CRUCIATE INJURY – Damage to dog knee.
The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is one of many ligaments that help to stabilise the knee joint. It can get torn or damaged by trauma (twisting the knee) or by wear and tear in the older dog.
Certain dogs appear to be more at risk, including the Newfoundland, Bullmastiff, Rottweiler, Golden retriever, and Labrador retriever.
An overweight dog will be more at risk, due to excessive stress on the joints; as will a dog suffering hypothyroid.
Dogs which are not exercised regularly will not develop sufficient muscles around the knee joint to stabilise it.
Signs of cruciate damage
If the tear of the ligament is caused by trauma, there is considerable pain at the time of injury. The dog will hold its leg off the ground, and be reluctant to use it. If the tear is only partial, the dog may begin to use the leg again after a few days rest. But the ligament cannot repair itself, and further exercise will damage the ligament further.
Treatment
If left untreated the dog will develop arthritis.
The vet will examine the dog, and will elicit the “drawer sign” in the manipulated knee if the cruciate is torn, as the knee will be able to move “abnormally”, no longer fully stabilised.
X-rays and MRI scan may be needed. These will rule out other causes such as fractures. Arthritis seen on x-ray is an indicator that the knee has been damaged for a while.
The usual treatment is surgery, but the vet will discuss options with you.
A conservative approach may be appropriate for elderly or dogs not in good health.
Post operatively
You need to be guided by your veterinary surgeon, who will give strict instructions regarding the amount of exercise allowed. This will be very minimal to start, building gradually. You may find that a crate is very useful during this period for any time that you cannot supervise your dog. The vet will usually take further x-rays around 4-6 weeks to ensure the joint is healing.
The recovery phase can be difficult, but strict rest is essential for the best outcome. Kongs, chew toys and other gentle activities to stimulate your dog’s brain will help to tire him during this period. Absolutely no stairs, jumping on sofas or beds is to be allowed.
Prevention and Food Supplements
An overweight and under-exercised dog is more likely to suffer knee damage. Obesity causes too much stress on the joint, which will then tear more easily. Strong muscles around the joint help stabilize and protect the ligaments from excessive stress.
Prevention is as simple as not overfeeding and regular exercise.
Supplements such as glucosamine and fish oils may go some way to protecting the joints.
Large breed puppies should be exercised carefully. Regular, frequent and moderate exercise is best. Rescue dogs which have been kennelled for some months, or previously not exercised at all may be at particular risk. Their exercise should be built up gradually to build up the muscles around their joints.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please join us on our forum, where we will be pleased to offer advice and share our experiences.
Surgery to repair the cruciate will be costly. Insure your dog!!!
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