Evaluation of the canine stifle joint after transection of the cranial cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament, and medial meniscectomy without postoperative exercise

This study was to determine whether canine model which produce acute permanent joint instability in short period without postoperative exercise have a degenerative changes and also evaluated its suitability as an appropriate animal OA models. Ten skeletally mature beagle dogs underwent a unilateral surgical transection of the cranial cruciate ligament and, the medial collateral ligament as well as a medial meniscectomy. The contra-lateral joint was used as control. After 12 weeks, After 12 weeks, the amount of joint damage, inflammation and biochemical change of synovial fluid was evaluated. Histological analysis showed chondrocyte clone formation, hypertrophy of the cartilage and moderate loss of proteoglycans in the experimental joints compared to control joints. In addition, the synovial inflammation in the experimental joints was observed. Biochemical analysis of SF showed significantly increased MMP (matrix metalloproteinase) -2 and -9 in experimental joints compared to control joints. This canine OA model shows the characteristics of degenerative joint disease, and may have a advantages of reducing the time and cost because postoperative exercise is not needed in this OA model.