Effect of signalment on the presentation of canine patients suffering from cranial cruciate ligament disease

Objective: To determine the effect of signalment on the incidence and presentation of patients suffering from cranial cruciate ligament disease. Methods: Data relating to 426 dogs (44 breeds) that met specific selection criteria were obtained from the hospital archive (2002 to 2008). Cases were followed up for 2 years. Results: The breeds most commonly presented with cranial cruciate ligament disease were Labrador retriever (16%), Rottweiler (15%), golden retriever (12%) and boxer (9%). Rottweilers were significantly more likely (69%; P=0·05) to develop and present with (50%; P=0·03) bilateral cranial cruciate ligament disease. Rottweilers presenting with cranial cruciate ligament disease were significantly younger (median 977 days; P