Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How severe joint inflammation is in dogs with cruciate ligament tears
By Lemmon, Elisabeth A et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2025·Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Arthroscopic synovitis severity scoring in canine stifles with cranial cruciate ligament disease.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease was examined for joint swelling (synovitis) in their knees using a camera inside the joint. All the dogs showed some level of synovitis, with the most common severity being moderate. The study found that heavier dogs and those with longer-lasting symptoms had more severe synovitis, which was linked to greater damage to the cartilage in the joint. This suggests that treating CCL disease earlier could help reduce swelling and slow down the development of arthritis in these dogs.
People also search for: dog knee swelling CCL disease · signs of arthritis in dogs · treatment for dog joint problems
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occurrence, degree, and risk factors associated with arthroscopic stifle joint synovitis in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, observational study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Canine CCL disease (n = 163) from 149 dogs and their arthroscopic video recordings. METHODS: Arthroscopic video recordings were reviewed. A synovitis severity (0-5) and a modified Outerbridge cartilage classification system score were assigned, along with recording the presence or absence of a medial meniscal bucket handle tear. Medical records were reviewed for age, sex, limb, and duration of clinical signs. Univariate analyses were performed via a Fisher's exact test for categorical independent variables, and ordered logistic regression was used for continuous variables. Multivariable ordered logistic regression considered independent variables with a p-value <.2 on univariate analyses. p-value <.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Synovitis was identified in 100% of the stifles examined. The most frequent synovitis severity score was 3/5. Univariate analysis showed a significant association between synovitis severity score and bodyweight (p = .005), median cartilage score (p = .002), and being female (p = .032). On multivariable analysis, the synovitis severity score was significantly associated with median cartilage score (p = .042) and duration of clinical signs (p < .001). CONCLUSION: Synovitis was arthroscopically always identified in stifles with CCL disease. The severity of synovitis was associated with more progressive damage to the articular cartilage and a longer duration of clinical signs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Earlier intervention in dogs with CCL disease may be warranted to decrease synovitis and progression of osteoarthritis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39915894/