Ccl In Dogs Treatment
Small animal surgery secrets.
Ccl in dogs treatment. The cranial cruciate ligament is one of the most important stabilizers in the canine knee which makes it understandable why cranial cruciate ligament disease ccld impacts the canine population so dramatically. What is often most frustrating in these cases is that the ccl can tear partially receive rehab the dog is doing well and he returns to full activity and then he tears it further returning almost back to square one. Regardless the lack of a healthy ccl will cause the bones to rub against one another leading to the development of bone spurs pain. Therefore surgical correction is recommended as soon as possible to decrease the stress placed on the uninjured ccl thereby decreasing the risk of ccl rupture to that knee.
Why conservative treatment prior to full rupture is setting dogs back. Two studies in 1972 and 1984 evaluated conventional conservative treatment cage rest and found that 50 of dogs under 50 pounds did well and fewer than 20 of dogs over 50 pounds did well. A torn acl requires rest immobilization and often surgery. With six weeks of cage rest and leash walking most dogs almost always return to near normal function.
Treatment for ccl injuries in a dog. Conservative management of cruciate ligament deficiency with physical therapy. Medical management consisting of physical therapy and weight control is variably successful in getting your dog to return to normal activities. Dog knee braces stabilize the knee joint.
Treatment and prevention. Amato dvm dacvs small animal. Smaller dogs 25 30 pounds fair better than heavier dogs. Treatment of early partial cranial cruciate ligament tears.
Conservative treatment is usually the treatment of choice for smaller dogs weighing less than 25 lbs. An evaluation by your vet can help you determine the best treatment options for your dog. Dogs that have ruptured the ccl in one knee have a 50 70 percent greater chance of rupturing the other ccl. Colorado state university veterinary teaching hospital 2012 treatment options for cranial cruciate ligament injury disease of the dog knee.
In my practice i have found that i can help many dogs regardless of size with homeopathic treatment acupuncture and gentle physical therapy. The dog must be contained for at least two to four months possibly six to 12 months. The exception may be the dog with a concurrent luxating patella or cartilage tear. Edge hughes l cafci c.
Learn about the signs and symptoms of ccl rupture in dogs and cats treatment options and what to expect when your pet undergoes surgery to repair a torn ccl at upstate veterinary specialties. When it comes to dog acl surgery alternatives many dog owners have opted for a canine ccl brace as a cost effective solution. These dogs will develop osteoarthritis in the affected knee joint.