Where are the stifles on a dog?

The stifle joint (often simply stifle) is a complex joint in the hind limbs of quadruped mammals such as the sheep, horse or dog. It is the equivalent of the human knee and is often the largest synovial joint in the animal’s body. The stifle joint joins three bones: the femur, patella, and tibia.

Where is the stifle on a dog’s leg?

Dog leg anatomy is complex, especially dog knees, which are found on the hind legs. The technical term for a dog knee is the stifle joint. The stifle joint connects the femur, which is the dog thigh bone, to the tibia and fibula, the lower leg bones, and the patella,the canine equivalent to the knee cap.

What causes stiff stifles in dogs?

Stifle luxation can happen to any dog of any age, breed, or size. It typically is a result of some type of trauma to the area. Being hit by a car is the most common cause, but a trauma such as falling off the bed or stairs can cause a stifle luxation.

What is the function of the canine stifle joint?

The stifle is a complex, condylar, synovial joint that allows motion in three planes. The complexity of the normal motion is directly related to the structure and functions of the anatomical components that form the joint.

What is dog stifle effusion?

Inflammation. Accumulation of fluid in the joint (effusion) The medial meniscus (acts like a cushion inside the joint) can be damaged at the time of the CCL tear, but is more often damaged after prolonged instability of the stifle joint and can result in a torn meniscus and more pain and discomfort.

How do you know if your dog has a torn CCL?

Signs of a Torn ACL in Dogs

Limping in the hind legs.
Joint stiffness that is most noticeable when resting after physical activity.
Difficulty jumping or rising from the floor.
Sitting with one hind leg stuck out to the side.
Clicking sound when your dog walks.

What is a dog fibula?

The fibula is a thin bone that contributes little to weight bearing in dogs and cats. The fibula articulates with the caudolateral part of the lateral condyle of the tibia proximally, and with the tibia and the talus distally.

What causes stifle effusion in dogs?

Causes of Joint Swelling in Dogs. Joint effusion is caused by an increase in fluid within the joint space. Trauma: A traumatic injury to a joint usually causes an acute joint swelling and lameness. The injury may be a soft tissue injury with joint swelling the result of inflammation or bleeding into the joint.

What movements can the stifle joint perform?

The primary motion of the stifle joint consists of flexion and extension, and this occurs in the sagittal plane. Because of constraints imposed by the collateral ligaments, the cruciate ligaments, the menisci, and the cam-shaped geometry of the femoral condyles, strict uniplanar motion does not occur.

What causes fluid on a dog’s knee?

A hygroma, or a false bursa, is a discrete, fluid-filled sac that can form on the joints of dogs in response to repeated pressure, such as that from sitting on a hard surface. It is treated by draining the fluid and may be prevented by providing padded bedding.

How do you know if your dog has a torn cruciate?

Symptoms of cruciate damage

Limping (mild to severe)
Stiffness getting up and down.
Back leg pain.
Swelling in one or both knees.
Walking in an unusual way.