MULTIPLE LIGAMENTOUS INJURIES OF THE CANINE STIFLE JOINT - A STUDY OF12 CASES

Multiple ligamentous injuries of the canine stifle are uncommon, In th is study, they affected mainly adult, male, working or sporting dogs a nd occurred secondary to severe trauma, or where chronic joint infecti on had weakened the supporting structures, Rupture of the cranial cruc iate, caudal cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments was the most co mmon injury observed and this occurred after catching the limb in a fe nce or gate. Reconstruction of the collateral and cranial cruciate lig aments, and careful repair of damaged menisci and joint capsule, was a n effective method of treatment for medium- and large-size dogs, Recon struction of the caudal cruciate ligament and postoperative limb suppo rt was not found to be essential. All dogs with subluxated stifles had good to excellent limb function with minimal loss of mid-thigh circum ference or stifle joint range of motion at follow-up. Less favourable results were achieved where there was stifle joint luxation with exten sive disruption to secondary joint restraints.