24/04/2025
Common injuries!
This month we will guide you through some common injuries our doggies face and how to ensure your dog is getting the best treatment possible to both manage injuries and prevent them occurring.
To start off we will be discussing Cruciate ligament damage!
🐾 Understanding Cruciate Ligament Damage in Dogs 🐾
Have you noticed your dog limping or hopping with their hind legs? It might be a sign of a common orthopedic issue in dogs known as Cruciate Ligament Damage.
🔍 What is the Cruciate Ligament?
The cruciate ligaments are a crucial part of your dog's knee joint, providing stability and support during movement. When it becomes damaged, it can lead to pain, discomfort, and limited mobility.
The cruciate ligaments are two ligaments that cross each other inside the knee joint. They are named based on their shape, with the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in front and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) behind. These ligaments provide stability to the knee joint by preventing excessive forward and backward movement of the tibia (shin bone) relative to the femur (thigh bone).
🚨 Signs and Symptoms:
Limping or favoring one leg
Signs of pain when the knee joint is touched/moved (panting, licking lips, being vocal)
Difficulty getting up or sitting down
Swelling/heat around the knee joint
Reluctance to engage in physical activity
Audible popping or clicking sounds
🔧 Treatment Options: This is where Physiotherapy comes in!
Treatment for cruciate ligament damage varies depending on the severity of the injury and your dog's size, age, and overall health. Options may include:
Conservative management (anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, laser therapy for inflammation)
Surgery (such as TPLO, TTA, or extracapsular repair) paired with physiotherapy for rehabilitation.
💡 Preventive Measures:
While some cases of cruciate ligament damage are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:
Maintain a healthy weight for your dog
Avoid high-impact activities, especially for breeds prone to joint issues
Provide regular exercise to keep muscles and joints strong
Consider joint supplements
Early detection and proper management are key to helping your dog bounce back from cruciate ligament damage. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, don't hesitate to reach out to your Vet.
Image source- https://warrenhousevets.com/cruciate-ligament-surgery/
Get in touch if you’d like anymore information or would like to discuss how physiotherapy or hydrotherapy could help your pet 🐾🐾
