Diagnostic Plan of Action
1. Orthopedic exam under anesthesia and do cranial drawer test  - should be positive if 
ruptured cranial cruciate ligament

2. Radiographs:  lateral and VD views need to be taken of the right rear limb of Titan 
while anesthetized the dog,  take several views  in flexion and extension to see 
abnormalities
Ðtry to get as much of the leg in the view as possible, but mostly the stifle joint
Patellar luxation patella maligned with stifle for congenital abnormality
Rheumatoid arthritis would show degenerative joint changes, osteophytes, roughing of 
articular surfaces

3.Endoscopy:  the animal should be anesthetized to do the endoscopy
-see any abnormalities or ruptures in ligaments, joint mice, excess flailed 
Ðor bone problems in the stifle joint

3. Joint tap:  the needle needs to be put into the stifle joint
Ðto check for inflammatory/infectious material in the joint space
Ðthe animal probably doesnÕt need to be anesthetized for this procedure
 
4. More thorough physical exam:  retest joint for laxity, cranial drawer signs. And 
butressing in both rear legs while under anesthesia

5. CBC and chemical profile Ð may see leukocytosis, neutrophilia, and 
hyperfibrinogenemia

6. Rheumatoid factor - + in 25% of cases