Making sense of cranial cruciate ligament disease Part 2: Diagnosis

Abstract

Diagnosis of cranial cruciate ligament rupture can present challenges despite the common nature of the problem. Breed, signalment and history may be suggestive. Gait observation and orthopedic examination, including a tibial compression test and cranial drawer test provide additional information. Radiography will almost invariably confirm the diagnosis and is of particular importance in cases of partial ligament tears. Patients with luxating patellas or hip dysplasia may present additional diagnostic challenges.