Epidemiologic retrospective study of dogs bearing cranial cruciate ligament rupture: 323 cases (1999 a 2005)

Abstract

The aim of this research was to characterize in the canine population the risk factors for cranial cruciate ligament rupture, which are breed, age, sex and body weight. The data base consisted of collected information from medical records of 323 dogs bearing cranial cruciate ligament rupture attended during a period of 7 years (1999 to 2005) in the Small Animal Surgical Service of the Veterinary Hospital of the Veterinary Medicine Faculty at São Paulo University. The results showed that the most prevalent breed were Leonberger (100%), Cane Corso (66,7%), Dogue de Bordeau (50%), Starffordshire Terrier (40%) e o Chow Chow (36%). Also, Rottweiller (11,16%) and Labrador Retriever (8,1%) occupied the 10º e 13º positions, respectively. The ages 2, 4, 3, 7 and 6 (mean = 5,58) years old had the highest prevalence of cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Female (59,14%) were more represented than males (40,86%) and sexually intact animals (76,15%) were more represented than neutered dogs (17,76%). The group f dogs weighing between 6 and 15 kg and between 36 and 45 kg showed the highest incidence. In this research was observed that the database of the risk factors for the dogs bearing cranial cruciate ligament rupture examined were similar to the that seen in the foreign literature. There is a tendency for rupture of ligament in an earlier age, large breeds and giant dogs. The Rottweiler was a common breed among our study and that of the foreign literature. Also, female were more represented than male dogs.