Abstract
Objective
To investigate the frequency and factors of medial meniscal injury (MMI) associated
with cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CrCLR) in toy breed dogs by arthroscopic evaluation.
Methods
Toy breed dogs (≤5 kg) diagnosed with CrCLR using stifle arthroscopy were included.
Age, sex, body weight, breed, medial patellar luxation grade, degree of lameness at
diagnosis, and duration of lameness until diagnosis were obtained from medical records.
The tibial plateau angle was evaluated using preoperative radiography. On arthroscopic
evaluation, degree of CrCLR was classified as partial or complete; MMI was classified
as no, mild, or severe injury. MMI grade was used as objective variable; ordered logistic
regression was used, and the final model was created using forward–backward stepwise
selection.
Results
Overall, 202 stifles of 178 dogs were evaluated. Arthroscopic evaluation revealed
partial and complete CrCLR, and MMI in 58, 144, and 74 stifles, respectively. MMI
with mild and severe damage was noted in 50 and 24 stifles, respectively. Final model
included body weight, lameness score, and degree of cranial cruciate ligament damage.
A grade 3 lameness score had a higher MMI factor than grade 1. Higher body weight
was associated with MMI, and complete rupture had a higher MMI factor than partial
tears.
Conclusion
Arthroscopic evaluation of CrCLR cases showed MMI in toy breed dogs. Cases with complete
CrCLR or severe lameness are at high risk of MMI and should be evaluated cautiously.
Keywords
toy breed dog - cranial cruciate ligament rupture - medial meniscus injury - arthroscopy
