Aging Not All Bad for Labrador and Golden Retrievers

Kenneth A. Johnson, MVSc, PhD, FACVSc, DACVS, DECVS

The findings of some previous studies suggest that up to 50% of dogs diagnosed with unilateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture would sustain the same problem in the contralateral stifle within 2 years. However, the findings of a recent study of dogs older than 8 years at the time of diagnosis of unilateral cruciate rupture suggest that this risk was only 19%.[1] Also this risk decreased for Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers as they become older. Being a retrospective study of medical records and radiology reports, this study has some limitations. The investigators did not personally evaluate all the radiographs or examine any of the dogs for follow-up.

Nevertheless, these are interesting data, and likely to be good news for the owners of these older dogs. However, what is a bit unclear is the manner in which this information would influence the decision-making process of the owners of older dogs when they get the initial diagnosis of unilateral cruciate ligament rupture. Would they be less likely or more likely to proceed with surgery? Perhaps it would not make any difference to their intention to proceed with surgery.

Publication History

Article published online:
15 January 2024

• Reference

• 1 Murphy CL, Niles J, Radasch RM. The prevalence and risk factors of contralateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture in medium-to-large (≥15kg) breed dogs 8 years of age or older. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2024; 37 (01) 8-12