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  • Project Breathe

    Project Breathe is an international initiative started by Invisible Fence Brand with the goal of equipping all first responding emergency units throughout Canada, the US and the UK with specially designed pet oxygen masks.

    Caledon Mountain Veterinary Hospital would like to raise awa... Read More

  • Project Pet Slimdown

    Project Pet Slimdown is a weight loss program designed for your cat/dog to help them lose weight.  By losing weight they can lead a happier, healthier and longer life.  Each pet will get their own individual program designed for them because, as we know, every pet is dif... Read More

  • New reception email address

    Effective immediately the new email address to contact our reception desk is:

    cmvhreception@gmail.com

     Please make the appropriate changes to your contact lists.  Thank you.

    Read More

  • Help Dr. Juan Elduayen

    Juan Elduayen is a wonderful and well-respected veterinarian in Toronto.  He emigrated with his family from Venezuela and has been working for the past couple of years at both the Woodbine Animal Clinic and Front Street Animal Hospital.  A huge blow came when he was very recently diag... Read More

  • Blood Donor Program

    Call us for more information about our blood donor program.  519-927-5775 ask for Ashley Read More

  • Facebook

    Be sure to check us out on facebook and 'like' our facebook page. 

     You can enter your pet's photo for our Pet of the Month contest by emailing your pet's photo to cmvhreception@gmail.com with "pet of the month" in the subject line and watch... Read More

CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RUPTURE PDF Print E-mail

The knee joint of the cat is one of the weakest in the body.  Just as football players frequently suffer knee injuries, the cat also can have knee injuries.  The knee joint is relatively unstable because there is no interlocking of bones in the joint.  Instead, the two main bones, the femur and tibia, are joined with several ligaments.  When severe twisting of the joint occurs, the most common injury is a rupture of the anterior or cranial cruciate ligament.  When it is torn, instability occurs that allows the bones to move in an abnormal fashion in relation to each other.  It is difficult for the cat to bear weight on the leg without it collapsing.

How is the diagnosis made?

The most reliable means of diagnosing this injury is to move the femur and tibia in a certain way to demonstrate the instability.  This movement is called a "drawer sign."  It can usually be demonstrated with the cat awake.  If the cat is in pain, has very strong leg muscles, or is uncooperative, it may be necessary to use sedation in order to examine the joint thoroughly.

How is it treated?

Correction of this problem often requires surgery.  A skilled surgeon can fashion a replacement ligament and stabilize the joint so it functions normally or nearly normally.  Some cats will heal without surgery but most cats will eventually develop arthritis as a result of the injury.

What about torn cartilage?

Occasionally the injury that causes also results in tearing of one or both of the menisci or "cartilages."  These menisci may be viewed as “shock absorbers” between the two bones in the leg. At the time of surgery, these are examined and removed if necessary.

Is there any non-surgical treatment?

Occasionally, the cat that has a ruptured cruciate ligament will improve even if surgery is not performed.  However, arthritis will usually begin and many cats become lame a few months later. 

Does obesity play a role in this condition?

A special note is appropriate concerning the cat's weight.  Obesity or excessive weight can be a strong contributing factor in cruciate rupture.  The ligament may become weakened due to carrying too much weight, causing it to tear easily.  Obesity will make the recovery time much longer, and it will make the other knee very susceptible to cruciate rupture.  If your cat has a weight problem, there are prescription diets that can be used to assist weight reduction.

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This client information sheet is based on material written by Ernest E. Ward Jr., DVM.

 © Copyright 2002 Lifelearn Inc. Used with permission under license. July 14, 2004.
 
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