The Vet’s Toolkit

This test is best performed with the patient in a lateral recumbent position. One hand should hold the distal femur, with the index finger placed over the tibial crest, while the other hand flexes the hock..Please refer to Part 1 for cranial tibial thrust.—

This test is best performed with the patient in a lateral recumbent position. One hand should hold the distal femur, while the other holds the proximal tibia..Please refer to Part 1 for positive cranial drawer test result.

Cranial Drawer Test:This assessment evaluates the craniocaudal stability of the stifle joint. Although a negative result does not exclude cranial cruciate ligament disease, a positive drawer test is highly indicative of cranial cruciate ligament rupture.(Abnormal movement of tibial = Red Arrow).Tibial Compression Test:This assessment evaluates stability of the tibia relative to the femur. Instability on

The knee is stabilized by four main ligaments1) Medial collateral2) Lateral collateral3) Cranial cruciate ligaments4) Caudal cruciate ligaments.Additional stabilization is provided by the meniscus and surrounding soft tissues..Cranial cruciate ligament disease is a complex, multifactorial condition associated with complete or partial ligament tear or rupture. It can have an acute or insidious onset. This condition