My dog re-injured his torn CCL. What helps his pain and swelling?

Hello, sorry to hear about Pilot. This product will definitely help keep his joints well lubricated and healthy. However, if he has any underlying arthritis or ligament injuries, it may not help treat this over all. I would recommend consulting with your primary care veterinarian about his lameness to make sure he does not have a ACL injury, hip dysplasia, or other orthopedic injuries. In general, modified low impact activity such as swimming and walking is preferred over running, jumping and rough housing. Hope this helps and best of luck.

It probably just sprained it. It is not uncommon for dogs to do very well post-op and then have a bit of a set back. You didn't mention which type of surgery he had to correct his CCL tear. Did they put in a false ligament? Was a TTA done? Was the meniscus involved? All of that can play a factor on what may be going on. I suggest you just rest him very strictly and ice the knee for 10 minutes 3-4 times per day (both the outer and inner portions of the knee). Continue all the medications that your vet has prescribed. If not much improvement after ~7 days of this I suggest you get a referral from your vet to an orthopedic surgeon for a second opinion. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Poor Willie! The duration of cage rest and pain medications depends on the degree of the tear. You can also provide Willie with joint supplements, which are available at most pet stores or through your veterinarian. These will help maintain the lining of the joint and partially prevent further pain and damage. If Willie is overweight, a diet plan is also something to consider to minimize pressure on the knee when she does begin exercising again. There are surgical options that can be considered to stabilize the joint if warranted. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any other questions you have!

Acupuncture can help with the pain, but it won't heal the torn CCL. A torn CCL won't be visible on x-rays, but there will be radiographic changes such as excessive fluid in the joint and displacement of the infra patellar fat pad. Torn CCLs cannot be diagnosed from x-rays alone, and a lameness exam should be done including a tibial thrust and cranial drawer test (manipulation tests). If those haven't been done already, I recommend having them done by the vet. If Stella's CCL is torn, then surgery is the recommended treatment. As a large dog, conservative treatment is not recommended because it doesn't work. Surgery is likely the best option for Stella, and I would speak to your vet about a recommendation to a veterinary orthopedic surgeon.

I'm sorry for Brody's injury. It sounds like he had ruptured his cranial cruciate ligament. Surgery is the ideal treatment but when that is not possible, crate rest is strongly recommended. Every time Brody steps on that leg he is injuring it further. If he tries to run and jump or play on it he will injure it even more. So 4-8 weeks of cage rest is better than a lifetime of chronic pain and lameness. There are things you can do to try to make it easier on him. Toys or chews that may interest him but that he can't swallow large pieces of. Make sure he can be out with you on a leash when possible instead of a cage. If he is super anxious or fighting the crate you may need to discuss anxiety or sedation medications with your vet. Here's an article that explains CCL injury a little bit more. I would recommend starting Brody on a supplement such as Dasaquin to try to limit arthritis effects in his knees. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1975

It takes months for the swelling to completely resolve. Up to 6 months before you see the full benefits of surgery. Also, if he has some arthritis present in the knee then the inside will always have some thickening. Best of luck and I hope he heals well! Thank you for using Pet Coach.

I’m a Rehab veterinarian and have found braces and wraps do not stabilize the knee. Leash walk only for potty breaks like you are doing is all you want to do physically. Please give the medication as directed. If there is a rehab facility in your area they can help you with laser treatments for pain and some conservative exercise. If she does too much activity on the other rear leg that CCL can tear also. Surgery is indicated in a dog of that size and age. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Moyer.