Musculoskeletal Conformation of the Normal and Diseased Canine Stifle With Emphasis on Patella Luxation and Cranial Cruciate Ligament Deficiency

Abstract

The second objective was to identify the morphometric characteristics of the pelvic limb that may explain breed predisposition to CCL deficiency. Thirty Labrador Retrievers were included in a cross-sectioned prospective clinical study. Musculoskeletal parameters were measured using physical examination, radiography, computed tomography, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Pelvic limbs of dogs without CCL disease were classified as normal, whereas those of Labrador Retrievers with CCL deficiency were considered as diseased. Variables were compared between groups using analysis of variance. The results indicated that proximal deviation of the tibial axis and the presence of distal femoral torsion appeared more likely to contribute to CCL deficiency than tibial torsion and malalignment of the patellar ligament. The results support the concept that a muscle imbalance, specifically predominance of the gastrocnemius muscle, may oppose the cranial tibial thrust and predispose Labrador Retrievers to CCL disease.