Case Study

ORTHO – Cranial cruciate (CCL) rupture, degenerative joint disease (DJD) and effusion in a 6 year old FS Belgian Shepherd

This 6 year old FS Belgian Shepherd dog has had intermittent right hind lameness for 2 years. Decreased muscle mass right hind, positive cranial drawer and CTT, moderate medial buttress sign. Pre-surgical ultrasound

Image Interpretation

Ultrasound of the right stifle-

The supra- and infrapatellar recess of the right stifle joint reveal moderate synovial thickening as well as moderate anechoic effusion. A moderate amount of osteophytes is seen at the periarticular margins of the femoropatellar and femorotibial joint. The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) presents as a broad stump of ecogenic fibres at the intercondylar eminence of the tibia. Mild periligamentous effusion is seen. The infrapatellar fat body presents moderate heterogeneity as found commonly in degenerative joint disease (DJD).  The medial meniscus is in situ with regular overall echogenicity. The caudal horn of the medial meniscus is not seen. The lateral meniscus is in situ with regular overall echogenicity.

DX

The findings of the right stifle joint are compatible with moderate generalized chronic degenerative joint disease (DJD) with moderate synovialitis as well as moderate joint effusion and osteophytosis. The findings are compatible with full partial rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament. A medial meniscal injury is not seen