Thursday, August 1, 2013

What To Expect With Dog Ligament Surgery

By Cathy Mercer


Injury to the cruciate ligament is one of the most common causes for lameness in dogs. It affects the joint of the animal in the hind leg that consists of cartilage, tendons, nerves, and muscles. Upon an assessment of physical function by the experienced veterinarian, dog ligament surgery may be recommended.

The cruciate ligament damage in canines is one of the most common types of injuries that can be chronic or acute and is most likely to occur in animals that are obese, older than 4 or genetic factors. In the event you you notice that your canine may have suffered such deterioration, it should be examined by a veterinarian. A number of symptoms may reveal whether or not pets have suffered from such damages.

For chronic injury, the lameness will develop over a period of time and may seem to be improving with sufficient rest, but as soon as the canine resumes regular activities, the symptoms will resume and become worse. Acute damage is sudden and noticed with the onset of lameness after running or engaging in rigorous activity. The rupture of ligaments may result in severe pain, inflammation, difficulty walking, and toe touching as the animal avoids placing its full weight on the leg.

Should you suspect your dog has suffered such damage, it is best to have the region examined by a qualified veterinarian. A significant delay in having these problems addressed can lead to a number of secondary problems because there is increased pressure placed on normal tissue. It could lead to inflammation, fluid in the joint, increased knee pain, and the onset of arthritis.

Based on the completion of a physical and a digital examination a diagnosis may be provided. The vet will often apply a sedative or anesthetic to feel the affected joint and prevent possible discomfort for the animal. Surgery is only advised one the X-rays confirm the presence of this condition and whether the animal qualified for such intervention.

The treatment that is recommended for such types of damage includes surgery. During this procedure, the vet will inspect the condition of the joint, proceed to clean it, remove damaged cartilage, and replace the deteriorated ligament with an artificial one. The professional will recommend intervention depending on the overall size and age of your pet and the nature of the injury.

A complete physical assessment is required because the intervention has to be tailored to meet the specific needs of your animal. Due to the complex nature of this condition, there is no single approach for every canine, which is the reason a comprehensive program is advised for the best possible results. The recovery plan will include supplements for joint health, anti-inflammatory medication, and physiotherapy.

When there is a considerable delay in having the intervention performed, it increases the likelihood that the animal will suffer from degeneration over time. Dog ligament surgery becomes necessary when the injury is not likely to heal without intervention and requires suitable conditions for normal functioning. Every animal may be provided an individually based plan so that optimum recovery can take place.




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