Many veterinarians will try to pressure owners into immediately proceeding with surgical intervention to repair a dog’s damaged cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) by saying early intervention will decrease the likelihood of arthritic changes to the knee. There is some truth to this - restriction of the knee joint after injury does help to minimize the progression of arthritic tissue in a dog with a CCL injury, but the necessary amount of restriction can be reached with conservative techniques as well as surgery. Restricting your dog’s activity following a cruciate ligament injury is your best defense against arthritis, and no owner should ever be made to feel as though surgery is their only option. Read the rest of this entry »
Jun 24, 2008 | | Arthritis, Non-Surgical Options, Conservative Management, Surgical Options
It is not unusual for dogs who have a cranial cruciate ligament rupture in one leg to develop one in the other leg. It is a little unusual to have two severe ruptures at the same time, but it does occur, especially in large breed dogs or overweight canines. Generally the signs of this type of injury will manifest itself in the dog with an impaired gait, shaking while walking, and/or dragging the back legs. It is not unusual for veterinarians and pet owners to think that partial paralysis is present or that the severe lameness is due to spinal disc disease because of the severity of the presentation.
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Jun 15, 2008 | | Non-Surgical Options, Weight Management, Extracapsular Imbrication Technique, Conservative Management, Surgical Options
What are NSAIDs?
NSAID stands for non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs. These medications are most often prescribed to dogs for pain, inflammation and to aid in fever reduction. NSAIDs are most commonly used for the symptomatic relief of arthritic pain in geriatric pets. Aspirin and ibuprofen are well-recognized human NSAIDs, and the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has approved specific NSAIDs for use in pets with osteoarthritis. NSAIDs work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, the body chemicals that cause inflammation, and can be highly effective for controlling discomfort in arthritic and post op pets. Read the rest of this entry »
Jun 10, 2008 | | Non-Surgical Options, Anti-Inflammatory Medications, Conservative Management
Not all owners can afford the expensive surgery that cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) repair surgery typically requires. There is quite a range in prices depending on what procedure is recommended by your veterinarian for your dog’s knee repair. For example, a traditional repair can cost anywhere from $700-$1500, whereas a TPLO is usually in the $1700-$3000 range. If proceeding with surgical correction for your dog is just not an option, be aware that there are conservative management techniques that will assist your dog in recovering from cranial cruciate ligament damage. Read the rest of this entry »
May 31, 2008 | | Financing, Surgical Procedures, Conservative Management, Surgical Options
Surgical intervention for cranial cruciate ligament repair can be a costly and time-intensive process. The procedure can range anywhere from $800 to $2500 depending on which surgical technique is used, and your dog will need to be on medications and under strict supervision for a few months to follow the procedure. All of these factors need to be taken into consideration when developing the best treatment plan for your dog. Surgery is not always an option for some animals as there are risks from anesthesia and allergies to which some dogs are particularly sensitive, not to mention the financial burden of a surgical procedure is not always an option for even the most caring owner. Read the rest of this entry »
Apr 29, 2008 | | Osteophytes, Arthritis, Non-Surgical Options, Conservative Management
Conservative management is a non-surgical option for treating cranial cruciate injuries in dogs. Depending on the size of your dog, the severity of the injury and the duration of time since the onset of the CCL damage, your veterinarian may suggest CM in lieu of surgical intervention. Conservative management is focused around three basic principles:
- Weight management
- Exercise moderation/rest
- Using anti-inflammatory medications
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Apr 23, 2008 | | Non-Surgical Options, Anti-Inflammatory Medications, Weight Management, Conservative Management
