Juan Antonio García Maldonado, Álvaro Salmoral, Fernando Reina, Carlos Macías

Anicura Bahía de Málaga Referencia Veterinaria, Málaga, Spain

Objectives

Limited data exist regarding non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) in dogs. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term outcomes and quality of life (QoL) in large-breed dogs with CCLR managed conservatively.

Methods

Medical records (2006–2022) were reviewed to identify dogs weighing ≥15 kg diagnosed with CCLR and treated conservatively, with a minimum follow-up of one year. Lameness was graded using a modified 0-5 scale. Long-term outcomes and QoL were assessed by telephone questionnaire or clinical examination.

Results

Of 657 dogs with CCLR, 180 weighing ≥15 kg were initially managed conservatively. Crossbreeds (n=29), Labrador Retrievers (n=17), American Staffordshire Terriers (n=15), Spanish Waterdogs (n=12) and Golden Retrievers (n=12) were overrepresented. Mean body weight was 31.3 ± 12.7 kg; median age was 6.1 years (range 0.38-15). Median lameness score at presentation was 2.5. Fifty-six dogs (31.1%) re-evaluated at 1.5 months showed a median lameness score of 0. Questionnaires were completed for 124 dogs (68.9% response rate). Median long-term follow-up was 4 years (range 1-12). One hundred and eight dogs (87.1%) remained under conservative management, whereas 16 (12.9%) underwent surgery elsewhere. Forty-one dogs (38.0%) had no lameness, 58 (53.7%) improved initially but later developed mild intermittent lameness (median score = 2); and nine (8.3%) remained persistently lame (seven with scores 1 or 2). Owner-reported QoL was excellent in 46 dogs (42.6%) and good in 60 (55.6%); none reported poor or catastrophic QoL.

Statement: Impact/ Clinical Significance

Appropriately selected large-breed dogs with CCLR can achieve good or excellent outcomes and maintain QoL with conservative management.