Did your dog start limping? There is a big chance it has been caused by one of these 3 things:
Of course, this is not a rule, but these are the most common causes of lameness we see in dogs. Talk to your veterinarian about diagnosing your dog and how to treat it!
Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease in Dogs
Cranial cruciate rupture in dogs is the most common orthopedic problem we see in small animals. It is the most common cause of lameness (limping). Even though it may present acutely, most times it is caused by chronic problems and anatomic changes that dogs are born with (so relax, it’s not your fault!). The rupture in itself is not very painful, but the instability, causing the joint to move abnormally, not only causes chronic pain, it also causes increased inflammation in the knee, which leads to osteoarthrosis (OA). This snowball effect leads to increasing pain in the affected joint.
Most dogs will stop limping soon after a rupture, especially if treated with pain medication and anti-inflammatories, but that does not mean the dog is cured; it only means the acute pain is gone. The problem is that the longer it takes to treat them, the more arthritic the joint becomes, and there is no cure for that. The best thing to do is to stop the instability early on and prevent OA. Only surgery can improve the stability of the knee.
TPLO Surgery for Dogs
The most common and the best (for most cases) surgical procedure available is the TPLO. It may seem like a scary procedure, but it is a very precise surgery that tends to improve clinical signs early on, and it helps prevent the progression of OA. If you want to learn more about the procedure and what to expect after surgery, watch our video on TPLOs.
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Knox Veterinary Surgery provides advanced orthopedic, soft tissue, and exotic pet surgeries right in your practice, making care easier for you and your clients. Serving Tennessee and surrounding states, we deliver skilled, compassionate care in a familiar setting.