Drawer Sign Test and Tibial Compression Exam

If it is suspected that your dog has a cranial cruciate ligament tear or rupture, your veterinarian will perform a physical exam to determine whether or not this type of injury can be ruled out. This test involves manual manipulation of the knee joint and is referred to as the drawer test. Most dogs do not need to be sedated to complete this exam, but you will need to be the judge in determining whether or not this is necessary - if your dog’s joint is particularly painful or they do not have a great track record for excellent behavior at the vet, you may want to consider giving them sedation in order to complete the exam. A normal stifle will not exhibit a positive drawer sign, making a positive drawer an absolute indicator for CCL damage. Read the rest of this entry »