https://www.bournevets.co.uk/services-and-prices/hydrotherapy

Bourne Hydrotherapy, Chalkpit Farm, Adisham Road, Canterbury (2026)

09/02/2026

🙌 BOURNE HYDROTHERAPY 🙌

So What is Hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is an amazing form of targeted and focused exercise using the properties and benefits of water to help animals rehabilitate from a range of different conditions and improve their mobility. It can be used for pre and post rehabilitation from orthopaedic surgery, relieve arthritic joints, strengthen muscling and also can be used for weight loss and general fitness and conditioning. Hydrotherapy allows pain free exercise as being in the water means it is very low impact. The resistance of the water also gets their muscles working and helps to switch on muscles that may be ‘switched off’ from lack of use. Hydrotherapy centres will use either a swimming pool, underwater treadmill or a combination of both to achieve the same results but using slightly different techniques.

How does hydrotherapy differ from ‘fun swimming’?

Free or ‘fun’ swimming whilst being fun for your dog may not always be the most beneficial particularly to those who have mobility or other health issues. Therapist led sessions in a dedicated hydrotherapy centre ensures that your pet can exercise safely in a controlled environment with the therapist giving support and adjustments as needed to ensure your dog is getting the most out of their session as possible.

Bourne Hydrotherapy Offers:

🌟Individualised treatment programmes for every dog based on their condition and needs and constant monitoring of their progress at each session – we tailor our treatment programmes to each individual dogs needs and strength/fitness levels to help them get the most benefit from their treatments. Assessment at each session allows for adjustments in their programme to be made and regular monitoring of their progress and comfort levels

🌟Veterinary nurse led sessions - Our qualified hydrotherapists Kirsty and Nicola are also both registered veterinary nurses with an in-depth knowledge of the many different conditions we see and also the surgical procedures used such as in cruciate, patella and spinal surgery. As veterinary nurses we also have good experience and training in first aid and a good understanding of how to monitor each dogs progress and when to refer back to the veterinary surgeon if needed.

🌟Underwater treadmill based sessions - Many dogs are happier in the underwater treadmill rather than a swimming pool, especially if they are unsure about water and prefer not to be out of their depth. Some veterinary surgeons also specify to use underwater treadmill only after surgery such as spinal surgery.

🌟We always get into the treadmill with the dogs to ensure your pets safety and also to adjust their balance and limb positioning in the water to encourage a better stance and gait patterning when walking. This also allows us to do static balance exercises and allows further oppotunity to palpate joints and muscling as the session progresses and your dog warms/loosens up

🌟Therapeutic handling techniques - used to work with your dog and allow them to actively work with us rather than ‘implementing’ a treatment on them. Therapeutic handling reduces anxiety creating a positive environment and also allows us to ‘tap into’ your animals natural proprioception to further enhance their treatment. We also spend time allowing dogs to adjust to the hydrotherapy environment to ensure they are happy and comfortable every step of the way.

🌟Tailored home exercise programmes – for each dog we create an individualised home exercise programme for you as owners to carry on between hydrotherapy sessions. We will also discuss some home environment modifications to allow your dog to mobilise and perform their normal day-to-day activities as easily as possible

🌟Regular veterinary updates and reports – we will always strive to keep your vet up to date with how your pet is progressing and update them or refer back to them with any concerns as soon as possible

🐾💦So what do we do in a session at Bourne? 🐾💦

At Bourne we use an underwater treadmill for hydrotherapy sessions. We will see your dog first for an initial assessment lasting around 1.5 hours. This allows us to have more of a chat with you and get a more detailed history about how your dog is doing and the condition they have been referred for. This is a good time to allow your dog to settle or have a nose around the clinic room if they wish to.

After a good chat we will assess how your dog is walking on land and also assess their muscling and joints as long as they are comfortable with this. Normally a few treats help along the way! We will then fit them with one of our Y-shaped harnesses and then shower them off prior to going into the treadmill. We normally do some ‘walk-throughs’ of the treadmill to allow your dog to get used to getting in and out and walking through the treadmill. If they are happy with doing this then we get them in, fill with water up to the height of the tops of their legs and get walking! Sometimes we will keep the water level lower to start with whilst they are getting used to it. After they have done their session in the treadmill we then get them out, another shower time, dry off with a towel from home with a familiar smell and then it’s home time!

Case dependent, we normally see dogs once a week to start with and then will lower them down onto a maintenance programme if they are coming longer term such as in the case of arthritis management. If your dog is coming for post-surgical rehabilitation then we would look to do around 6-weekly sessions and then can look to sign them off if they are doing well.

Subsequent sessions after the initial assessment are normally an hour long start to finish. We work by doing 1-2 minutes of walking with a short rest between each set of walking. During this rest period is a great opportunity for us to further assess their joints and muscling and also to do some static balance work to engage their core muscling with the help of the support of the water.

Overall our goal is to improve your dogs mobility and quality of life as much as possible in a controlled and positive environment allowing them to live and enjoy their life to the fullest.

If you think your dog could benefit from hydrotherapy or would like to know more then please get in touch on 01227 832322 or email [email protected]

21/01/2026

🐶**Patellar Luxation Part 2 - Treatment Options**🐶

In adult dogs with no clinical symptoms and a diagnosis has been made as an incidental finding, non-surgical treatment (conservative management) may be recommended. In younger animals, surgical management may be more appropriate in order to try to prevent the development of severe limb deformities. Surgery is strongly advised for grade 3 and 4 patellar luxation. For grade 2 medial patellar luxation, only dogs exhibiting significant clinical signs – i.e. lameness, are recommended for surgical management. Surgery is not normally advised for a grade 1.

One or more of the following surgical strategies may be required in order to correct patellar luxation and the best course of treatment will be advised on an individual basis taking into account the animals temperament, severity of luxation and discomfort associated with it:-

1) Tibial Tuberosity Transposition – This surgery realigns the insertion of the tendon spanning between the patella and tibia bone. Because bones heal much more efficiently than tendons, the bone that this tendon is attached to is cut and moved to a more appropriate position. It is pinned back into place and the bone heals gradually over the following 6-8 weeks. Often wire is placed in addition to the pins so that the pull of the quadriceps muscle is effectively balanced by wire anchored to the tibia in the opposite direction.
2) Recession Sulcoplasty - Deepening of the femoral groove so that the patella can sit more deeply in its normal position; this can be achieved by a variety of different techniques and is often performed at the same time as other surgery
3) Reconstruction of soft tissues surrounding the patella to loosen the side toward which the patella is riding and tighten the opposite side.
4) Correction of abnormally shaped femurs is occasionally required in cases where an abnormal shape of the femur angles the patella to luxate most or all the time. This procedure involves cutting the bone, correcting its deformity and immobilising it with a bone plate.

🐾Could delaying treatment do more damage?

Patellar luxation when severe can cause skeletal abnormalities such as bowing of the femur or tibia bones. In milder cases, cartilage loss from the underside of the patella is often seen and/or the surface of the grove as the cartilage is physically abraded from the patella slipping out of the groove.

Patients with medial patellar luxation are also more prone to developing cranial cruciate ligament disease. As with most things, if the condition is causing a clinical problem, then the earlier it is addressed the better it is for the patient in both the short and the longer term.

🐾Non-surgical (conservative) management of patellar luxation

The cornerstones of conservative management are body weight management, exercise modification, medication such as anti-inflammatory painkillers, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. These same techniques are also important in the short-term management of dogs who are treated surgically, although the primary surgical aim is to minimise the requirement for long-term exercise restriction and medication. Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy both help to improve the range of motion of the joint, decrease any stiffness and promote muscle strengthening of the muscles that support the knee joint. Joint supplements are also recommended to help support the joint and keep the cartilage within the joint as much as possible. This is also recommended post surgery to reduce the onset of osteoarthritis as much as possible.

🐾Will my dog be able to exercise normally after patellar luxation surgery?

Your dog will initially need to undergo a standard period of about 6-8 weeks rest/limited exercise. As long as your vet is happy, once the wound has healed from surgery at about 10-14 days hydrotherapy may be commenced which can help speed up the healing process and get your dog returning to normal function again as soon as possible. Some vets prefer to wait until post-op x-rays at around 6 weeks prior to starting any type of physiotherapy.

Following a 6-week post-op reassessment with your orthopaedic surgeon and providing your dog is making good progress there is no reason why he/she cannot enjoy the same exercise as before surgery but it may be necessary to try to minimise too much high impact activity such as running/jumping where possible and also activities such as agility.

🌟🌟If you have any questions regarding patellar luxation or think your dog may be suffering with this issue then please get in touch on 01227 832322🌟🌟

15/01/2026

⭐️Highlight on Canine Patellar Luxation⭐️

So what is patellar luxation?

The patella is the kneecap and is a small bone located at the front of the stifle (knee) joint. It normally sits within a groove called the trochlear groove which forms the front of the stifle joint on the femur bone and is held in place by the Quadriceps Femoris muscle above and the patellar ligament below, which attaches to the tibia bone. This allows the patella to glide smoothly during normal leg extension and flexion.

In some dogs, the patella dislocates out of its normal groove when the knee is bent. The consequence of this luxation is an inability to properly extend the knee joint. As well as the lameness caused by the mechanical deficiency of the affected knee, there are varying degrees of pain and osteoarthritis associated with the patella luxating. Luxation is characterised as either medial or lateral, depending on whether the patella rides on the inner (medial) or on the outer (lateral) aspect of the knee respectively.

Patellar luxation is one of the most common orthopaedic conditions seen. It affects mainly dogs (although cats can also be affected) and is more common in smaller dog breeds such as Chihuahua’s and Yorkshire Terriers although dogs of all sizes can be affected. The age at onset of clinical signs is variable. Many animals start to show signs as puppies or young adults, although onset of signs in older dogs is also common. Animals with a “bow-legged” stance are more likely to be affected by patellar luxation. Around half of dogs affected by patellar luxation will have issues in both knees

Clinical signs of patellar luxation include:
- characteristic intermittent “skipping” lameness, where they may limp for a few steps and then quickly return to normal
- a stiff, awkward gait with stifles that do not extend properly
- a 'bow-legged' appearance (medial patellar luxation) of the hind legs
- Large breed dogs with lateral patellar luxation may have a “knocked-in knee” appearance.
Some dogs may not show any clinical signs and the condition will only be diagnosed as an incidental finding on a veterinary clinical examination.

What is the cause of patellar luxation?

The condition occasionally results from a traumatic injury, however there is normally a genetic cause. Animals are born with normal knees, but begin to develop abnormalities of the bones and muscles of the hind limbs early in life. The commonest direction of inappropriate movement of the patella is to the medial aspect of the knee joint. When the Quadriceps muscle starts to displace in this direction, it acts as a bowstring and causes the femur and tibia bones to deform into a pronounced outwards bow. The groove that normally houses the patella does not develop properly, and the limb deformities become self-perpetuating at this stage. The femoral groove into which the patella normally rides is also commonly shallow in these dogs causing it to luxate easier.

What is happening inside an affected joint?

As the patella moves in and out of the groove, it can wear holes in the cartilage of the patella and in the ridge that it rides over when it luxates. This causes pain and triggers a cascade of progressive osteoarthritis. Also, the abnormal pull of the Quadriceps muscle causes internal rotation of the tibia relative to the femur that can stress other structures within the knee, including the cranial cruciate ligament. The longer the patella spends outside its normal groove, the shallower the groove becomes.

How is patellar luxation diagnosed?

Diagnosis of patellar luxation is usually based on palpation of an unstable knee cap on orthopaedic examination. Additional tests may be required to diagnose conditions that can be associated
with patellar luxation and help the veterinary surgeon recommend the most appropriate treatment for your pet. These may include:
- palpation of the knee under sedation to assess for any damage to ligaments within the joint
- x-rays of the pelvis, knee, and tibias to evaluate the shape of the bones in the rear leg and evaluate for hip dysplasia
-CT scan to provide an image of the skeletal features of the entire hind legs. This advanced imaging technique helps the veterinary surgeon plan surgery in cases where the shape of the femur or tibia needs to be corrected.

What is the grading system for patellar luxation?

The grading system for patellar luxation is based on how mobile the patella is relative to the groove it sits in.

Grade 1: A patella that can be luxating with manual pressure but is otherwise is within the groove.

Grade 2: The patella spontaneously luxates - this is typically associated with a skipping lameness seen when the knee cap moves.

Grade 3: The patella is permanently luxated but can be manually replaced in the groove.

Grade 4: The patella is permanently luxated and cannot be manually replaced in the groove.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Please keep an eye out for our next post on treatment options available for patellar luxation coming soon!

If you are concerned your dog may have patellar luxation then please get in touch on 01227 832322 or email [email protected] to book an appointment with one of our vets 🐾🐾

01/11/2025

The very handsome Scooter came to us for his first hydrotherapy session yesterday. He did so well and don’t him and his Mum look such a cute pair in their matching jumpers! 💛🐾💛

30/10/2025

⭐️Highlight on Canine Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease - Part 2 Conservative vs Surgical Management⭐️

Decision-making on treatment for cruciate ligament injuries hinges on deciding between surgical and non-surgical management. However, the evidence comparing clinical outcomes between surgical versus non-surgical management in dogs has been limited until more recently.
Surgical management of cruciate disease in dogs can provide better long-term outcomes with reduced lameness and pain, especially for larger breeds or very active dogs as it permanently stabilises the stifle joint. Conservative management, which involves strict rest, physical therapy such as hydrotherapy or physiotherapy, weight management, and anti-inflammatory medication, is a less invasive option that may be suitable for small dogs or those with less severe instability, but it often has less predictable long-term results. In some dogs the risks of a general anaesthetic for surgery are considered excessive (e.g. patients with severe heart disease, uncontrolled hormonal disorders or immune conditions, etc).
The decision of whether to treat cruciate disease conservatively or surgically will largely depend on the stability of the knee joint, the severity of the clinical signs and also the temperament of the dog, their age and their activity levels/lifestyle.

🐾Conservative management

The mainstays of conservative management are pain relief (usually anti-inflammatory pain relief), weight management, hydrotherapy/physiotherapy and at-home exercise modification. These are also important in the short-term rehabilitation of dogs who are treated surgically, although the primary surgical aim is to minimise the requirement for long-term exercise restriction and medication. Dogs weighing over 15kg may potentially not do so well with conservative management. Dogs under 15kg may do better although improvement can take several months and they may never get back to 100% normal again as the underlying instability of the joint hasn't been corrected.

🐾Surgical management

Surgical treatments are categorised into techniques that aim to either replace the deficient ligament or alter the mechanics of the knee joint to prevent the forward sliding of the tibia and so stabilise the joint.

Ligament replacement techniques:

Prosthetic ligament replacement techniques have been used for many years. These are simple techniques that have the ability to return many animals to nearly normal function. The primary disadvantages of these techniques are their unpredictability during the early stages of recovery and mechanical limitations in big breeds and athletic dogs. Some dogs become transiently more lame before improvement occurs. Others take many weeks to improve and a proportion will have ongoing knee instability and pain. Variations of this technique are most commonly recommended for dogs with traumatic cruciate ligament injuries and in animals where several stabilisers of the knee are damaged.

Surgery that alters the mechanics of the joint:

These surgeries alter the mechanics of the affected knee joint in such a way that the cruciate ligament is no longer necessary to maintain stability. There are two main techniques used which involve reshaping of the top of the tibia by cutting the bone and fixing it in a new position. Both aim to render the tibial plateau perpendicular to the straight patellar tendon and in so doing, stop the tendency for the femur to slip down the slope of the tibia.

1) Tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO)

This surgery involves the creation of a radial cut in the top of the tibia and rotation of the plateau segment until the previous slope in the bone is no longer present. The bone is subsequently fixed in this new position using a bone plate and screws.

2) Tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA)

This surgery follows the same principle as TPLO, with a cut being created in the tibia to allow a change in geometry that renders the cruciate ligament redundant. The basic principle is that an altered direction of traction from the quadriceps muscle group produces a force across the knee joint that stops the tendency for the femur to roll down the slope of the tibial plateau. In effect, both TTA and TPLO aim to render the tibial plateau perpendicular to the straight patellar tendon and in so doing, stop the tendency for the femur to slip down the slope of the tibia.

🐾What are the advantages of surgeries like TPLO and TTA?

Because bone healing is more efficient than ligament healing, these repairs are significantly more robust than surgeries designed to replace the damaged ligament. The major benefit is a very reliable return of limb use, with all dogs expected to start weight bearing on the operated limb within 1-3 days. The mechanical advantages of TPLO and TTA coupled with the rapid return to function is especially important for bigger dogs, athletic animals, animals presenting with mild lameness (where ligament replacement could make them significantly more lame initially), and in animals with cruciate injuries affecting both stifle joints. In some animals with cruciate injuries that simultaneously affect both knees, TPLO can potentially be performed on both stifles in a single surgery however most surgeons will opt to do the surgeries separately with the aim to perform surgery on the worst affected leg first.

🐾What are the success rates of TPLO and TTA?

As a general rule, over 90% of dogs return to normal activity after TPLO or TTA with owners reporting no detectable lameness at home. Ongoing pain relief medications are generally not required after the immediate post-op period. The success rates for TPLO and TTA are very similar. It is important to remember that animals that have had surgery within a joint will be more prone to that joint becoming arthritic. Longer-term management of this will include those for conservative management and potentially ongoing pain-relief if needed.

🐾What are the potential complications after surgery?

Fortunately, complication rates are low for cruciate ligament repair surgery. The two most common complications are infection and mechanical complications. Infection can be treated using antibiotics but in some cases, surgical flushing of the area is necessary and, in cases where bacteria adhere to the implants, the implants may need to be removed after the bones have healed. In the majority of animals, the implants will remain in place for life and will cause no problems at all. Mechanical complications usually occur in dogs that overdo exercise before the bones have healed fully (which takes about 6-8 weeks). Many mechanical complications can be managed with rest alone or hydrotherapy/physiotherapy, although some problems require surgical revision.

27/10/2025

💫Wonderful Millie was in today for her 100th hydrotherapy session!! 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣🤩
Millie has been coming for hydrotherapy since 2018 to help with her arthritis and she still loves her sessions. She has been doing so well she still acts like a puppy most of the time even though she is 13!
Well done Millie, keep up the good work! We’re all very proud of you and how well you’re doing 💫

10/10/2025

🐾 Hydrotherapy FAQ’s 🐾

Have you ever thought about hydrotherapy for your dog but weren’t sure what exactly it’s all about or if it’s the right option for them? Or if your dog would be alright with hydrotherapy if they are nervous around water? We have put together some frequently asked questions which hopefully will answer any questions you may have.

💦Would hydrotherapy be suitable for my dog?

Hydrotherapy is suitable for the vast majority of dogs, big or small, however there are some instances where it may be contraindicated such if your dog has severe cardiovascular or respiratory disease, vomiting/diarrhoea, pyrexia (high temperature), skin infections or some other skin conditions, open wounds or uncontrolled seizures e.g uncontrolled epilepsy

💦What if my dog is nervous around water?

This is quite a common question we get asked! Most dogs take to hydrotherapy very well even if they are unsure about water. We always make sure to introduce hydrotherapy to our patients at their pace and in a positive manner to make sure they are happy with all aspects of the hydrotherapy environment. Their first appointment it always more of an introduction to hydrotherapy and our underwater treadmill. We always take things slowly and a bit of bribery with some tasty treats to make it all a positive experience normally helps!

💦What are the benefits of hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is a great form of exercise in warm water that is low-impact and has lots of benefits including:

- Pain relief
- Increased joint range of motion and helping ease stiff joints
- Improved circulation to joints and muscles
- Reduction in swelling
- Improving muscle mass and tone as well as loosening tight muscles
- Excellent sensory stimulation to the paws and muscling to help promote nerve function
- Gait ‘re-training’ to help your dogs mobility with a more balanced gait
- Quicker recovery from orthopaedic surgical procedures
- General well-being and mental stimulation for dogs that are not able to mobilise much on land e.g. post surgery or older dogs with arthritis

💦What conditions do you treat?

There are many conditions that can be treated with hydrotherapy such as:

- Post-orthopaedic surgery rehabilitation from cruciate, patella, elbow or spinal surgery
- Arthritis e.g. hip or elbow
- Weight loss
- General fitness and conditioning
- Repetitive strain injuries e.g. with working dogs or sporting dogs that do agility or flyball etc
- Muscle related injuries

💦Do you treat cats?

Yes we do, however this will depend on your cat and their tolerance levels with water as water is not something a lot of cats necessarily like!

💦Do you require veterinary referral for hydrotherapy?

Yes, we always gain your vets permission before starting hydrotherapy for any animal. This ensures your vet is happy that your animal is fit and healthy for treatment. We also ask for your pets clinical history to be sent to us so we have a full picture of their history before we see them.

💦How much do you charge for sessions?

Our initial assessment appointments are £82 and subsequent sessions are £60. If your pet is insured it is always worth checking if they will cover hydrotherapy. Many companies will cover it under ‘complementary therapies’.

💦How often would I need to come and is it a course of a certain number of sessions that would be needed?

The frequency and number of sessions needed will depend on your dogs condition and how they respond to treatment. Many dogs we start at once weekly intervals and if it is a chronic condition being treated this can be carried on longer-term on a maintenance programme. For post-operative rehabilitation, a course of around 6 sessions is usually recommended.

💦How long are your appointments?

The initial appointment is about 90 minutes and subsequent sessions are 60 minutes

💦Do you have a swimming pool?

At Bourne we use an underwater treadmill for hydrotherapy. Many dogs will be able to use both an underwater treadmill or swimming pool but with certain conditions such as spinal issues, underwater treadmill exercise is preferred. We always get in the water with our patients which allows us to give support and guidance as needed to help them walk in the most balanced way possible and get the most out of their session. This also allows us to perform static balance work and gives us a good opportunity to assess their muscling and joint function whilst having the support of the water.

💦 Do you do ‘fun’ hydrotherapy sessions?

To have hydrotherapy sessions your dog doesn’t need to have any known mobility problems, however if you would like some sessions to help introduce your dog to water in a safe environment or if they just love water this is something that we can do but we would still require a veterinary referral in this case.

🐕‍🦺If you are interested in hydrotherapy for your pet or if you have any further questions regarding hydrotherapy then please get in touch on 01227 832322 or email [email protected] 🐕‍🦺

06/10/2025

⭐️Highlight on Canine Cruciate Ligament Disease⭐️

🐾What is the cranial cruciate ligament?

The cranial cruciate ligament within the stifle joint (knee) joint in dogs is the same as the anterior cruciate ligament in humans. It is a band of tough fibrous tissue attaching the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone) and its role is to prevent the tibia from shifting forward relative to the femur. It also helps to prevent the stifle joint from over-extending or rotating. *see photo 1 below*

🐾What is the cause of cruciate ligament injury in dogs?

Cruciate ligament injury is commonly seen in dogs. Whilst acute injuries to the ligament can occur due to trauma, in many dogs the cranial cruciate ligament ruptures as a result of longer-term degeneration, where the fibres within the ligament have weakened over time. The precise cause of this is unknown, but genetic factors play an important part, with certain breeds being predisposed (including Labradors, Rottweilers, Boxers, West Highland White Terriers and Newfoundlands). Other factors such as obesity, individual conformation, temperament, exercise levels, hormonal imbalances and certain inflammatory conditions of the joint may also play a role.

🐾What occurs within an affected joint?

Fraying or rupture of the ligament triggers a cascade of events that result in pain and lameness. The cranial cruciate ligament loses its normal mechanical function and lameness occurs due to pain as well as the joint becoming less stable. One of the factors influencing the mechanical lameness is the shape of the top of the tibia which has a pronounced backwards slope. The consequence of this slope in dogs with a non-functional cranial cruciate ligament is that the femur will roll down the slope every time weight is put on the leg. In dogs without cranial cruciate ligament impairment, this slope will only become a problem if it is very steep and this can then predispose them to problems. *see photos 2 and 3 below*

In some dogs, the mechanical deficiency can result in trauma to other structures within the joint such as the menisci (a pair of buffer cartilages which help with shock absorbing). In slipping down the slope of the top of the tibia, the femur can crush and tear these cartilages, particularly the one on the inside of the joint.

🐾How can I tell if my dog has cruciate ligament disease?

Limping or a ‘toe-touching’ lameness is the most common sign of cranial cruciate injury. This may appear suddenly during or after exercise, or it may be a more progressive or an intermittent lameness. Some dogs may show stiffness or lameness when first getting up. Cruciate disease can affect both knees at the same time and affected dogs may find it difficult to rise from a laying or sit position and have a very stiff, “pottery” gait. In severe cases, dogs may not be able to get up at all and can be suspected of having a neurological problem.

🐾How is cranial cruciate ligament injury diagnosed?

Diagnosis in dogs with complete rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament is usually based on examination and specific manipulations of the joint demonstrating a laxity of the joint as well as x-rays or scans. Exploratory surgery or arthroscopy (keyhole surgery) of the joint is then used to confirm the diagnosis and to investigate for possible cartilage issues, meniscal injuries or other problems.

🐾How is cruciate ligament injury treated?

Decision-making on treatment for cruciate ligament ruptures often hinges on deciding between surgical and non-surgical (conservative) management.
Non-surgical management is not always recommended, except where the risks of a general anaesthetic or surgery are considered excessive (e.g. patients with severe heart disease, uncontrolled hormonal disorders or immune conditions, etc). The decision of whether to treat cruciate disease conservatively or surgically will depend partly on the stability of the knee joint and also the severity of the clinical signs.

🦴🦴Please keep an eye out for our next post on surgical vs conservative management of cruciate disease coming soon!🦴🦴

Bourne Hydrotherapy

09/02/2026

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15/01/2026

01/11/2025

30/10/2025

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