CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RUPTURE
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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| Animal Hospital of Fate 1001 North W.E.Crawford (Highway 66 in Fate) Rockwall, Texas 75087 |
1001 North W.E.Crawford (Highway 66 in Fate) Rockwall, Texas 75087 972-722-0066 |
| The Staff of the Animal Hospital of Fate |