Summary
A 6-year-old Samoyed was admitted with bilateral hindlimb stiffness and left hindlimb
lameness. Results of clinical, radiographic and scintigraphic examinations were consistent
with bilateral cruciate ligament deficiency. There was complete avulsion of the tibial
insertion of the cranial cruciate ligament of the left stifle and partial avulsion
of the right cranial cruciate ligament. Surgical treatment consisted of removal of
avulsed bone fragments and placement of an intra-articular fascial graft.
Avulsion of the cranial cruciate ligament is reported rarely in the dog. All cases
in the literature have involved dogs less than three years of age and there is often
a history of trauma. This Case Report describes bilateral atraumatic cranial cruciate
ligament avulsion in a six-year-old dog. The factors involved in patterns of cruciate
injury are discussed.
Keywords
Cranial cruciate ligament - avulsion - stifle - dog
