Canine Cruciate Disease – Aetiology and Diagnosis*

Canine Cruciate Disease

Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is one of the most common causes of lameness in dogs. In recent years it has become apparent that the aetiology of CCL rupture in dogs is somewhat different to the acute traumatic injury commonly seen in humans. As such the terms ‘CCL disease’, or more simply, ‘cruciate disease’, havecome to be favoured over the term ‘CCL rupture’. Simultaneously, our understanding of the impact of cruciate disease on the function and long-term health of the stifle joint has evolved. In the first of two articles the authors discuss the aetiology and diagnosis of cruciate disease, while the second article will cover management options.