Does A Dog’s Size Impact Surgery Success For Cruciate Ligament Repair?

The size of the dog who has injured their ACL is relevant in both the success of the surgery and overall recovery.  When it comes to tearing cranial cruciate ligament, smaller dogs are at an absolute advantage over their larger counterparts in all areas.  Studies suggest that not only is surgery more successful in smaller…

Read More

Dog ACL Surgery Alternatives In 2021

Invasive and expensive surgery options for torn CCLs in dogs may not be available or appealing to many dog owners.  Luckily there are both older and emerging alternatives to surgery that are available to this demographic. If you are looking for alternative care for your dog’s torn ACL, then it will not take long to…

Read More

How Successful Is Dog Knee Surgery

Dog knee surgery is both a financial investment as well as a time and energy commitment. With so much on the line for both dog and owner the hope is that surgery is successful. Statistically, the odds are in favor of those who commit to dog knee surgery with a reported success rate of 85%-95%…

Read More

Walking A Dog After Knee Surgery: A Step By Step Guide

The recovery process after dog knee surgery will often determine how successful the surgery is. This means that the owner takes an active role to ensure that all portions of postoperative protocol are followed to ensure the highest success rate.  Walking a dog after surgery will involve slow incremental changes to frequency, duration, and challenge….

Read More

Tedy’s Story: Conservative Management

My 12-year-old (best estimate of his age) Bordie-Collie mix (and breed) injured his CCL on 5/11/21. He is about 50 lbs. I adopted him from the Humane Society 8 years ago. We were able to get in to see the vet within a few hours of his injury and a CCL tear was diagnosed based…

Read More

How To Prevent Dog ACL Injuries

No one wants to face the situation of having their beloved dog in a position of needing ACL surgery, so ultimately prevention is the best medicine. What are some of the considerations every owner needs to know to prevent ACL injuries? Cranial Cruciate Ligament injuries in dogs (the human counterpart is ACL injuries), may set…

Read More

Dog ACL Surgery Near Me

Helpful Tips To Help You Find The Right Veterinary Knee Surgeon For You and Your Dog Has the time come for your dog to have knee surgery? If so it will be important to find the right surgeon for both you and your dog. There are several factors to consider as you research the ideal…

Read More

Walk to Jog – Video

There are two separate aspects to jogging. First you will want to show your dog to Walk to Jog, then Jog to Run. Make sure your dog is using the injured leg 100% at a slow walk before even considering jogging. Dr. James St. Clair of TopDog Health and Rehabilitation gives us tips on how…

Read More

Stair Exercises – Video

Dr. James St. Clair of TopDog Health and Rehabilitation demonstrates stair exercises for dogs with cruciate ligament injuries. Like many of the other exercises, stairs should only be incorporated when your dog is ready, i.e. using the leg fully while walking without any discomfort. Controlling your speed during this exercise is key – The slower…

Read More

Basics of Ligament Injury and Arthritis – Video

It is estimated that there are over 15.5 million dogs suffering from arthritis right now – many of whom are silently suffering. Arthritis is defined as inflammation in the joint, and it may be accompanied by pain, discomfort and/or stiffness. There are 5 general areas which are most succeptible to arthritic change: hips, knees, elbows,…

Read More