Torn Knee Ligaments (Cruciate Injuries)

Torn Knee Ligaments (Cruciate Injuries)

The knee joints of dogs and cats (and of people) are held together by a fibrous joint capsule and a number of ligaments; the most prominent of these are the cruciate ligaments. If an abnormal force is placed on the joint from trauma or from planting the leg wrong on the ground, these ligaments could tear or rupture, leading to instability and pain within the affected knee joint. Acute ruptures or tears involving the cruciate ligaments usually result in a sudden, non-weight-bearing lameness in pets so affected. A diagnosis of torn knee ligaments is made if a veterinarian can demonstrate an obvious laxity within the affected knee joint. Because of the pain involved with such a diagnostic procedure, sedation might be necessary in order to obtain an accurate assessment. Radiographs might be helpful, depending on the duration of the problem.Treatment of this condition involves surgical repair and reconstruction of the torn ligaments in an effort to restore normal knee joint stability. Following surgical repair, disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs) can be used to speed the healing of any cartilage damaged as a result of the injury.

Hip Luxation

One common sequela to car accidents and other types of trauma involving dogs and cats is dislocation, or luxation, of one or both hip joints. These pets usually have a non-weight-bearing lameness on the affected leg, and it is quite painful. Diagnosis can be made with a physical examination and radiographic X rays of the hips and pelvis. Treatment usually involves surgical stabilization of the hip joint to restore function and to prevent recurrence. In cats and small dogs, the head of the femur may actually be removed to allow a false joint to form at the site.

⇐ Предыдущая 1 2 3 456 7 8 9 10 Следующая ⇒