## Overview Cruciate ligament injury in the horse involves the cranial or caudal cruciate ligaments of the stifle. Complete rupture is uncommon but produces marked instability and severe lameness. Partial tears or strains cause more subtle, chronic stifle lameness and are often associated with other stifle soft-tissue damage. ## Causes Trauma from slipping, sudden turns, or falls. Degenerative weakening may predispose. ## Diagnosis Stifle effusion, pain on manipulation, and positive cruciate tests when instability is present. Ultrasound and radiographs evaluate associated structures; arthroscopy or advanced imaging confirms the diagnosis. ## Treatment Partial injuries are managed with prolonged rest and rehabilitation. Complete ruptures have a poor prognosis for athletic use; surgical options are limited in horses. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded for partial tears; poor for complete rupture regarding return to performance. ## Prevention Minimizing traumatic incidents and maintaining good conditioning.
stifle lameness; joint effusion; pain on stifle flexion or manipulation; instability in complete rupture
## Overview Cruciate ligament injury in the horse involves the cranial or caudal cruciate ligaments of the stifle. Complete rupture is uncommon but produces marked instability and severe lameness. Partial tears or strains cause more subtle, chronic stifle lameness and are often associated with other stifle soft-tissue damage. ## Causes Trauma from slipping, sudden turns, or falls. Degenerative weakening may predispose. ## Diagnosis Stifle effusion, pain on manipulation, and positive cruciate tests when instability is present. Ultrasound and radiographs evaluate associated structures; arthroscopy or advanced imaging confirms the diagnosis. ## Treatment Partial injuries are managed with prolonged rest and rehabilitation. Complete ruptures have a poor prognosis for athletic use; surgical options are limited in horses. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded for partial tears; poor for complete rupture regarding return to performance. ## Prevention Minimizing traumatic incidents and maintaining good conditioning.
stifle lameness; joint effusion; pain on stifle flexion or manipulation; instability in complete rupture