STIFLE INJURIES IN CATTLE

Lameness of the hindlimbs originating from the stifle joint may be dif ficult to diagnose and treat. This article describes anatomic consider ations and the diagnostic procedures necessary to accurately evaluate the bovine stifle joint. The emphasis is toward obtaining a diagnosis based on physical examination and simple diagnostic procedures in fiel d situation. Specific treatments and/or management alternatives for ca ttle with various ligament injuries (cranial cruciate rupture, collate ral ligament injuries), or with luxated patella, upward fixation of th e patella, septic arthritis, and subchondral bone cysts are described. Current knowledge of the prognosis after various treatments is presen ted.described. Current knowledge of the prognosis after various treatm ents is presented.