Laurie's Blogs.

Here are a few interesting studies about cruciate disease that I thought I’d share in one nice and tidy blog post!  And GO!

1.  Prevalence of bilateral meniscal tears was 48.0% in dogs that underwent staged or bilateral TPLO surgeries.  Breed (specifically Rottweilers), older age, lower patient weight and complete cranial cruciate ligament tear were significant risk factors for bilateral meniscal tears. (Laube & Keerstetter 2021)

2.  The prevalence of contralateral CCLR in medium-to-large breed dogs more than or equal to 8 years of age old is less than previously reported and the risk decreases as they age.  About 19.1% (159/831 dogs) of dogs that experience a first-side CCLR at 8 years of age or older will rupture the contralateral side, a median of 12.9 months later.   Age and breed, Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, were factors significantly associated with contralateral CCLR. (Murphy et al 2023)

3.  In dogs with CrCL rupture, this study suggests possible relationships towards the incidence of a bilateral rupture also occurring as more likely in male dogs, young dogs with a mean age of four years (4.3 ± 2.7 years), Rottweiler dogs, and with an average elapsed time between ruptures of 57.9 weeks. (Grierson et al 2011)

4.  Results suggested that Tibial Plateau Angle in the range studied (mostly < 35 degrees) was not a useful predictor of contralateral CCL rupture among dogs with unilateral CCL rupture, although age may be a risk factor for development of bilateral CCL rupture (dogs with unilateral CCL rupture were significantly older (median, 7.0 years) than dogs with bilateral CCL rupture (median, 4.5 years)).  The incidence of bilateral CCL rupture may be higher than previously reported. (Cabrera et al 2008)

And this is what is in the literature to guide you on the topic of bilateral cruciate disease and/or meniscal tears!  4 pieces of information in 4 minutes!  Now you can get on with your day!

Cheers!  Laurie

References:

1.  Laube RL, Kerstetter KK. Prevalence and Risk Factors for Bilateral Meniscal Tears Identified during Treatment for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease Via Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy in Dogs. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol. 2021 Jan;34(1):37-42. 

2.  Murphy CL, Niles J, Radasch RM. The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Contralateral Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Medium-to-Large (≥15kg) Breed Dogs 8 Years of Age or Older. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol. 2023 Jul 24. 

3.  Grierson J, Asher L, Grainger K. An investigation into risk factors for bilateral canine cruciate ligament rupture. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol. 2011;24(3):192-6. 

4.  Cabrera SY, Owen TJ, Mueller MG, Kass PH. Comparison of tibial plateau angles in dogs with unilateral versus bilateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture: 150 cases (2000-2006). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2008 Mar 15;232(6):889-92.