Cruciate disease in dogs

Cruciate disease in dogs is a disease that affects the cranial cruciate ligament, located inside the knee. This disease is caused by genetics, obesity, age, conformation, and even breed.

It occurs as a slow ligament degeneration over months or sometimes years. The veterinarian at TLC Animal Hospital in El Paso, TX, wants to share some helpful information about cruciate ligament disease with dog owners. Read below to understand how our veterinarian can heal your pets' cruciate disease with or without invasive methods.

Signs and Symptoms

Some of the most common signs your dog has developed cruciate disease include difficulty jumping into the car, problems rising from a sitting or lying position, reduced activity levels, reduced range of motion of the knee, swelling, stiffness, and pain.

Diagnosis 

Generally, cruciate ligament disease is diagnosed through a physical examination and X-rays. However, partial tears can sometimes be more challenging to diagnose, requiring visual inspection for confirmation.

Treatment Options 

When a veterinarian diagnoses the cruciate disease, several treatment options are available. First, our veterinarian will recommend non-surgical treatment. These nonsurgical treatments may include exercise modification, body-weight management, physiotherapy, and medication. However, the type of treatment suggested will vary on the size, age, activity levels, skeletal conformation, and knee instability levels of your dog.

In many cases, surgical treatment is the best for this dog disease. Surgical treatment will treat the pain your dog is experiencing as a cruciate ligament disease while also addressing knee instability.

Dog Disease Detection and Treatment 

Visit a vet at TLC Animal Hospital in El Paso, TX, when you have concerns about your dog's health, including developing symptoms related to cruciate ligament disease. Call our office at (915) 592-6200 to schedule an appointment.