Cruciate ligament rupture is a common football injury and is also a common injury in dogs.

The cruciate ligaments are two of the ligaments of the knee joint that cross within the joint and provide stability to the knee joint.

Sudden twisting can tear the ligament causing pain, limping and instability of the joint.

Left untreated arthritis can develop due to the instability within the joint.

Correction of a ruptured cruciate requires surgery to stabilize the knee before too much arthritic change has occurred.

Cruciate ligament rupture can be diagnosed and treated by your vet, so get advice if your pet develops any sudden knee joint lameness.