Risk factors for a cruciate ligament rupture in dogs
Risk factors for the diagnosis of unilateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture and clinical management in dogs in primary veterinary care in the UK
Risk factors for a cruciate ligament rupture in dogs: In a new study from 2023 from Great Britain, this establishes the connection between age, breed, gender and neutered/neutered and attempts to draw conclusions for treatment options.
Summary of the study
The aim of this study was to assess demographic risk factors associated with the diagnosis of unilateral cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture and to examine demographic and clinical risk factors associated with treatment of unilateral CCL rupture in dogs receiving primary veterinary care in the United Kingdom.
Study design
A retrospective cohort study was conducted to determine the risk factors for cruciate ligament rupture in dogs. Clinical records were automatically searched and manually reviewed for cases of unilateral CCL rupture in 2019, and additional clinical management information was extracted. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to examine the associations between risk factors and:
- Diagnosis of CCL rupture and
- clinical management (surgical or non-surgical).
The analysis included 1000 cases of unilateral CCL rupture and a random selection of 500,000 non-cases.
Results on the risk factors for cruciate ligament rupture in dogs
In particular, after accounting for confounding factors dogs aged 6 to <9 years , neutered male and female dogs, insured dogs, and the Rottweiler, Bichon Frise, and West Highland White Terrier breeds had an increased likelihood of being diagnosed with a unilateral CCL rupture.
Insured dogs and dogs weighing ≥20 kg were more likely to require surgical treatment, while dogs ≥9 years of age and dogs with a non-orthopedic comorbidity at the time of CCL rupture diagnosis were less likely .
These results help identify dogs at risk, with Rottweilers and Bichon Frizes being particularly predisposed. In addition, they contribute to a better understanding of the clinical reasons used in primary veterinary care when deciding between surgical or non-surgical treatment of a unilateral CCL rupture.
Link to the original study as PDF
From our perspective and knowledge, the following should be added as risk factors for a cruciate ligament rupture in dogs:
Risk factors for a cruciate ligament rupture in dogs
race
Some dog breeds are at higher risk of cruciate ligament rupture than others. Large dogs such as Great Danes, Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are at higher risk of cruciate ligament rupture than small dogs.
Overweight
Obesity is another important risk factor for a cruciate ligament tear in dogs. When a dog is overweight, the extra weight puts strain on the knee joint, increasing the risk of injury.
Old
Middle-aged dogs (3-8 years) are at higher risk of cruciate ligament rupture than young or old dogs. This is because the knee joint changes and becomes less stable as it grows and ages.
Activity level
Dogs that participate in activities that require sudden stop-and-go movement, such as jumping and braking, are at higher risk of cruciate ligament rupture than dogs that are less active.
Gender
Female dogs are at higher risk of cruciate ligament rupture than male dogs. This is because they have an anatomically wider pelvic structure, which puts strain on the knee joint.
genetics
Some dogs are at higher risk of cruciate ligament rupture due to their genetics. For example, Great Danes and Rottweilers are more prone to this injury due to their bone structure.
Previous injuries
Dogs that have already had a knee joint injury are at higher risk of cruciate ligament rupture. This is because the knee joint is already weakened and is more susceptible to further injury.
anatomy
The anatomy especially of the tibial plateau.
Knee joint abnormalities
Dogs that have an abnormality in the knee joint are at higher risk of cruciate ligament rupture. Examples of knee joint abnormalities include a shallow or abnormal socket, which can make the knee joint unstable.