Cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and postoperative rehabilitation.

Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament is the most common cause of stifle lameness in the adult dog. An understanding of the pathogenesis of cranial cruciate ligament rupture and the resulting degenerative joint disease is crucial in establishing an accurate diagnosis and implementing appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis of the cruciate-deficient stifle with appropriate therapeutic intervention may minimize degenerative joint disease but does not prevent it in all cases. Rehabilitation of the surgically corrected cruciate-deficient stifle may influence the success of the surgical outcome.