Transection of the canine anterior cruciate ligament: a concise review of experience with this model of degenerative joint disease

Abstract

Transection of the anterior cruciate ligament in dogs is probably the most widely used model for degenerative articular disease. Two techniques, the percutaneous stab and arthrotomy, are currently employed. Reported results of the degree of cartilage damage and the time of onset of lesions vary considerably in the literature. Several papers described overt fibrillation as early as 6 weeks post-operatively while others found only mild changes up to nearly 4 years. Critical analysis of the model revealed that parameters such as the breed of dog, its age, weight, amount of exercise and technique of surgery may influence the onset and severity of lesions. Further research is essential to define the relative importance of each.