MS Tivers, P Mahoney, SA Corr.
Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

ACVS Abstract 2007 

Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is a common cause of canine lameness. Associated medial meniscal injury is reported in approximately 50% of cases. ‘‘Late meniscal injury’’ is reported in approximately 14% of cases. In human medicine computed tomography (CT) arthrography is commonly used in the evaluation of anterior cruciate ligament tears and associated meniscal injuries. The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of contrast CT in the investigation of cruciate disease in dogs, with particular emphasis on
detecting meniscal injury.

Fourteen pelvic limbs were obtained from seven beagle dogs that had been euthanatized for reasons unrelated to the present study. A survey computed tomography (CT) scan was made of each stifle, followed by a positive contrast CT stifle arthrogram.

A mini-arthrotomy was then performed on each stifle, and the limb randomly assigned to one of two groups: arthrotomy and CCL transection only (‘sham’ surgery) or arthrotomy, CCL transaction and meniscal injury. Fourteen sets of CT images were acquired, and subsequently interpreted by a specialist radiologist who was blinded to the treatment groups. Meniscal injury was simulated in seven joints; the other seven had sham surgeries performed.

The technique proved to be 86% sensitive and 100% specific for detecting simulated meniscal injury. The results of this study show that CT arthrography is extremely reliable in detecting simulated meniscal injury in canine cadaver stifles. A prospective clinical trial is presently being undertaken on dogs presented to the QMH with cranial cruciate disease.