More and more veterinarians are starting to recommend post operative physical therapy for cranial cruciate ligament repair patients.  While opinions differ from one veterinary surgeon to another, proponents of canine PT believe that physical therapy in the post-op CCL repair dog can help bring a dog back to full function in a shorter amount of time vs. traditional rest following surgery.  Veterinarians are presently conducting studies to show the efficacy of PT in animals, and to prove that it has a similar restorative mechanism as PT in humans. 

The second part of canine PT is begun as inflammation has started to resolve, and healing begins to be the predominate theme in the wound. During this time pro-PT veterinarians believe that enough stress should be applied to healing tissues to stimulate and optimize healing without threatening the stability of the joint. Ideally, phase two activities should parallel the gradual increase in tensile strength observed in the wound. If one is too aggressive with PT during this period, failure can occur; conversely, if one lags in PTH activities, the goal of early return to function is not accomplished.

Exercises included in canine PT:

1.   Sit and stand.

2.   Corner stands.

3.   Figure-eight walks.

4.   Wheel barreling.

5.   Stretching of hamstrings, quads. (without stimulation).

6.   Decline treadmill followed by incline treadmill.

7.   Leg weights.

8.   Unbalancing activities..

Right now PT is favored in dogs with working backgrounds such as agility or hunting, but it has begun to pop up amongst other owners as well.  Not all veterinary offices offer PT services, and you should check with your vet prior to CCL repair as to whether or not it is something your doctor recommends. None of these exercises should be attempted on your dog by anyone other than a trained professional, and premature movement of the joint in a post-op CCL repair dog can compromise the stability of the joint and ultimately cause the repair to fail. Always follow the direction of your veterinarian when exercising your dog during the post operative period.

Physical Therapy in Post CCL Repair Dogs is a post from: Dog Knee Injury

Swimming is an excellent non-weight bearing activity, but only after the incision site itself has had time to heal. All therapies should always be cleared through your veterinary surgeon, prior to their implementation. If you have access to a pool and a dog that loves to swim, this can be a great way to help them regain lost muscle mass while working on ROM exercises in a zero resistance environment (decreasing the likelihood of injury).

Some owners have also chosen to go a more holistic route with their dog’s post operative therapy, seeking out the assistance of a professional skilled in acupuncture.  The use of animal acupuncture, and similarly acupressure, in a dog recovering from ccl repair surgery may help alleviate post op discomfort, which can help your dog to heal more quickly from surgery.  A growing number of veterinary clinics are now integrating western techniques such as acupuncture and massage into their practices, with many offering these services on site.  Acupuncture and acupressure can be used in conjunction with ROM exercises and hydrotherapy under the supervision of your veterinarian.

The long term prognosis for animals undergoing surgical CCL repair is good, with clinical reports of improvement in 85-90% of the cases. Unfortunately, degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis progresses regardless of treatment. Long term outcome includes a decrease in activity over time, an increasing level of disability, an adverse response to cold weather, and stiffness after inactivity related to progressive degenerative joint. Weight loss, an exercise regime of daily moderate activity, and the use of joint supporting supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin can help to improve these adverse clinical symptoms.

Physical Therapy After CCL Repair is a post from: Dog Knee Injury