Non-Surgical Rehabilitation of Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Dogs
Dr. Cara McNamee
Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries are one of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs. The CCL is a ligament that helps to stabilize the knee joint. When it tears, it can cause lameness, pain, and inflammation.
There are two main treatment options for CCL injuries: surgery and non-surgical rehabilitation. Surgery is the gold standard treatment, but in some cases, non-surgical rehabilitation can be an effective way to manage the condition and improve your dog's quality of life.
Non-surgical rehabilitation for CCL injuries typically includes the following:
Rest: Your dog will need to rest for several weeks to allow the inflammation to subside and the knee to heal. This may mean limiting their activity to short walks on leash and avoiding jumping, running, and playing.
Medications: Your veterinarian may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to help control pain and inflammation.
Physical Rehabilitation: Physical rehab can help to improve your dog's range of motion, strength, and coordination. It may include exercises such as stretching, strengthening, and proprioceptive training and modalities such as laser therapy, massage, shockwave and hydrotherapy.
Joint supplements: Joint supplements can help to reduce pain and inflammation and improve joint health.
Weight management: If your dog is overweight, losing weight can help to reduce the stress on the knee joint.
Olive is an 11 year old Goldendoodle with a torn right cruciate ligament. Seen here with an obvious limp, unable to bear full weight on her affected back leg due to the cruciate injury.
The prognosis for non-surgical rehabilitation of CCL injuries is variable. Some dogs will make a full recovery, while others may continue to have some degree of lameness. The success of non-surgical rehabilitation depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the injury, your dog's age and health, and their compliance with the treatment plan.
If you are considering non-surgical rehabilitation for your dog's CCL injury, it is important to consult with a veterinarian trained in canine rehabilitation. They can help you develop a treatment plan that is right for your dog and their individual needs.
Here are some additional tips for non-surgical rehabilitation of CCL injuries in dogs:
Be patient. It takes months for the knee to stabilize. Don't expect your dog to be back to normal overnight.
Gradually increase your dog's activity level. Start with short walks on leash and gradually increase the duration and intensity of their activity per your veterinarian’s recommendations.
Stick to the plan that you and your veterinarian come up with. Compliance to the treatment plan improves the chances of success. If your dog has any setbacks or becomes more lame, please let your veterinarian know so the plan can be adjusted as necessary.
This video shows Olive walking evenly without any sign of lameness or difficulty bearing weight. Since Olive was not a candidate for surgical repair of her cruciate tear, our veterinary rehab team created a customized therapy program for her and we were able to successfully manage Olive's cruciate tear and restore normal function to her leg - no surgery required!
With patience and consistent care, many dogs with CCL injuries can make a full recovery without surgery. If you are considering non-surgical rehabilitation for your dog, talk to your veterinarian today.