Isolated medial meniscal tear in a domestic shorthaired cat

Abstract

This case report describes the presentation, diagnostic imaging, management and outcome of a cat with an isolated meniscal tear. A 4-year-old, male, neutered, European shorthair cat was presented with a left hindlimb lameness. The left stifle joint was painful on manipulation, effusion was present and no primary cause such as cruciate ligament disease, stifle disruption or patellar luxation could be detected. The suspicion of a knee sprain was raised, and conservative therapy was performed without improvement of the lameness during the following weeks. Therefore, magnetic resonance imaging was recommended, which revealed a medial meniscal injury with no primary cause present. Therapy consisted of partial meniscectomy via arthrotomy. The lameness improved postoperatively, and in long-term follow-up a mildly progressive osteoarthritis developed.