AJTCVM

American Journal of
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

Non-Surgical Treatment for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Senior Dogs: A Retrospective Case Series

Laura V. Lee DVM, CVA, CAC

Abstract

Cranial cruciate ligament disease (CrCLD) and rupture (CrCLR) is a common cause of severe lameness in dogs. CrCLR in senior dogs is particularly debilitating as these animals have poor therapy options and complicating geriatric conditions. The efficacy of non-surgical treatment using acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) on correctly aligned joints, for CrCLR in senior dogs was evaluated in this retrospective study. Seven dogs (ages 7-13 years) were enrolled over a five-year span. Clinical evaluation at study start noted all affected stifle joints were palpably unstable with a positive cranial drawer sign, joint swelling/lameness and 3 dogs demonstrated a meniscal click. A successful therapeutic outcome was achieved in all 7 dogs which was defined as lack of drawer sign, no lameness/pain and good joint stability. Long-term follow-up of study dogs (6/7) ranged from 1.5 to 6 years and supported initial study results of good joint stability with no pain. Acupuncture gave the greatest pain relief, usually by the second treatment. The overall average number of acupuncture treatments per affected joint was 6.9 over a 4 to 10-month period (average 6.1 months) to achieve joint stability. CHM helped to prolong pain relief and relieve symptoms of arthritis and was continued in some dogs (3/7) long-term. The results of this retrospective case series suggest that the use of CHM and acupuncture on correctly aligned joints for cranial cruciate ligament rupture in senior dogs may be a valid treatment option.

Keywords
Citation
Lee L. Non-surgical treatment for cranial cruciate ligament rupture in senior dogs: A retrospective case series. Am J Trad Chin Vet Med 2019; 14(1):49-64

Non-Surgical Treatment for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Senior Dogs: A Retrospective Case Series

Laura V. Lee DVM, CVA, CAC

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