Cranial cruciate ligament disease in cats: an epidemiological retrospective study of 50 cats (2011–2016)

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics and long-term outcome of surgically and conservatively treated cats with cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD). Methods A retrospective cohort study of cats with CCLD, diagnosed at two university animal hospitals between January 2011 and December 2016, was performed. Signalment, history, treatment and follow-up information were retrieved. Cat owners were contacted for additional long-term follow-up information. The cases were divided into two groups: one conservatively managed and one surgically treated with the lateral fabellotibial suture technique. A quality of life questionnaire, the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index (FMPI), was distributed to the owners of cats alive at follow-up for assessment of chronic pain as a long-term outcome. Univariable statistical methods were used to evaluate the data. Results Fifty cats were identified and were followed for a median of 41 months after diagnosis of CCLD. Seven cats (14%) developed bilateral CCLD. Twenty-eight cats (56%) were treated conservatively and 22 (44%) surgically. All surgically treated cats in which arthrotomy was performed (19/22) had total cranial cruciate ligament rupture and 9/19 (47%) had meniscal injuries. Postoperative surgical complications were recorded in 6/22 cats (27%). Owners of 24/29 (83%) cats still alive at follow-up completed the FMPI questionnaire. The conservatively treated cats had a lower FMPI score, indicating less chronic pain, than those cats treated surgically ( P = 0.017). Conclusions and relevance Conservatively treated cats with CCLD experienced less chronic pain at long-term follow-up than surgically treated cats. Bilateral disease is not uncommon in cats with CCLD.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in a cat with cranial cruciate ligament rupture

“…CrCL failure is more common in dogs than cats 1,2 . Nonetheless, cases of CrCL failure in cats have been reported in the literature 1,3,4 . The etiopathogenesis is unclear 3,5 .…”

Tibial tuberosity transposition advancement for treatment of concomitant cranial cruciate ligament rupture and medial patellar luxation in four feline stifles

“…Controversy remains regarding the etiopathogenesis of feline CrCL rupture. While it appears likely that a proportion of cats may be affected by degeneration of the CrCL, which may precede rupture, 2 , 11 – 13 in the absence of supportive ultrastructural histology, this association remains putative. The cases in this series lend credence to the argument for a potential degenerative etiology in cats.…”

“… 2 Indeed, a recent study showed that up to 14% of cats appear to develop bilateral disease. 11 In addition, although one study 5 failed to confirm any histologic evidence of degeneration as a contributing factor to CrCL rupture, other studies have demonstrated the presence of degenerative changes such as calcification in the CrCL prior to complete rupture, 12 and moderate-to-severe stifle osteoarthritis (OA), despite an acute onset of lameness. 13 These latter findings would tend to support a degenerative process in at least a subset of cats with CrCL injury.…”

“…The most commonly used technique in cats is static stabilization with a lateral extracapsular suture using either bone anchors or tunnels. 2 , 11 , 30 , 31 However, a recent study found that non-surgically treated cats had a lower Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index (FMPI) score over those treated with a lateral suture, indicating less chronic pain. 11 In addition, the postoperative complication rate in this study was 27.3%.…”

“… 2 , 11 , 30 , 31 However, a recent study found that non-surgically treated cats had a lower Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index (FMPI) score over those treated with a lateral suture, indicating less chronic pain. 11 In addition, the postoperative complication rate in this study was 27.3%. As such, exploration of other stabilization methods may be warranted.…”