Canine Water Therapy for Cruciate Ligament Tear
- Rachel Velarde
- Aug, 24, 2018
- Canine Hydrotherapy, Cruciate Ligament Tears
- 4 Comments.
Explaining Cranial and Anterior Tears
The knee joint is a type of hinge joint. It is relatively unstable because of the absence of interlocking bones in the joint. It is held together by several ligaments, including the cruciate ligaments, which allow it to move back and forth, but restrict its side-to-side motion. Acute or traumatic cruciate tearing is caused by a twisting injury to the knee joint. This typically occurs when a canine is running and suddenly changes direction. By doing this, it places the majority of the body weight on the knee joint and powerful forces on the cruciate ligaments. This injury most often affects the anterior(ACL) or cranial(CCL) ligament. A cruciate ligament rupture is extremely painful making the knee joint become unstable and resulting in lameness. Chronic forms of cruciate damage can occur by progressive weakening of the ligaments as a result of repeated trauma or arthritic disease. At first, the ligament becomes stretched or partially torn and lameness may be only slight and intermittent. But with continued use of the joint, this condition gradually gets worse until a complete tear occurs.
Alternatives to Surgery
Veterinarians see most ligament patients soon after their injuries, when symptoms are acute, or weeks/months later, after symptoms become chronic. If not immediately treated, most ligament injuries appear to improve but the knee remains swollen. Abnormal wear between bones and cartilage also creates degenerative changes that result in bone spurs, chronic pain, loss of motion, and arthritis. In some patients, bone spurs appear within one to three weeks of a ligament injury. If there is swelling on the inside of the knee, this indicates the development of arthritis in patients with old injuries. Completely torn CCL in dogs are always a surgical case because the knee cannot function correctly. However, whenever the tear is partial, nonsurgical techniques can be given a try. If symptoms improve during that time, the odds favor recovery without surgery. If symptoms do not improve, holistic techniques can be used as pre- and post-operative therapy and conditioning.
Physical and Dietary Therapies
The most popular treatments for injured dogs include aqua therapy, acupuncture, acupressure, chiropractic, and massage. All of these therapies can help with pain management, reduce soreness, accelerate repair process, release muscle tension and stress, minimize the building of scar tissue, reduce inflammation and clear the affects of anesthesia. Hydrotherapy provides top notch benefits for dogs recovering from ligament injuries. Dogs receive non-weight bearing exercise without pressuring their joints. It’s also a smart and safe form of release for a dog to let off pent-up energy.
Using controlled and full range-of-motion swimming, allows canines to build back atrophied muscle. When a dog has a partial tear, water therapy can prevent them from completely rupturing the ligament, as water exercise aids in muscle development. For complete tears, aqua therapy is used for post-surgical rehabilitation as well as continued management. It is almost inevitable that your dog will develop arthritis following this tear, which is why it is important to keep them in these types of therapies that support a healthy means of exercise and management. Joint supplements as well as CBD oil can benefit your dog by keeping their joints mobile and inflammation down.
Dietary restrictions are just as important as physical restrictions when it comes to a dog’s rehabilitation. Excess weight brings additional stress to a canine’s joints. It is recommend to REDUCE not take away, fat and carbohydrates. Even if your dog is at a healthy weight, he/she will not require the same amount of food, due to activity being extremely limited. Consult with your vet to recommend a nutritious meal plan that works best for your specific dog.
Breeds Who Have a Higher Risk of Developing Cruciate Ligament Tears
- Pitbulls
- Rottweilers
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd Dogs
- Saint Bernards
- Akitas
- Newfoundlands
- Mastiffs
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Any dog can injure their cruciate ligament, however larger breed dogs are more prone to injury due to their weight and size. Young, athletic dogs who run often and play hard can turn or step the wrong way and then suddenly not be able to walk. These ligament tears are most common in dogs who compete in agility, field runs, dock diving, obedience and other sports. Older, large breed dogs that develop weakened ligaments can eventually tear, especially in dogs who are overweight. When a weakened ligament is stressed, a rupture can be triggered by activities that are very simple, like sitting on cue, stepping over a curb, or jumping off a couch. Smaller dogs are not necessarily less at risk, but their recovery time is much faster and typically easier than of larger dogs. Nonetheless, dogs in both size groups need a minimum of 6 months to show complete improvement.
About Dip’ n Dogs Hydrotherapy – Orlando, FL
At Dip’n Dogs Hydrotherapy, we are certified and caring professionals devoted to restoring and enhancing the health and happiness of your beloved pup. Encompassing a state-of-the-art, indoor pool, as well as a certified hydrotherapist, this can provide effective and long lasting results for your pet’s injury or illness. We are conveniently located in Orlando FL near the College Park area. Contact us today at (407) 227-0030. Our Services include the following: Indoor Hydrotherapy and In-Home Mobile Therapy for dogs. We look forward to hearing from you!
What Our Clients Are Saying
Rachel is extremely kind, gentle and motivational towards animals. She provides quality individual attention.
What a great way to help your animal!Chase Milner March 20, 2018
"My Lab mix Tucker, is a new client of Dip'n Dogs. After just a few assisted swims with Rachel, we have seen great results with his weight loss and overall behavior. Rachel is fun and motivating when in the water and Tucker really loves his weekly swim session!"
Patrick Haggerty March 22, 2018
"Rachel is amazing! The changes in Blu’s overall physical health have been worth every effort. I recommend hydrotherapy for any dog’s overall fitness health."
Jennifer Corso Leonard April 29, 2018
"Rachel is wonderful with our fur baby Bella. We were told by Bella’s vet that she needed to lose some weight and we are already seeing results! Bella may not be the easiest client (very much a diva) but Rachel is so patient and gentle with her. Bella is a mix of husky and German Shepherd so we want to keep her fit to prevent conditions that are common with those breeds."
Kaela Rebecca April 30, 2018
"Our little Yorkie Jack has arthritis and our vet recommended trying hydrotherapy. Jack is a yipper but remains calm with Rachel! After his sessions, we do see Jack go up the two steps he usually avoids, with less hesitation and his walking seems easier! Thank you Rachel!"
Joni Browder April 30, 2018
"Our 11 year-old Yorkie just started hydrotherapy for his arthritis. Since starting, he’s a little more agile, and goes upstairs with more ease! Thanks Rachel for all you do and your extra TLC with our little Jack!"
Caitlin Browder May 5, 2018
My beagle, Badger, is overweight (like many beagles are) but I wasn’t too worried because we would go for long walk/runs to keep him healthy. BUT, his hips began to hurt and he wouldn’t walk for more than just a few minutes. I was worried he would become obese! I found Dip’n Dogs online and signed Badger up for hydrotherapy with Rachel. Not only is he almost back to normal with our walks but he has lost a bit of weight! The swims have definitely benefited him. Rachel is kind, patient and very flexible with scheduling appointments. Plus, her package deals help with the cost. I highly recommend her services. Both Badger and I are much happier than we were a month or so ago!”
Camille King July 12, 2018
“Jack’s mobility has benefited from the swimming sessions in a short time. I appreciate the patience and care Rachel has shown with our 17 year old Jack Russell. He needs special attention and she always gives him terrific assistance. I wish we had known about hydrotherapy earlier in his life. I know he would be in even better shape than he is now.”
Seth Miller July 12, 2018
"Hope is getting her second session of water therapy to help with her arthritis in her spine and legs and build her leg muscles back up! Maria and I love her trainer Rachel!"
Andrea Ruiz-Hays July 17, 2018
"Rachel has been awesome and I would most definitely recommend her!! My 12 year old beagle recently had knee surgery and she reached out to me through social media to let me know about her services. When it came time for him to start hydrotherapy as part of his recovery I contacted Rachel and set up an appointment. She was very responsive to messages and easy to get a hold of to set up our first appointment. After our first session my beagle started walking better and showing improvement in his healing process. I decided to buy a 4 session pack from her and taking him to see her weekly. Since we have started, his mobility has improved after each session and he gets around better than ever."
Caitlyn Canada July 17, 2018
"Rachel became certified in canine hydrotherapy through the certification program we offer through The Canine Fitness Institute. Since then, she has been working with dogs daily and I've seen her skills and competence grow by leaps and bounds. She opened her own business in 2018 - Dip N Dogs Canine Hydrotherapy and is doing a great job helping a wide variety of dogs regain strength after surgery, lose weight, become more mobile even though they have arthritis, and more. To further her knowledge, she continues to study and research a variety of orthopedic conditions that routinely affect dogs. She is very personable and her clients love her and the care she gives their dogs. If your dog can benefit from the incredible healing effects of hydrotherapy, I recommend you give Rachel a call."
Sherri Cappabianca July 17, 2018
"Jack was always extremely active throughout his life. Now at 17 plus years, he isn’t able to walk as well as we would like, due to arthritis and atrophy from age a medications he has taken. The hydrotherapy treatments with Rachel have made such a difference. They have helped him maintain his mobility and gain additional strength. Jack swims twice a week with Rachel. He swims very hard and I think he enjoys the mobility in the water that he no longer has on land. I wish we had known about hydrotherapy and Rachel earlier. I don’t think it is ever to early to start your dog swimming. I know would be in even better shape now than he is, if we had started him sooner. I highly recommend Rachel to work with your pet. She always has Jack’s best interest in mind and we certainly appreciate that."
Carrie Miller September 10, 2018
"Rachel is a pro when it comes to helping our dog Ellie feel comfortable during her swimming session. She has a kind nature towards animals and is really good at what she does. I'm glad we found out about her business. I highly recommend her services for your pet's well being."
Andy Schifaro September 10, 2018
"Rachel's calm, confident approach had our dog very comfortable."
Tracy Robinson September 10, 2018
"We are absolutely thrilled and happy to have Rachel swim with our dog Griffin. The exercise really has helped calm Griffin and his weight is right where it should be. Our vet was very happy with Griffins weight at his last check up this past week. They were happy that he had not gained any as many dogs do after being neutered. Griffin really loves his time with Rachel! she is a true dog lover."
Sara Palmer September 10, 2018
"Rachel was wonderful with my Dusty who had an FHO done on his right hip but his left hip is not so good either. As of right now his right has healed wonderfully and his left hip is holding strong! I believe it is because of hydrotherapy with Rachel. Dusty had his surgery in March and I can’t go fast enough for him on his walks! I might need some hydrotherapy myself!"
Terrie Sandefur October 3, 2018
"Rachel seems to see and love my Hannah's Spirit. Hannah recently said goodbye, for now, to Hazel, her litter mate and twin. Needing some fun new experiences and with a recent arthritis diagnosis, Dip'n Dogs was a nice adventure. Hannah enjoys the pool. Seems a natural swimmer. And Rachel has a good positive energy!"
Gwen Hartmann October 4, 2018
"Rachel is a caring and experienced dog guardian and is one of my dog, Maisie’s, favorite people. I highly recommend Dip'n Dogs!"
Marcia Caton February 18, 2019
"Sophie doesn't love the pool but Rachel was so great with her that Sophie was giving her kisses by the end! I'm so excited about Sophie continuing her hydrotherapy!"
Katlyn Billue February 18, 2019
"We are absolutely thrilled and happy to have Rachel swim with our dog Griffin. The exercise really has helped calm Griffin and his weight is right where it should be. Our vet was very happy with Griffins weight at his last check up this past week. They were happy that he had not gained any as many dogs do after being neutered. Griffin really loves his time with Rachel! she is a true dog lover."
Sara Palmer February 18, 2019
"Guinness and I are so happy that we met Rachel. She is super nice, gentle, patient and knows how to make Guinness comfortable in the pool, because he gets soo nervous. She is helping Guiness get back on his leg after a luxating patella injury. Right now he is doing great and starting to put his leg down when walking. I would definitely recommend Rachel- best hydrotherapy
:) and she does a great job in the pool. Thank you Rachel!"
Noelia Cocco February 18, 2019
"From the instant that I met Rachel, I felt comfortable with her and would have trusted her with any of my dogs. She came and worked with my senior, blind Shih Tzu this summer. My Millicent has arthritis, bad skin, allergies and had recently developed a heart murmur. Rachel made sure to go over Millie’s health history with me and was very aware of how Millie was doing the whole time she worked with her. It is great exercise for an old, lazy dog!"
Kristi Klein February 18, 2019
Your site has exceptional material. I bookmarked the site
Thank you, Brooke! Glad you enjoy it 🙂
Hi there!
We are new to hydrotherapy and just purchased an underwater treadmill. I have a Leonberger in my clientele that has bilateral ACL ruptures and is too old for surgery. We have applied high quality splints that she can walk with. one stifle injury is 6 and the other 2 wks old. When would you recommend that we can start with 2-3 min hydrotherapy sessions?
Hi Tanja, thank you for reaching out. I would recommend you speak with your veterinarian or orthopedic specialist to see when the dog would be cleared to participate in hydrotherapy. The recovery process is typically 4-8 weeks and then a dog can start healing therapies. I am familiar with the natural swimming process only, I do not practice the method of the underwater treadmill. I hope this information helps! Good Luck to you and your dog.