The characteristics of the synovial fluid of both stifle joints from dogs with unilateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture were studied in six adult dogs. The macroscopic parameters observed were color, volume, viscosity, turbidity, and coagulation. In addition, mucin tests were performed. The microscopic parameters were global cell counting and differential cell counting. Two animals presented normal viscosity and in the others the viscosity was reduced. The result of the mucin test was normal in all animals and there was no coagulation of the fluid when in contact with the air. The differential cell counting was maintained within regular standards cited in the literature. Therefore, in the cases of cranial cruciate ligament rupture, the synovial fluid of the stifle joint can stay without any macroscopic change. Although the global and relative cell composition of the affected joint synovial fluid were kept within regular standards according to the literature, they were consistently higher than that of the normal joint.
synovial fluid; cranial cruciate ligament; stifle joint
