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Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament is common in dogs. Part I of this two-part presentation discussed how osteoarthritis of the stifle precedes and contributes to rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament This part concludes that the aim in treatment is not to replace the ruptured ligament but to reduce pain and slow the progression of osteoarthritis within the joint. Tests of joint laxity and other means of diagnosis are described. Conservative management is often appropriate for small dogs. Regardless of the surgical technique used, 85% to 90% of dogs show clinical improvement, although fewer than 50% become sound on the affected leg. None of the surgical techniques stop the progression of osteoarthritis.

Pain caused by instability and osteoarthritis associated with rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament is a common cause of lameness in dogs. Rupture of this ligament can be associated with traumatic and degenerative causes, but degenerative causes are the most common in dogs. Recognition and management of these causes may help prevent rupture of the ligament in the contralateral stifle. Osteoarthritis usually precedes rupture and may contribute to degeneration and rupture of the ligament. Genetic factors, including conformation, are apparently most important in initiating osteoarthritis within the stifle. Changes in the instant center of motion and centrally mediated compensatory kinematic changes may contribute to and speed the progression of osteoarthritis but are not important in initiating osteoarthritis within the stifle.

Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament is common in dogs. Part I of this two-part presentation discussed how osteoarthritis of the stifle precedes and contributes to rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament This part concludes that the aim in treatment is not to replace the ruptured ligament but to reduce pain and slow the progression of osteoarthritis within the joint. Tests of joint laxity and other means of diagnosis are described. Conservative management is often appropriate for small dogs. Regardless of the surgical technique used, 85% to 90% of dogs show clinical improvement, although fewer than 50% become sound on the affected leg. None of the surgical techniques stop the progression of osteoarthritis.

Pain caused by instability and osteoarthritis associated with rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament is a common cause of lameness in dogs. Rupture of this ligament can be associated with traumatic and degenerative causes, but degenerative causes are the most common in dogs. Recognition and management of these causes may help prevent rupture of the ligament in the contralateral stifle. Osteoarthritis usually precedes rupture and may contribute to degeneration and rupture of the ligament. Genetic factors, including conformation, are apparently most important in initiating osteoarthritis within the stifle. Changes in the instant center of motion and centrally mediated compensatory kinematic changes may contribute to and speed the progression of osteoarthritis but are not important in initiating osteoarthritis within the stifle.