A torn ligament in the knee, known as cranial cruciate ligament deficiency (CCLD), is the leading cause of lameness affecting the knees of large breed dogs. Our research focuses on ways to identify individual dogs that are susceptible to this problem and, ultimately, prevent CCLD. We previously developed a “CCLD conformation score” to differentiate limbs of Labradors with or without CCLD based on their characteristics. We later found that sound Labradors with a high “CCLD conformation score” displayed stride and body mechanics that could predispose them to CCLD. We intend to evaluate the ability of this score to predict CCLD in a large pet population.

A total of 167 Purebred Labradors with CCLD and those at low risk for the disease have been recruited from several practices. Radiographs have been obtained to calculate the “CCLD conformation score” of each limb. Measurements have been made and analyzed on a preliminary set of 158 limbs. Based on these results, the conformation score seems to have a high predictive value, supporting its potential role to detect Labradors at risk for CCLD. The lack of difference between right and left limbs within dogs suggests that the score on one limb may be used to predict the risk of CCLD in a dog. Once confirmed on a larger population, these results will help us understand the relationship between body characteristics and CCLD in Labradors. Ultimately, successful identification of dogs predisposed to CCLD is the first and crucial step in developing strategies to reduce the risk or delay the onset of CCLD.