The cranial cruciate ligament runs from the cranial mid part of the tibial intercondylar eminence to the lateral condyle of the femur. Normally, the CrCL prevents caudal (backward) movement of the femur relative to the tibia. Due to selective breeding, the tibial plateau slope has become sloped too far backwards so there is a constant stress on the Cranial cruciate ligament. Over time this leads to a degenerative rupture. When it ruptures, the joint becomes unstable which causes pain and can lead to chronic progressive arthritis in the stifle if untreated.Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CrCL) Failure: canine and feline (cat and dog) veterinary factsheets
