CRUCIATE/ ACL/ CCL LIGAMENT TEAR IN DOGS
So your dog has been diagnosed with cruciate disease. This can be a very stressful time for pets and their owners. Your dog is unable do the things they used to love without limping and you are worried they are in pain and they will never get back to doing the fun things you both enjoy together.
Your vet has told you that your pet needs surgery. Many owners come to us with the concerns outlined below. Do you answer YES to one of the following situations?
You are worried the surgery won't work and it might make things worse.
Your vet has told you need to crate rest for your dog for 6 weeks and you are not sure this is going to be possible.
You have been told that there is a chance they may tear their other cruciate and then you will be back to square one.
Your dog is old or has other diseases and you don't want to put them under anaesthetic.
You simply can't afford to do the surgery especially if they might eventually might need it on the other leg.
As I said these are common conversations we have with pet parents.
So is surgery the only option. The answer is a clear NO.
So what is the best treatment for my dog and my situation? That is where Balance Vet Rehab can help. We have many helpful tips RIGHT HERE on this webpage so READ ON.
SO WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT? SURGERY OR CONSERVATIVE THERAPY?
"It is so confusing when I google trying to get answers on what to do next." That's because every dog and every owner's situation is different. By consulting with a qualified rehab therapist at Balance Vet ,you will have a clearer idea of which path is right for you and your dog. These are some things to take into consideration when deciding which is best way to go including:
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Size of your dog
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Energy levels of your dog
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Presence of a meniscus tear
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If the other knee if affected or not
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Age of your dog
The good news is that most dogs can have good mobility and quality of life provided that you are working with a certified canine rehab professional.
If you have a young middle to large breed dog with no other health issues then surgery would generally be considered the right choice. If your dog does not fit into these categories then the best way to go is not so cut and dry.
Whether you decide to get surgery done or not, rehabilitation should always be included and provided by a certified canine rehabilitation professional. We can give you the right home exercise program for the right stage of recovery . There is no one size fits all and our expertise can guide you through what is needed and when.
Balance Vet Rehab has helped numerous dogs with cruciate injuries along with their pet parents and achieved great results!
WHAT ABOUT CRUCIATE BRACES?
Here are some key points to know about cruciate braces for dogs:
1. Function: Cruciate braces are primarily used to restrict excessive movement in the knee joint and provide support during the healing process.
2. Customization: It's important to ensure that the brace fits your dog properly. Many cruciate braces can be custom-made.
3. Rehabilitation: While cruciate braces can provide support, they are typically used in conjunction with REHAB.
4. Consultation with a Rehab Therapist: If you are considering using a cruciate brace for your dog then don't go it alone. Get expert advice.
We can ensure you don't make your dog's limp worse and you don't waste your money.
Balance Vet Rehab has experience with getting dogs into cruciate braces. We can provide personalised advice and guidance based on your dog's specific needs.
FREE CONSERVATIVE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER
Download our FREE educational newsletter that gives you heaps of information and tips if your dog has cruciate disease and you think avoiding surgery and managing conservatively might be a better option for you
FREE CRUCIATE
SURGERY EDITION NEWSLETTER
Download our FREE newsletter that gives many tips and tricks to help your dog after they have had cruciate surgery
Balance Vet Conservative Cruciate Management Newsletter
Balance Vet Cruciate Surgery Edition Newsletter
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OUR SUCCESS STORIES
My little dog Smudge, a shitzu cross maltese, has been a patient of Steves for several months to address a torn cruciate which followed by another torn cruciate. Smudge is 12, had suffered a huge dog attack 18 months prior which resulted in him being in intensive care for 6 days, so he wasnt the greatest candidate for surgery. We have pursued an alternate healing regime using laser, acupuncture, wobble boards, core strengthening exercises, pharmaceuticals for the pain, a homemade diet, rest and massage to get Smudge back on track. Smudge is doing really well and I love the fact that Steve addresses the whole of the patient, where he is overcompensating, holding pain etc and the focus is not just about the critical injury. Smudge has blossomed under Steves care and I thoroughly recommend Steves holistic approach. Margot - Smudge's mum
Balance Veterinary Care was recommended to us by a neighbour and we were not disappointed. After Lochie was assessed we were offered a choice of care plans - there was no hard sell, mandatory blood tests or x-rays required. Lochie enjoyed each visit and has responded well to the alternate care for his Cruciate Rupture. We will continue with his physio and combination of natural therapies knowing that if needed Steve is only a phone call away.
Alana