Cruciate Ligament injuries

“We help people who are worried about their dog’s health and want their dog to lead a 

more active, normal and pain free life!”

What is a cruciate ligament?
There are two cruciate ligaments found in the knee: the cranial cruciate ligament is located in the centre of the knee and the caudal cruciate ligament is located at the back of the knee. It is common for the cranial cruciate ligament to rupture in dogs, whereas it is uncommon to have issues with the caudal cruciate ligament. These ligaments are like strong pieces of rope, which connect the femur (the bone at the top of the leg) to the tibia (the bone at the bottom of the leg) and allow the knee joint to work successfully as a hinge. The ligament can worsen over time, much like a fraying rope, or it can suddenly rupture completely due to an injury. Often it happens when our dogs are simply skidding, twisting, or jumping for a ball or toy..

How do I recognise a cruciate injury in my dog?
Symptoms depend on the breed of dog and the severity of the ligament rupture, and can vary from a slight limp to not being able to place down the leg at all, so look out for these things:

  •  limping/ lameness with either of the back legs
  •  stiffness of the back legs, especially when arising or sitting down.
  •  An unusual gait
  •  swelling over the knee joint
  •  unwillingness to exercise

The management or solution to a cruciate injury depends on the severity of the rupture. In severe cases, your veterinarian may suggest surgery, but conservative management can often be used to avoid this and is a less invasive option. When surgery is the correct option for your pet, hydrotherapy and/or physiotherapy can be used pre and post surgery to help speed up recovery, although this would be hugely tailored around your pet’s surgery and how they are recovering. Gentle veterinary physiotherapy sessions and/or laser or pulse mag therapy may be more suitable at first, until your pet can manage more strenuous exercise in our hydrotherapy department.

Unfortunately, due to the strain and weight put on the opposite, healthy limb, the cruciate ligament can often also rupture in the other leg. If the dog has undergone physiotherapy/ hydrotherapy, the muscle will be built up around both the knee joints, taking strain off the ligaments, and lowering the chance of this happening.

Conservative management includes:

Weight control
Keeping your dog at a healthy weight prevents any extra strain on your dog’s joints and ligaments. Feel free to ask us in the clinic about how to help your dog lose or maintain a healthy weight – we’re more than happy to help!

Controlled exercise regime
It is important to make sure your dog doesn’t over-exercise and cause themselves any undue pain afterwards. Your dog will receive a tailored exercise plan from one of our experienced veterinary physiotherapists during their appointments.

Medication
Your veterinarian may prescribe anti-inflammatories and pain relief to help with the management of a cruciate ligament injury.

Joint supplements
Dogs who have suffered a cruciate ligament injury are at high risk of going on to develop osteoarthritis. This is because when the cruciate ligament is damaged, it can result in a change in the way the joint moves, damaging the meniscus – a cartilage which acts as a cushion inside the joint. Joint supplements can help lubricate the joints and may slow down the process of this. If you’re unsure about what to buy, we can advise.

What we can do to help

Physiotherapy
One of our knowledgeable veterinary physiotherapists will examine your dog’s movement and posture, and then design a tailored plan to help target your dog’s individual needs and get them back to feeling more like their happier, pain-free selves. This will include a home exercise plan for you to follow at home, which is extremely important and will work alongside the plan we will carry out in the clinic.

LASER therapy
Our veterinary physiotherapists can carry out LASER therapy on your beloved furry friend. This is where we use light at different frequencies, wavelengths and powers to optimise the body’s natural healing process. The light energy passes through the skin and then into the cells, initiating a process called photobiostimulation, similar to the photosynthesis process in plants. As well as optimising the body’s natural regeneration process, it also encourages the body to release endorphins and collagen, and improves blood circulation, in turn then increasing mobility and reducing pain and swelling.

Pulse magnetic therapy
You may have already heard us talking about ‘Pulse Mag’ in the clinic or elsewhere. This uses pulsed electromagnetic fields at different frequencies, because the cells in our bodies all have different electrical charges that change when cells are damaged. Pulse magnetic therapy returns the damaged cells to their ‘healthy’ electrical charge. This then optimises ‘normal’ cellular processes, meaning we can achieve an improved rate of healing bone, nerves and soft tissues (ligaments, tendons, muscles, skin) as well as providing pain relief.

Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is extremely beneficial in helping either manage or heal a cruciate ligament injury. We are very lucky at BARC to be able to offer both a hydrotherapy pool and two underwater treadmills, both allowing specific benefits to your woofers The warmth of the water is soothing for aching joints and can help relax tight muscles, which helps relieve pain, while the buoyancy provides support, making it easier for your dog to exercise and create normal movement patterns. While exercising in the water, your dog is moving against the resistance, which helps build muscle, which most likely will have been lost due to lack of exercise from pain from the cruciate injury. If you’ve ever waded through the sea, you will probably remember how much hard work it was, which is why we start with gentle sessions and slowly increase them over time. The water also provides a hydrostatic pressure, so when your dog is submerged in the water this will help reduce swelling, allowing more movement in the joint and decrease pain.

Enquire about getting started

We know you want the best of the best for your dog, and we also know you’re a busy person. If you want to get your dog back to being happier, healthier and doing what you both love and want to get booked in  – click on the  link below and fill out the short form for information about getting booked in and availability.

Enquire about free taster session

Not sure? No problem! Why not bring your dog in for a free, non-obligatory session in which we see what’s wrong, what can be done so you have all the information you need and start getting both you and your dog feeling more optimistic about the future? We mean it – no fees, no obligation, nothing: all we want is to meet you and to say ‘hi’ to your best friend. Click the link below to get booked in, now.

Talk to a Vet Physiotherapist

We know how difficult it is to trust someone else when it comes to the health of your dog. It’s just so hard. So, that’s exactly why we also know how important it is for you to ask all the questions you have, find out all the answers you need, and for you and your dog to trust us. So, give us a call to chat to one of our Vet Physio. We’d love to meet you and find out more about how we can help your dog, right now, just click the link below.

Enquire about getting started

Apply for a free taster session

Talk to a Veterinary Physiotherapist by phone

Mandy WiseMandy Wise
15:17 19 Aug 22
I have found everyone at the clinic very professional, welcoming, friendly and caring.I am very satisfied with my dogs progress from the very start of his treatment.Benny (dog ) is happier , more mobile and very keen to go to his appointments.Both Bennys and my own confidence has grown over the weeks to what he is now able to do .Happy dog = Happy owner .
lisa stockerlisa stocker
11:24 14 Aug 22
Look no further when looking for a warm, friendly professional company to help you gain what you need from hydrotherapy and physio for your beloved dogs. We started 3 months ago and was faced with a warm welcome on our first visit to look around. We were shown all areas for hydro and physio and met staff; we were even able to take our other dog along for the visit too.Our first physio meeting was to establish what our needs were and most importantly what the needs were for our dog. We were listened to attentively to what we wanted to achieve and a plan was established going forward to help us achieve our dogs’ goal. Our dachshund Penny was suffering from back spasms and had had previous MRI to establish the damage and in all honesty, we had wrapped Penny up in cotton wool and restricted her walks and movements hoping not to create more spasms. From the professional staff, Amy & Claire initially we worked together through visits to hydro and physio and a set exercise plan at home which we worked vigorously with dedication to making Penny’s life happier. In just a few short weeks, Penny had lost weight, built muscles up in her back legs and had become so much more flexible and relaxed as a dog. She had this new spritely character that was coming out that we had not seen for so long. Penny is very reactive around strange people and the staff at Butterwick knew how to handle Penny, keeping at a distance and slowly over sessions they gained her trust. At the three-month stage now, Penny having had hydro treadmill twice a week and physio once a month she is this new young happy dog who has so much more energy and ability to do things she was scared to do before. As her owners it has been a learning curve for us to not wrap her up to protect her but get her out there and face her back problems full on and this has shown in the progress Penny has made. Penny recently moved up into the “big” pool for sessions and she took to it really well considering she is a miniature dachshund in a big pool. Amy has been fantastic with her, knowing how anxious Penny gets, she has let her do her own thing, yet in the pool Penny was happy to be held by Amy by showing her with a cuddle and a face lick! The look on Amy’s face we captured on camera was fantastic, that she had been allowed into Penny’s little circle of humans was lovely to see. It shows the staff are dedicated to the dogs they treat and path they following into getting on a road to recovery, knowing that their care and compassion as well as their professional skills have paid off.Barbra on reception is lovely and takes the time to get to know you when you first register and is always happy to help. Primarily we have dealt with Amy and Claire during Penny’s progress, but other staff and the owner Mark has also been great in sessions with Penny.I can honestly say, look no further, go for a look around and meet staff and you will not be disappointed. They have a system that you stay outside till they call you in when the coast is clear so that no dogs clash on the way in and out. We almost play games checking the coast is clear before we exit after a session, so no dogs meet in the reception area as like ours, they get very vocal around other dogs.We have got to know the staff over the last few months, and the chats we have during sessions makes it a much more relaxed for our pooches seeing us having a laugh about being dog owners and the antics our dogs get up to.We cannot recommend the work “family” at Butterwick to help get your dog on the road to recovery for a much brighter and healthier future.
Irene WilkinsonIrene Wilkinson
11:40 09 Aug 22
My boy Ben has been attending Butterwick Rehab for 5 years now.He started hydro when he was 10 years of age, when he had torn ligaments in his hind legs.Now 5 years later & almost aged 15 and a half, he also has arthritis in his front legs but thanks to the expertise, patience, love and dedication of Mark and the girls he is still going strong on the old legs. In the 5 years he has done his hydro sessions every week and only had to cancel about 4 times. He has also had a couple of sessions of laser therapy over the years, the latest one being last week when Amy gave him a thorough session of it and it has 100% helped.Ben absolutely loves the staff and all the attention he gets (not to mention all the gravy bones).I can hand on heart say that thanks to Mark, Rachael, Amy and Claire, my best buddy is still mobile and happy.Couldn't be more highly recommended.Thanks from the bottom of my heart.Irene & Ben xx
June GatenbyJune Gatenby
19:31 17 Jul 22
Would highly recommend the Butterwick centre, had a consult with Mark about my elderly dog losing strength in his back legs, Mark instantly reassured us that although he was old he would be able to help him. He set a plan in place and we are already seeing improvements after only a few weeks. I can’t recommend Mark and his team highly enough. They have been great communicators, open to questions at anytime and have given us lots of reassurance throughout the process. Biggles really enjoys his sessions and the team make it an enjoyable experience for him and us.
FACT TrainingFACT Training
10:18 23 Jun 22
My best pal for ten years had a major operation and lost the will to live and just laid around with no interest in life whatsoever 😞 luckily I heard about this place and the manager (Barbra) who used to be my slimming world teacher who asked me to come along. From the moment I entered the building I felt part of the family. My dog, Shadow wasn’t quite so sure but within ten minutes they had him doing things I hadn’t seen him do for months. He has had three swimming sessions now and is loving life again,,,,, he even wags his tail again , something I never thought I would ever see again. I can’t thank my new family at Butterwick enough, they have brought my best pal back to life.Thank you 🙏
Mags FarquharMags Farquhar
14:24 14 Apr 22
The staff, Mark, Amy, Claire and Barbara, are all friendly and very knowledgeable. My German Shepherd loves going and can't wait to get in and do her weekly hydro. She has come on marvellously since her spinal surgery in October 2021 and doesn't act like a 10 year old. My 15 year old Cocker Spaniel before her also loved his sessions and lost 6.5kg before we sadly lost him at Christmas. I would highly recommend Butterwick to anyone as hydro and physio have definitely helped our dogs.
chris clarkchris clark
17:12 02 Mar 22
We first encountered Butterwick in 2016 when our beloved Labrador had a spinal stroke and was paralysed. Once we got him mobile, although walking very badly, we took him for hydrotherapy to Butterwick. He then used the treadmill and made a good improvement. He has lived a normal life even though he walks with an odd gait. As he has got older, the weakness in his back legs has got worse and he sprained his leg. After anti inflammatory treatment we took him back to Butterwick. Mark is very knowledgeable and gave us physio exercises to do and we booked him in for swimming sessions. He has made a good improvement and we can actually see the muscle building up in his thighs. The staff are wonderful. Mark, Barbara, Claire and Amy are all dedicated to helping our 4 legged friends. Brook gets very excited when we pull up outside the door and can’t wait to get into that pool. I would highly recommend Butterwick Practice
Fiona TamkinFiona Tamkin
14:47 28 Jan 22
Our vet recommended hydrotherapy for our Border Terrier as she was not developing muscle as she should after a cruciate ligament operation. This was whole new experience for us but we have been really impressed, with the professionalism, knowledge and friendliness of the team, we all enjoy going. We have really been looked after by the team at Butterwick.Everything is explained to you to ensure you continue to give your dog appropriate treatment, each session starts with an update on progress to ensure they can help you with any issues your dog might have had between sessions.We are delighted to say that we are seeing continued improvement in our little dog that we did not see prior to finding the team.
Mandy WiseMandy Wise
15:17 19 Aug 22
I have found everyone at the clinic very professional, welcoming, friendly and caring.I am very satisfied with my dogs progress from the very start of his treatment.Benny (dog ) is happier , more mobile and very keen to go to his appointments.Both Bennys and my own confidence has grown over the weeks to what he is now able to do .Happy dog = Happy owner .
lisa stockerlisa stocker
11:24 14 Aug 22
Look no further when looking for a warm, friendly professional company to help you gain what you need from hydrotherapy and physio for your beloved dogs. We started 3 months ago and was faced with a warm welcome on our first visit to look around. We were shown all areas for hydro and physio and met staff; we were even able to take our other dog along for the visit too.Our first physio meeting was to establish what our needs were and most importantly what the needs were for our dog. We were listened to attentively to what we wanted to achieve and a plan was established going forward to help us achieve our dogs’ goal. Our dachshund Penny was suffering from back spasms and had had previous MRI to establish the damage and in all honesty, we had wrapped Penny up in cotton wool and restricted her walks and movements hoping not to create more spasms. From the professional staff, Amy & Claire initially we worked together through visits to hydro and physio and a set exercise plan at home which we worked vigorously with dedication to making Penny’s life happier. In just a few short weeks, Penny had lost weight, built muscles up in her back legs and had become so much more flexible and relaxed as a dog. She had this new spritely character that was coming out that we had not seen for so long. Penny is very reactive around strange people and the staff at Butterwick knew how to handle Penny, keeping at a distance and slowly over sessions they gained her trust. At the three-month stage now, Penny having had hydro treadmill twice a week and physio once a month she is this new young happy dog who has so much more energy and ability to do things she was scared to do before. As her owners it has been a learning curve for us to not wrap her up to protect her but get her out there and face her back problems full on and this has shown in the progress Penny has made. Penny recently moved up into the “big” pool for sessions and she took to it really well considering she is a miniature dachshund in a big pool. Amy has been fantastic with her, knowing how anxious Penny gets, she has let her do her own thing, yet in the pool Penny was happy to be held by Amy by showing her with a cuddle and a face lick! The look on Amy’s face we captured on camera was fantastic, that she had been allowed into Penny’s little circle of humans was lovely to see. It shows the staff are dedicated to the dogs they treat and path they following into getting on a road to recovery, knowing that their care and compassion as well as their professional skills have paid off.Barbra on reception is lovely and takes the time to get to know you when you first register and is always happy to help. Primarily we have dealt with Amy and Claire during Penny’s progress, but other staff and the owner Mark has also been great in sessions with Penny.I can honestly say, look no further, go for a look around and meet staff and you will not be disappointed. They have a system that you stay outside till they call you in when the coast is clear so that no dogs clash on the way in and out. We almost play games checking the coast is clear before we exit after a session, so no dogs meet in the reception area as like ours, they get very vocal around other dogs.We have got to know the staff over the last few months, and the chats we have during sessions makes it a much more relaxed for our pooches seeing us having a laugh about being dog owners and the antics our dogs get up to.We cannot recommend the work “family” at Butterwick to help get your dog on the road to recovery for a much brighter and healthier future.
Irene WilkinsonIrene Wilkinson
11:40 09 Aug 22
My boy Ben has been attending Butterwick Rehab for 5 years now.He started hydro when he was 10 years of age, when he had torn ligaments in his hind legs.Now 5 years later & almost aged 15 and a half, he also has arthritis in his front legs but thanks to the expertise, patience, love and dedication of Mark and the girls he is still going strong on the old legs. In the 5 years he has done his hydro sessions every week and only had to cancel about 4 times. He has also had a couple of sessions of laser therapy over the years, the latest one being last week when Amy gave him a thorough session of it and it has 100% helped.Ben absolutely loves the staff and all the attention he gets (not to mention all the gravy bones).I can hand on heart say that thanks to Mark, Rachael, Amy and Claire, my best buddy is still mobile and happy.Couldn't be more highly recommended.Thanks from the bottom of my heart.Irene & Ben xx
June GatenbyJune Gatenby
19:31 17 Jul 22
Would highly recommend the Butterwick centre, had a consult with Mark about my elderly dog losing strength in his back legs, Mark instantly reassured us that although he was old he would be able to help him. He set a plan in place and we are already seeing improvements after only a few weeks. I can’t recommend Mark and his team highly enough. They have been great communicators, open to questions at anytime and have given us lots of reassurance throughout the process. Biggles really enjoys his sessions and the team make it an enjoyable experience for him and us.
FACT TrainingFACT Training
10:18 23 Jun 22
My best pal for ten years had a major operation and lost the will to live and just laid around with no interest in life whatsoever 😞 luckily I heard about this place and the manager (Barbra) who used to be my slimming world teacher who asked me to come along. From the moment I entered the building I felt part of the family. My dog, Shadow wasn’t quite so sure but within ten minutes they had him doing things I hadn’t seen him do for months. He has had three swimming sessions now and is loving life again,,,,, he even wags his tail again , something I never thought I would ever see again. I can’t thank my new family at Butterwick enough, they have brought my best pal back to life.Thank you 🙏
Mags FarquharMags Farquhar
14:24 14 Apr 22
The staff, Mark, Amy, Claire and Barbara, are all friendly and very knowledgeable. My German Shepherd loves going and can't wait to get in and do her weekly hydro. She has come on marvellously since her spinal surgery in October 2021 and doesn't act like a 10 year old. My 15 year old Cocker Spaniel before her also loved his sessions and lost 6.5kg before we sadly lost him at Christmas. I would highly recommend Butterwick to anyone as hydro and physio have definitely helped our dogs.
chris clarkchris clark
17:12 02 Mar 22
We first encountered Butterwick in 2016 when our beloved Labrador had a spinal stroke and was paralysed. Once we got him mobile, although walking very badly, we took him for hydrotherapy to Butterwick. He then used the treadmill and made a good improvement. He has lived a normal life even though he walks with an odd gait. As he has got older, the weakness in his back legs has got worse and he sprained his leg. After anti inflammatory treatment we took him back to Butterwick. Mark is very knowledgeable and gave us physio exercises to do and we booked him in for swimming sessions. He has made a good improvement and we can actually see the muscle building up in his thighs. The staff are wonderful. Mark, Barbara, Claire and Amy are all dedicated to helping our 4 legged friends. Brook gets very excited when we pull up outside the door and can’t wait to get into that pool. I would highly recommend Butterwick Practice
Fiona TamkinFiona Tamkin
14:47 28 Jan 22
Our vet recommended hydrotherapy for our Border Terrier as she was not developing muscle as she should after a cruciate ligament operation. This was whole new experience for us but we have been really impressed, with the professionalism, knowledge and friendliness of the team, we all enjoy going. We have really been looked after by the team at Butterwick.Everything is explained to you to ensure you continue to give your dog appropriate treatment, each session starts with an update on progress to ensure they can help you with any issues your dog might have had between sessions.We are delighted to say that we are seeing continued improvement in our little dog that we did not see prior to finding the team.
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