Physiotherapy for Cruciate Ligament injuries in dogs
A common injury in dogs is damage to the Cranial Cruciate Ligament. This is where the ligament in the knee (stifle) ruptures or partially tears. The CCL ligament provides stability to the knee when standing on the leg during movement. When the ligament is damaged the dog will be lame and in pain and some will not put the leg down much at all. The problem is often treated with an operation. However some can be treated with conservative treatment (pain relief and physiotherapy rehabilitation). Physiotherapy helps either way. Contact Classic Physiotherapy or have your vet send a referral to us.
This is one of the most common conditions we work with in dogs both after the operation or conservatively without an operation. After an operation we see the dog within 7 to 10 days. Before conservative treatment can start a Physio needs to assess the dog to see how suitable they are for conservative management. This depends on degree of injury, whether meds are controlling the swelling and pain, the age, energy and size of the dog and any other medical conditions they may have.
Ask your vet to send a referral to us via the ‘Vets’ tab above. Or contact us to chat about how we can help your dog
Clients who received physio post op CCL
Riley – Rehab after a CCL operation
Riley is an energetic young pointer who had an operation to repair a cruciate ligament tear in his hind leg – known as a CCL repair. He had Physiotherapy rehabilitation in the weeks after his operation which meant he recovered well. Riley now uses his operated leg as normal, has no limp and is running around on his walk. His owner wrote: ‘I really appreciated all your help with Riley, I would have been a little lost without physio and not known where to start.’ Yasmin
Tilly – 6 yr old energetic Lab – post CCL repair physio rehab.
Tilly had an operation to repair her ligament in her hind leg and her vet recommended post-op physiotherapy from a week after the operation. She is an energetic lady and her home had tiled and wooden floors which are a risk of slipping which would cause the repair to break.
Her owner, Peter said that he was happy she received physiotherapy and that the good range of therapies to benefitted her as well as a cheerful and professional service.
Pip – post op CCL repair.
Pip is a great character and an energetic chap who lets everyone know when there are visitors by running to the door. He had to have an operation on his knee after his cruciate ligament ruptured. Pip’s physio rehabilitation started with ten days of his operation. His owners for very diligent at doing his fun but therapeutic homework to help him use the leg correctly which is the best way to get it to strengthen up again and not put strain on the other leg.
His owners sent this lovely thank you note with a picture of Pip. from Dave and Carol.
