A torn CCL is a very common injury in dogs. When the ligament tears, the tibia can slip forward. Without veterinary intervention, this injury is painful and can make it difficult for dogs to walk. The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in dogs is equivalent to humans’ anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). It runs through a dog’s knee and keeps the tibia aligned with the femur. Over time, it could also damage the cartilage and bones, which could cause osteoarthritis.
Luckily, a Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) procedure is an effective treatment to repair a torn CCL. Once surgery is done, you will want to minimize recovery time. With the help of Union Lake Veterinary Hospital’s pet rehab services, we can help your dog get back to his or her regularly scheduled activities faster and with less pain.
Hydrotherapy for TPLO Surgery Recovery
We offer hydrotherapy as part of our pet rehabilitation services. Our underwater treadmill gives our rehabilitation experts the opportunity to help animals extend their rear legs during the healing process to build muscles in the quadriceps and hamstrings. With the underwater treadmill, our staff can control the speed of the movement, water levels, and heat levels. The benefits of hydrotherapy include:
- Movement with minimal strain or stress on the joints and bones
- A way to build and maintain muscle
- Reduction in pain, swelling, and stress on the joint
- Improved circulation
- Improved foot placement and awareness (which is very helpful after injury)
Extracorporeal Shock Wave
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy, or ESWT, uses high-energy sound waves to increase circulation and stimulate new cell growth. This also reduces inflammation and swelling while increasing blood flow. This can help wounds and bones heal faster. Many animals see significant results after 1-3 visits. It can help:
- Accelerate healing
- Reduce pain
- Reduce swelling
- Accelerate bone growth
- Enhance wound healing
Class IV Deep Tissue Laser
Another great post-surgical rehabilitation service we offer is deep tissue laser therapy. We can use the laser to penetrate tissue without adding further damage. Lasers like these can:
- Minimize post-surgical pain for pets
- Lower inflammation
- Encourage faster healing
Deep tissue laser is a desirable tool for healing after surgery because it is non-invasive and doesn’t require any medication. It complements your pet’s natural healing processes to help them return to normal faster.
Additional Therapeutic Options
At Union Lake Veterinary Hospital’s Animal Rehabilitation Center of Michigan, we take your pet’s healing seriously. Your veterinarian and our rehab team can advise you about the best TPLO surgery rehab services to help your dog heal as fast as possible after TPLOS surgery.
Other rehabilitation services we offer include:
- Acupuncture & Chiropractic
- Arthritis management
- Therapeutic ultrasound
- Therapeutic massage
- Heat therapy.cryotherapy
- Carts, braces, and mobility aids
- Therapeutic exercises
- Weight management
Whether your pet is recovering from surgery or dealing with a chronic issue, we can help. Union Lake Veterinary Hospital is proud that our rehab facility was the first canine rehab facility in Michigan. To learn more about our rehabilitation services and how they can help your pet, please call (248) 363-1508.