Anyone who has experienced an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury knows the pain and frustration of being sidelined by a sudden twist or misstep.
Similarly, our canine companions are susceptible to comparable injuries, particularly during โcruciate seasonโ, leading many owners desperate to find pain relief for dogs so their pet can get back to being active.
As humans, an ACL injury can result from sudden movements like stopping or changing direction quickly, which are common in sports.
Dogs, too, can snap their CCL (cranial cruciate ligament) under similar circumstances.
During cruciate season, as we joyfully welcome the better weather and indulge in outdoor activities, our dogs become more active after a winter of reduced activity.
This increase in activity can unfortunately lead to a higher incidence of CCL injuries.
The ligament can rupture due to rapid acceleration followed by a sudden stop or a twist, often leaving our furry friends in distress and discomfort.
Recognising Signs of a CCL Injury in Dogs
As a responsible dog owner, identifying the early signs of a CCL injury can be crucial for timely and effective treatment.
Here are some symptoms to watch for in your pet:
- Limping or Lameness: Noticeable difficulty in walking or reluctance to use one of the back legs can be the first sign of a CCL injury. This might range from a slight limp to an inability to bear any weight on the affected leg.
- Stiffness: If your dog shows stiffness while getting up or lying down, and this symptom seems more pronounced after rest, it could be indicative of a CCL injury. Although slight movement might improve the stiffness, it usually persists as an underlying issue.
- Unusual Gait: An abnormal or irregular walking pattern, where your dog may favour one leg over the other, could also signal a ligament problem.
- Swelling: Any swelling around the knee joint suggests inflammation and discomfort, which are common with CCL injuries.
- Unwillingness to Exercise: A sudden disinterest in exercise or play, or quickly tiring during activities, could be your dog expressing discomfort from a CCL injury.
How We Can Support Your Dogโs Recovery
At Butterwick Animal Rehab, we understand the impact a CCL injury can have on your dogโs quality of life.
We are committed to helping your pet recover using a holistic approach tailored to their specific needs.
Hereโs how we can assist:
- Physiotherapy: Our experienced veterinary physiotherapists will thoroughly assess your dogโs posture and movement to develop a customised treatment plan. This plan includes exercises that you can perform at home to complement in-clinic sessions, aiming for a full and pain-free recovery.
- LASER Therapy: We utilise LASER therapy to enhance your dogโs natural healing processes. This method improves cellular function, increases endorphin and collagen production, and boosts circulation, which helps in reducing pain and swelling while improving mobility.
- Pulse Magnetic Therapy: Our Pulse Magnetic Therapy uses electromagnetic fields to normalise the electrical charges in your dogโs cells, facilitating faster healing of bones, nerves, and soft tissues and providing significant pain relief.
- Hydrotherapy: Featuring advanced hydrotherapy facilities, including a pool and underwater treadmills, we provide therapeutic exercises in a controlled environment. The warm water soothes sore joints and muscles, while the buoyancy reduces stress on the body, allowing your dog to regain muscle strength and mobility without undue pressure on the injured limb.
