Show of hands (virtually): Who has had a dog with a cruciate injury? Who has known someone else who had a dog with a cruciate injury? My guess is that most hands are raised. Cruciate ligament rupture is among the most common of all canine health complications - orthopedic or not. It's a shame that all these happy, active dogs have to deal with the pain knee injuries. On the other hand, at least this is one health issue that can actually be managed.

After working for years in a specialty veterinary practice that included orthopedics, I'd guess that about 75% of the limping dogs I have seen out in the lobby had a busted cruciate. It's a shame, really. Why does it happen? Well, there could be a variety of reasons, but there is no surefire way to prevent it. However, chances are you're bound to encounter it yourself with one of your own dogs. So, better to educate yourself now. Get the lowdown on ruptured cruciate ligaments in dogs to prepare yourself for what you may face down the road (or what you may already be facing). Good news: it's treatable. Bad news: it can get pretty expensive. Have you dealt with cruciate problems in your dog? tell us about your experience.

The Gimpy Dog: Cruciate Injury originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Monday, January 25th, 2010 at 00:51:59.

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