If you have ever suffered from a knee injury, you know that these injuries are no walk in the park. Fractures, dislocations, and tears are among the most common knee injuries experienced by humans. Our four-footed friends may also suffer from knee problems, but their most common complaint is a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) – the equivalent of a torn ACL in humans. While there are multiple options for treating this injury, eventually dog knee surgery will provide the best results.
Signs of Knee Trouble and the Options for Treatment
How can you tell if your dog is suffering from an injury? Dog owners often notice a reduction in active play, occasional lameness, and increasingly frequent signs of pain. There are a few options when it comes to treatment for this condition:
• Management of activity levels
• Use of anti-inflammatory medications
• Pain management therapy
Why Surgery Is the Best Option
If the CCL has been torn, however, the only way to experience full recovery is for your dog to have surgery. Talk with your veterinarian about whether or not surgery is right for your situation. Certain factors such as the age of your dog, its size, level of activity, and general behavior may affect your treatment options.
Ignoring the condition poses many risks for your dog. Untreated, the torn CCL can lead to meniscal tears and painful arthritis. With surgery, on the other hand, your dog can regain the ability to jump, run, and play.
