Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Fluoroquinolones and steroids linked to ligament disease in Retrievers
By Bunch, Jessica et al.·Published in Frontiers in veterinary science·2025·College of Veterinary Medicine, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Fluoroquinolones and glucocorticoids as risk factors for cranial cruciate ligament disease in Retrievers.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that Labrador and Golden Retrievers, aged 2 to 12 years, with cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD) were more likely to have received certain medications before their diagnosis. Specifically, those who had been given systemic fluoroquinolones or glucocorticoids had a significantly higher risk of developing CCLD compared to those who had not received these medications. While topical versions of these drugs did not show the same risk, it's important for pet owners to discuss the use of systemic fluoroquinolones and glucocorticoids with their veterinarian, especially for Retriever breeds.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine if a higher proportion of Retrievers with cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD) had previous systemic exposure to fluoroquinolones or glucocorticoids compared to Retrievers without CCLD. ANIMALS: Client-owned, Labrador and Golden Retrievers and Retriever crosses, aged 2-12 years old, were enrolled from Kansas State University and Washington State University with CCLD (cases) and without CCLD (nCCLD; healthy controls). METHODS: The study was designed as a retrospective, multi-institutional case-control study. Medical records (2019-2023) were reviewed for systemic and topical exposure to fluoroquinolones or glucocorticoids within 6 months of CCLD exam or visit (nCCLD) or anytime throughout life prior to injury or visit. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The results were reported as coefficients, standard errors,-values, and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. A-value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 419 dogs (216 cases and 203 controls) were enrolled in this study. The odds ratios of CCLD after systemic fluoroquinolone exposure were three times (CI: 1.01-8.90) higher than the odds ratios of CCLD without fluoroquinolone exposure. The odds ratios of CCLD after systemic glucocorticoid exposure were 3.51 times (CI: 1.94-6.37) higher than the odds ratios of CCLD without glucocorticoid exposure. Topical administration was not found to pose the same risk. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that the administration of systemic fluoroquinolones or systemic glucocorticoids was identified as a risk factor for the development of CCLD in Retriever breeds. Prospective studies are needed. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although not all risk factors for CCLD can be mitigated, systemic fluoroquinolones and/or glucocorticoids should be used cautiously in Retriever breeds.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40800230/