Physical and biochemical parameters of synovial fluid in dogs with spontaneous rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament - a short communication

Eighteen dogs with clinical signs of stifle joint instability and lameness, resulting from the rupture of the cranial cruciate ligaments and dating back 1-12 months, were the subjects of this study. Synovial fluid samples were obtained from both diseased and contralateral healthy joints. Their volume and viscosity, total protein (TP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and glucose concentrations were determined. Correlation analysis was performed on these parameters. Diseased joints exhibited altered colour, transparency and variable volume of synovial fluid, as well as sharply reduced viscosity, higher TP and LDH concentrations, but lower glucose content, compared to healthy contralateral joints. A significant negative correlation was observed between synovial LDH and viscosity. They could be, therefore, reliable and easily available indicators of joint cartilage degeneration, which could help the physician's decision about whether to perform conservative medication therapy or surgery.