CALL US: 405-367-5732
We specialize in helping neuro and senior dogs (and cats) improve their independence with daily activities so they can continue living their best lives
We offer Canine Physical Therapy and Wellness in Edmond and the OKC metro, focusing on
"Putting the pep back in your pup's step"
Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury (CCL Injury/ACL Injury)
The Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) is the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in humans. It is the one of the most common injuries among dogs of all shapes and sizes. It is the most common cause of hind limb lameness in dogs. It is located in the knee (stifle) and provides stability to the knee.
Signs and Symptoms
Common signs you will notice:
Swelling
Limping
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Reduced movement in the knee
Cracking noises in the knee
Reluctance to exercise or have the knee touched
Weight shifting to one side when standing
Holding hind limb off the ground
Hind leg extended when sitting
Please note that these signs and symptoms do not confirm a CCL injury. Your veterinarian will perform an exam which will include observation of your dog walking, palpation, special tests and x-rays. This will assist in confirming diagnosis and ruling out other causes of hind limb weakness in order to determine the appropriate course of action.
Canine PT and
CCL/ACL injury
Your veterinarian will help you determine if surgery or conservative care is right for your pup. There are several factors that play into that including:
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Age
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Energy level
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Weight
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Full vs. partial tear
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Presence of a meniscus tear
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If the other knee if affected or not
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Regardless of post-surgical or conservative management, Canine PT can help.
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No matter the treatment route your dog is going through, canine rehab can help promote tissue healing, provide a progressive strengthening program, and assist in normalizing gait (walking) mechanics. Pain management is typically the first goal with or without surgery, then promoting weight bearing of the limb.
During our evaluation, we determine what exercises should be done and walk you through the exercises.
The Underwater Treadmill may be something that you've seen online or heard about from your vet as the key for recovery, but that is just one of many tools and may not be appropriate for your pup. While it does have it's benefits, there are other factors and techniques that may be better suited for your pup. Additionally, research does not support that it is better than for improving strength than regular exercise for animals. You can learn more about underwater treadmill and the body weight support system we utilize at our clinic. Click Here to read more about it.
How can we help?
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