manipulations are carried out.

Treatment

When choosing treatment methods, the following are taken into account:

The age of the dog.
The activity level of the animal.
The severity of the disease.
Age of damage.

Young dogs of small breeds (up to 10 kg) can be treated conservatively - rigid fixation of the injured limb and the maximum reduction of physical activity (short walks, tracking the body weight of the animal). In such a situation, optimal recovery of mobility occurs in about 85% of cases, and lameness disappears. If the lameness does not go away, but surgical intervention becomes necessary.

In order to avoid the development of arthrosis of the knee joint and other complications, surgical treatment is recommended for all breeds of dogs. During it, the knee joint is opened, the integrity of the menisci is checked, parts of the damaged cruciate ligaments and, if necessary, destroyed menisci are removed. Then there is fixation. For the best effect, the joint capsule (connective tissue that envelops the joint itself) can be sutured "overlapped". Additional fixation is divided into extra-articular and intra-articular.

With extra-articular fixation, an implant is implanted into the knee. It also covers the joint with an overlap, providing additional fixation. Triple osteotomy of the lower leg can be performed - one of the most modern and effective methods. The advantage of this operation is that after it you do not need to wear a fixing bandage.

An intra-articular fixation method is the replacement of a damaged ligament with a prosthesis or autograft.

Immediately after the operation, the dog must undergo a course of antibiotic therapy. She needs to ensure minimal physical activity and complete fixation of the injured limb, for which dressings are used (for example, a Robert-Johnson bandage). If the dog experiences severe pain, then the doctor can additionally prescribe various anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics.

In general, a cruciate ligament tear is treatable. The success of treatment depends on when the owners of the dog turned to the veterinarian, since prolonged injury to the knee leads to the emergence of new diseases and the fixation of lameness.

Dogs are very curious, active and energetic pets. Often, an unsuccessful jump, running on a slippery surface, falling from a height, or any wrong movement lead to an injury in the form of a sprain, fracture, or rupture of the limb ligaments.

Signs of Torn Ligaments in Dogs

In case of violation of the integrity of the ligaments, the clinical picture of the disease may be different depending on the type of rupture and the degree of inflammation in the joint. The symptoms of the disease also depend on how damaged the menisci in the knee joint are.

An injured dog with a torn cruciate ligament experiences severe pain in the knee joint with any movement. In the case of a partial rupture, the animal does not feel severe pain and only limps slightly on the injured limb. Due to the lack of a small number of signs, pet owners confuse a partial rupture with sprain and do not go to the veterinary clinic. But over time, the smallest, it would seem, gap often leads to disastrous consequences.

If we are talking about a complete rupture of the ligaments, the pet is very lame or is constantly in a supine position with a paw bent under the body. May also whine strongly from pronounced pain. Complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in dogs is characterized by acute pain, swelling in the knee joint, and a gradual increase in body temperature. A high temperature may indicate a progressive infection in the diseased joint.

Self-treatment in most cases leads to the development of atrophy of the muscles of the extremities and other pathological changes. Therefore, it is so important to seek veterinary help when detecting the first signs of ligament rupture.

Diagnosis of torn ligaments in dogs

Ligament rupture is diagnosed in the clinic by a qualified veterinarian. At the first appointment, an anamnesis is collected to determine the clinical picture and an examination of the injured pet is carried out. For an accurate diagnosis, the following diagnostic measures are used:

Calf compression test. The dog is wearing a muzzle. The pet is laid on the couch on its side so that the injured limb is in an extended state. The knee joint is fixed in the desired position and gently flexion/extension in the hock joint is performed. If the lower leg moves forward, this indicates a complete rupture of the ligament. Before the procedure, anesthesia is performed to relax the muscles.
Cranial tension test. The dog is laid on its side so that the injured paw is on top. The femur and lower leg are fixed with the help of hands, and then the lower leg is slowly displaced in the cranial direction. Cranial displacement of the tibia in relation to the condyles of the femur indicates a strong rupture of the ACL. The test is most often performed with the use of sedatives.
X-ray examination. In most cases, the two tests described above are sufficient to determine a ligament break. But in order to avoid consequences in the form of inflammatory processes and the development of pathological conditions, an x-ray is prescribed. X-rays allow you to determine the presence of defects on the articular surface of the knee. As a rule, with a complete rupture of the ligaments in the picture, you can see pathological changes on the surface of the sesamoid bones, patellas and joint cavities.
CT scan. With a significant rupture of the ligament, computed tomography is appropriate. Diagnostic examination allows you to study certain changes in the bone structure of the knee joint, to identify the presence / absence of osteophytes. Computed tomography, like x-rays, cannot be used as the basis for diagnosis. For an accurate picture, arthroscopic examination is performed.
Arthroscopy of the knee region. A torn partial anterior cruciate ligament in large dogs is determined by arthroscopic examination. Diagnosis consists in the introduction of a device equipped with a microvideo camera into the joint cavity. This method allows you to most effectively and quickly determine the pathological condition of the meniscus and other structures of the knee joint.

All of the above methods allow you to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Therapeutic treatment of torn ligaments in dogs

Treatment involves a number of health-improving measures: anti-inflammatory therapy, restriction of pet mobility and the use of special dog knee pads.

Anti-inflammatory therapy

If a cruciate ligament rupture is diagnosed, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to relieve the inflammatory process and reduce pain in the knee joint. The course of treatment and dosage are determined taking into account the weight of the animal and the course of the disease. So, for example, young dogs weighing up to 5 kg are prescribed Loxicom in suspension for a course of up to 10 days (the dosage depends on the specific weight). Large pets - preparations Rimadyl or Previcox in the form of tablets.

It is not recommended to offer an animal non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs without the advice of a veterinarian. Incorrect use of them leads in most cases to severe irritation of the mucous membrane of the intestines and stomach, and in case of overdose and frequent use - to ulcers and erosions. Use medications only as directed by your veterinarian.

Restriction of pet movements up to 1 month

With a torn knee ligament, you will need to take strict measures to help limit the movement of your pet. With a partial break, walks on a short leash for short distances are allowed. With a complete rupture of the ligament, the sick pet is kept in a small enclosure to avoid its increased activity. The dog is strictly forbidden to make sudden movements, jumps, and even more so for a while it is worth forgetting about active games.

Use of knee pads for pets

This measure is effective only in complex therapy. Properly fixed medical knee pads allow you to provide additional support for the joint during active actions and movements of the pet. It is important to remember that improper fixation can lead to deformation of the knee joint and the development of pathological conditions. Therefore, it is so important to entrust this procedure to professional veterinarians.

Surgical treatment of torn ligaments in dogs

The most effective treatment for a cruciate ligament tear in a dog is surgery. To date, there are a large number of ways. But not all of them are effective. In our country, the following modern methods of treatment are actively used, which allow maintaining a high level of mobility of pets for many years.

Intracapsular method

The use of intracapsular technique allows you to restore the performance of the knee joint. The essence of the method is to replace the anterior cruciate ligament with a reliable graft. The rehabilitation period lasts for all dogs in different ways, from 1 month or more. The graft eventually takes root in the knee joint and is a healthy ligament.

Extracapsular method

If a torn cranial ligament is diagnosed in a hind paw dog, an extracapsular treatment may be used. Its use allows you to stabilize the performance of the knee joint with the help of soft tissues or lateral sutures. The effectiveness of the method has been proven for dogs weighing from 12 to 15 kg. The animal calmly steps on the damaged paw already 14 days after the operation.

Muscle transposition is suitable for all dogs without exception. The pet freely stands on the diseased limb 6 weeks after surgery. Lameness with proper rehabilitation and proper care disappears after 5 months.

osteotomy

The use of this method of treatment allows you to correct the anatomical structure of the knee joint and fully restore the performance of damaged paws. Surgery is indicated for all types of dogs, from dwarf breeds to the largest pets. The advantage of the method lies in the high speed of conduction and rapid rehabilitation. After the operation, the limb is not fixed with a bandage. The recovery period lasts no more than 1 week.

If your dog is injured, don't delay visiting the veterinarian. Soberly assess the situation, if possible, provide first aid, but in any case do not treat yourself. Only a veterinarian can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the right treatment! Remember, the future health of your pet depends only on you!

Cruciateligamentruptureindogs

Where is the cruciate ligament located and why is it called that?

The name cruciform means "to cross" or "to form a cross." These are two bands of fibrous tissue located at the knee joints. They join the femur and tibia (at the top and bottom of the knee joints)

There are several cruciate ligaments on the knee joint, but the most common injury is associated with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament.

In humans, the joint has a similar structure and is called the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments. In athletes, an anterior cruciate ligament tear is typically a common knee injury.

Photo1. Anatomy of the knee joint

How does cruciate ligament injury and rupture occur?

From anatomy, we know that the knee joint is a complex joint consisting of three bones connecting, it is not a stable joint, because there is no blockage of the bones in the joint. This globular mechanism is stabilized by a large ligamentous apparatus. The cruciate ligaments limit the excessive mobility of the joint at the time of movement and rest.

As a rule, a cruciate ligament tear occurs when the dog changes direction abruptly during its movement. At this point, excessive rotation of the knee joint can occur and the kinetic force of the body and movement acts on the ligaments. A cruciate ligament tear is usually a very painful injury. The dog may whine sharply and begin to limp on one of the pelvic limbs.

Rupture (PKC) is a very common pathology especially in large and giant dog breeds and is also a major cause of degenerative knee disease.

A more chronic form of cruciate ligament injury may be due to progressive weakening of the ligamentous apparatus, repeated trauma, or arthritis. At first, chromate may be mild due to a partial tear of the ligament.

In more than 70% of cases, ACL rupture is the cause of lameness and pain in the knee joint in dogs, it is the most common orthopedic disease and inevitably leads to the development of degenerative changes in the knee joint. (Corr SA, Brown C., A., 2007)

Anterior cruciate ligament rupture accounts for 35-40% of all non-traumatic orthopedic pathologies (Brunberg 1990)

Symptoms of ACL rupture

Pain in the knee joint

joint swelling

Limitation of movements of the knee joint

How to make a diagnosis?

Pet owners will notice that their dog is lame in the hindquarters. Of course, they will immediately go to the veterinary clinic, and the orthopedist will determine a number of measures for making a diagnosis.

Data collection (anamnesis) examination of the dog

Drawer syndrome test (usually under sedation)

X-ray examination of areas of interest

Miniarthrotomy or arthroscopy

(photo2) Drawer Syndrome Test

Photo 16 Miniarthrotomy technique

Video 1 Drawer syndrome test.

Pathological movement of the lower leg forward relative to the femur. As a rule, with a rupture (ACL), traumatization of the menisci of the knee joint occurs.

(photo 12) X-ray examination, ACL rupture

The meniscus is a crescent-shaped lining of cartilage. Acts as a shock absorber in the knee joint.

The medial (inner) meniscus is located on the inside

the lateral (outer) meniscus is located on the outer part of the articular plateau of the tibia.

Fig 3 Anatomy of the menisci

A separate injury to the meniscus is an extremely rare pathology. When the ACL is torn, a meniscus injury is observed 20-81% more often, the body of the meniscus is torn than its horn.

Figure 4 types of meniscus injury

Which dogs need surgery?

Dogs weighing up to 10 kg can be cured without surgery. But this requires strict adherence to the rules, the rejection of jumps and sudden movements, a cage, an aviary, rest, treatment for 6 weeks.

Dogs weighing over 10 kg usually require knee stabilization surgery.

What are the techniques for stabilizing the knee joint?

To date, there is no single approach, opinion on the treatment of this pathology in large breeds of dogs, there are many different techniques for stabilizing the knee joint.

And in this regard, we can draw a definite conclusion: practical is the operation, the technique of which the doctor is fluent in, the preferences of the owner, the body weight of the dog, the cost of the operation and safety.

1. Bundle frame

Extracapsular (tight rope, lateral suture, L.Brunberg, fabellotibial suture)

Intracasular (replacement of the ligament with a lavsan prosthesis)

Technique according to Efimov (Method of bicepssartoriotransposition)

2. Change in biomechanics

Change in the angle of the upper articular surface of the lower leg (osteotomy of the surface or edges of the lower leg TPLO, TTO)

Changing the position of the patellar ligament (TTA1, TTA2)

The TPLO tibial plateau leveling osteotomy is a surgical technique based on reduction of the angle of the tibia, where the forces of motion during extension provide dynamic stabilization of the joint. This technique was first proposed by Slocum in 1993.

Fig.5 Scheme of TPLO technique

Technique TTO - Stabilization of the knee joint occurs due to a change in the angle between the axis of the diaphysis and the tibial plateau, as well as due to the displacement of the tuberosity of the tibia, which pulls the direct ligament of the patella and the collateral ligaments of the patella cranially, which also contributes to the stabilization of the knee joint.

Fig5. TTO technique

Technique TTA1 and TTA2 TTA (TibialTuberosityAdvancement) - The essence of this method is the lengthening of the tuberosity of the tibia, which changes the geometry of the knee joint, preventing the lameness of the animal.

Rice. 7 TTA technique1Fig.6 TTA technique

Fig.9 TTA2 techniqueFig. 8 TTA2 technique

Photo 17. TTA technique

Video 2 Dog after TTA2 operation, 7 days have passed since the operation

Video 2 Cruciate ligament rupture, TTA 2 surgery, dog 1.5 months after surgery

The TightRope technique is based on the principles of isometric implant placement.

Fig.10 TightRope technique

Technique Fabellotibial suture. Fixation of the prosthesis is made for the lateral sesamoid bone and tuberosity of the tibia.

Fig. 11 Fabellotibial suture technique

Rice. 14.15 Efimov technique

Technique According to L. Brunberg - duplication of the fibrous layer of the joint capsule

Fig.18 Technique according to L. Brunberg

Rice. 19 Advantages and disadvantages of techniques

Rice. 20 Summary table

Analyzing the work of our clinic, we mostly use the TTA1, TTA2 techniques or their modernized combinations, we also often use a combination of the fabellotibial suture technique with the L. Brunberg technique. Operations using the TTA technique showed an excellent result in 80% of cases, as well as a very fast recovery of the operated limb. In giant breeds of dogs, tibial tuberosity was torn off in 15% of cases with the TTA1 technique, so we began to combine techniques, modernizing them.

Regardless of the knowledge of surgical techniques and the technical equipment of the clinic, in the treatment of this pathology, it is extremely important to perform an arthrotomy if you are sure of a meniscus rupture, carefully remove fragments of the ligament, and also revise the menisci, and, if necessary, meniscectomy.

The postoperative recovery period is 8 weeks. With some surgical techniques, the period for the return of the functional ability of the limb can reach up to 3 months.

During operations on the pelvic limbs, we use a modern anesthetic manual.

Inhalation anesthesia - sevoflurane (gas anesthesia)

Epidural anesthesia

The use of this scheme showed an excellent result, the dog responds adequately 30 minutes after surgery and can move independently.

Surgeon Sadovedov K.P.

Department of Veterinary Neurology

Veterinary clinic "Alisavet" Moscow

Ligaments are called fibrous strands that connect the adjacent parts of the joints. Their structure is elastic and therefore sprains in dogs or ruptures are the most common injury.

A sprain is a tear in the fibers of a ligament. Its severity is determined by how many fibers are damaged. If not many fibers are torn, the sprain is considered insignificant, because the function of the joint is not impaired, there is practically no swelling and bleeding.

In fact, only pain is observed. In a severe sprain, extensive tearing of the fibers is accompanied by swelling, bleeding, limited range of motion in the joint, and severe pain.

Types of Ligament Tears in Dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Causes

For the life of a dog, ruptures of the ligaments of the spine are the most important. They occur with a serious injury with fractures and dislocations of the vertebrae and can lead to impaired urination, paralysis, paresis.

Diagnosis of this injury can be based on X-ray, neurological examination, etc., and treatment can be mainly in the form of surgery. In some breeds of dogs (Chihuahua, Toy Terrier, Yorkie), spontaneous rupture of the ligaments leads to abnormal development of the first and second cervical vertebrae. In this case, the dog wears a corset and is prescribed corticosteroids.

Surgical intervention is indicated only in the absence of the effect of conservative treatment. In dogs, the most common knee disease is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, which leads to osteoarthritis.

This ligament can be torn as a result of trauma or regular trauma, degenerative changes, inflammatory diseases of the joint. The disease is manifested by the fact that. More often the dog keeps its paw on weight, slightly bending the knee joint.

Small animals (up to 15 kg) are treated without surgery, while medium and large animals are recommended to be operated on immediately. Tears and sprains of other ligaments (carpal, shoulder, elbow, hip, hock, etc.) are most often associated with joint dislocations. In case of rupture of these ligaments, the joint is simply fixed for 3-4 weeks.

First aid and treatment for sprains and ruptures of ligaments

If the dog suddenly limps, especially after jumping or falling, put something cold on the damaged area for 20 minutes, and then apply a tight bandage or elastic bandage. With such injuries, it cannot be used, because, without feeling pain, the animal will start to run, and this will further injure the damaged joint.

Dogs, characterized by activity and endurance, often injure themselves, carried away by the process of playing or executing commands during training. Ligament rupture in a dog is a fairly common injury, especially when it comes to large breeds, "clumsy" puppies or "old men", pets with genetic predispositions. Even a slight sprain of the ligament is associated with severe pain, let alone a rupture, which can provoke a serious injury to the joint or the development of pathology.

Most often, the first symptom that the owner of the four-legged pays attention to is lameness. The paw is intact, there are no cuts or splinters, but the pet reacts sharply to an attempt to feel or change the position of the joint. Possible causes of ligament injuries are as follows:

Excess weight of an adult dog, active growth of a puppy - connective tissues cannot withstand the weight of a pet, as a result of which even a light load can provoke fiber ruptures.

Age-related degenerative diseases.

Breed characteristics - dogs with an unnatural body constitution are more prone to joint problems. For example, in new-format German shepherds, dachshunds, problems with the spine, hip joint and paw ligaments are ailments that accompany pets all their lives.

Skeletal deformities due to trauma or congenital abnormalities - miniature dogs, in the stage of active growth, often suffer from sprains or ruptures of the ligaments of the vertebrae.

Active loads, without proper preparation, especially jumping. Rupture of the hock ligaments is an occupational disease of jumpers, loads should be increased gradually, even if the dog can take a 2-meter hurdle, training starts with small obstacles. Particular attention should be paid to the load of the puppy with “not strengthened” wrist joints, rupture of the plantar ligaments leads to sagging of the paw relative to the hand (tarsal drooping).

Hip injury

Torn ligaments in dogs are also treated in several ways. The hip joint (HJ) is the croup, in the cavity of which the articular heads of the hind legs are placed. At the same time, both heads are connected by one ligament, and if it breaks, 2 paws suffer at once. Most often, the injured limb falls under the dog's stomach when walking. The animal walks normally for some time, later, the paw begins to “wobble” and the dog sits down. When both joints "fall out", the elbows of the hind legs "tend" to each other, similar to an X-shaped curvature.

The tactics of treatment and diagnosis are similar to knee injuries. Large dogs are immediately operated on, the ligaments are increased and strengthened with the help of implants, and the joint is fixed.

Note! Injuries to the ligaments of the wrists, hock, shoulder and elbow joints, most often, do not require prosthetics.

Spinal injury

Often, deformity of the spinal column implies serious injury. When falling from a height, serious fights, accidents, not only ligament rupture occurs, but also deformation of the vertebrae. Such injuries are complicated by a number of negative consequences, from involuntary urination to irreversible paralysis of the limbs. Be that as it may, if your pet is in a “trouble” and the spine is injured, it is absolutely impossible to self-medicate! In any case, the dog is x-rayed and if the ligaments are torn, they are sewn together during the operation.

You can’t insure against accidents, but owners of miniature dogs should pay special attention to the development of a pet. Due to congenital deformity of the cervical vertebrae, the ward is at risk for the so-called atlanto-axial instability. Most often, the deviation does not pose a threat to life and is amenable to outpatient treatment - wearing a fixing corset and drug stimulation (hormonal drugs).