Cruciate Disease
Cranial cruciate injury is one of the most commonly seen orthopaedic conditions in the dog. Traumatic injury causing a full rupture of the CCL with a non-weight bearing lameness and a large degree of joint instability occurs but is rare compared to the number of cases that occur due to ligament degeneration. These cases may present as a low grade chronic lameness, or as an acute non weight bearing lameness, with a number of underlying chronic issues, which will of course affect the outcome.
The more chronic the case, the more joint dysfunction we already have. Osteoarthritic changes are evident, the joint capsule has thickened, and the associated muscle groups have atrophied and, in some cases, shortened.
When developing a rehabilitation plan assessment of all these factors is important as it will affect the duration of therapy needed to return as close to normal function as possible.
It is generally accepted that surgery is the treatment of choice for cruciate ligament rupture. Conservative treatment with rest and confinement has been proposed, however this leads to a faster and greater development of osteoarthritis, which leads to a less functional joint, and hence a less functional limb.
There are multiple different surgical options for treatment of Cranial Cruciate Ligament rupture. However it has been proposed that Physical Rehabilitation post-surgery may be as important, if not more important than the surgical procedure itself in achieving the best functional outcome.
Studies have shown that dogs with CCL deficiency have significantly reduced thigh circumferences before surgery compared to the contralateral limb. In these studies, it was shown that the Rehabilitation group had statistically significant higher thigh circumferences than the home exercise group 6 weeks post surgery.
The main goals of a Rehabilitation Program are to:
- Assist with inflammation and pain control
- Maintain range of motion and joint health
- Strengthen muscle and improve limb function
Research has demonstrated that healing of tendons by collagen requires a minimum of 28 days for fibres to align and heal. Even then, evaluation of the triceps tendon demonstrated only 56% of strength regained at 6 weeks post injury and only 79% of strength 12 months following injury.
Ligaments are dense connective tissue structure which connect two or more bones. Ligament healing time can differ, depending on the location. Similar to tendons, repair time can take 2-3 days up to 6 weeks. Time in which it takes to regain full strength and fully heal can vary from 2 to 12 months, depending on the ligaments involved.
Post surgery support such as custom bracing and rehabilitation for ligament and tendon injuries is needed for at least 6 weeks post injury. Prolonged mobilisation may be detrimental as if the length of mobilisation is over 21days can result in reduced blood flow and loss of range of motion of the joint.
Rehabilitation such as passive mobilisation exercise are optimal to begin 5 days following surgery. Gentle and simple, yet effective exercises and modalities progressed throughout the first 6 weeks can aid in healing and increase strength and reduce adhesion formation. Rehabilitation progress from 6 weeks onwards will vary from case to case.
Other modalities and treatments that we often use with ligament and tendon injuries include;
- Platelet Rich Plasma
- Stem Cell Therapy
- Shockwave Therapy
- Custom Support Bracing
- Laser Therapy
Sporting Injuries
Sporting injuries can be a significant setback for your pet, they can also be complex and difficult to diagnose. Sporting injuries refer to any physical trauma or strain that occurs during physical activity. Some subtle injuries can go undetected and can then lead to more chronic or more complex injuries.
Some subtle signs of sporting injuries are:
- Reluctance to perform certain activities or an unwillingness to engage in physical activities
- Change in gait or posture
- Repeatedly knocking bars during a jump
- Stiffness or reluctance to move after activity
- Licking or chewing at area
- Heat or swelling over joint or muscle
Much like in humans, sporting injuries can affect tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones. These injuries can vary in severity, from mild strains to more serious fractures, and require different approaches to healing based on the specific tissue involved. Understanding the nature of these injuries is crucial for effective treatment and recovery. It is important to have your pet assessed by highly trained veterinarians to be able to diagnose, treat the injury and plan your pets recovery to return to sport or work.
Recovery time for sporting injuries in pets depends on several factors, including the type of injury, the specific tissue involved, and your pet’s overall health. Through proper diagnosis, timely treatment, and customised rehabilitation plans, most pets can recover and return to their active lives. The key is ensuring the healing process is carefully managed to minimise complications and promote full recovery.
We are able to offer a range of diagnostic tools, such as x-rays, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and gait analysis. With adequate treatment and a rehabilitation plan the aim is to get your pet back to work.
Prevention & Long-Term Care
Preventing injuries in active animals is just as important as treating them.
We offer guidance on injury prevention, including:
- Proper warm-ups and cool-downs before and after exercise
- Gradual conditioning and strength-building
- Regular check-ups to monitor joint health, flexibility, and muscle strength
By focusing on these preventive measures, you can help ensure your pet stays injury-free and continues enjoying an active lifestyle for years to come.
