Introduction

Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is a common problem in dogs.

Objectives

The study was intended to apply the modified TTA-­Rapid methods in dogs with CCL and report clinical outcome, complications and synovial fluids analysis.

Methods

The study materials was consisted of different breeds, male, average weight of 32 kg and 17 dogs between the ages of 2–8 which were obtained with lameness in the hind limbs by primarily systemic and clinical examination. Radiographs of the affected joint obtained at weeks 0, 4, 8, 12 were examined. TTA-Rapid surgery was followed by (Samoy et al. 2015) [sic]. Lameness and pain were assessed by Hudson Visual Analog Scale and Canine Brief Pain Inventory. Synovial fluid gelatinase activity levels were determined by gelatin zymography.

Results

Arthroscopic examination and arthrotomy was shown no meniscus damage. On clinical examination at 3 months, 8 dogs (41.1%) had an excellent outcome, 6 dogs (35.2%) had a good outcome, and 3 dogs (17.6%) had a moderate outcome. Metalloproteinases activity were increased of 70 kDa enzyme in pre-operative treatment synovial fluids. Enzyme activity was also seen at 204 kDa (MMP-9 pro-dimer) and 257 kDa (MMP-9 dimer). One hundred kDa (MMP-9) band was totally inhibited within 60th day in some cases. The 70 kDa enzyme (MMP-2) was partially inhibited.

Conclusions

TTA-Rapid is a relatively non-invasive soft tissue approach. Synovial fluids analysis for gelatinases were shown encourage results to decreased MMP 2 and MMP-9 activity after arthrocentesis in TTA-rapid group. Further studies must be needed to determine if the results remain the same in larger groups.