Summary
Over a period of 14 years, three cats with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture
were seen in our practice. In all, the rupture had occurred without a history of previous
trauma. All were treated surgically. All died within a period of 14 days. The reason
of death was in all cases cardiomyopathy. We now suggest that cats with rupture of
the anterior cruciate ligament undergo an electrocardiographic recording and eventually
an thoracic radiography before surgery is considered. We also suggest that cats with
ACL rupture should preferably be treated conservatively.
Keywords
Cardiomyopathy - cats - anterior cruciate ligament rupture