I recently worked with a small breed (Miniature Fox Terrier cross) dog with a diagnosis of a partial rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament. The client’s vet prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain medication.

The dog’s owner wanted to manage the condition conservatively and the vet referred them for myofunctional therapy.

Myofunctional assessment

The dog first presented to me approximately four weeks from the date of injury. The dog had completed a course anti-inflammatory and pain medication several days prior to the assessment date and the referring veterinarian had cleared the dog to commence treatment and mild exercise.

Observation – Stationary

With the dog in a stationary standing position, the following observations were made:

• From a caudal view, the dog’s pelvis was asymmetrical. It was higher on the side of the injured limb.

• Muscles of injured limb showed clear signs of atrophy. The difference in hind limb muscle mass was 3 centimetres.

• Not weight bearing on the injured hind limb.

• Weight bearing forward onto the forelimbs.

• Head carriage slightly forward and low.

Observation – Movement

When observing the dog in a walk from a cranial / caudal view, the following observations were made.

• Not weight bearing on the injured leg.

• Placement of non-injured hind limb toward the midline. Presumably this is to shift the weight to compensate for the injured leg.

The following observations were made while observing the dog laterally in a walk:

• Weight bearing forward onto forelimbs.

• Head carriage slightly forward.

• Reluctance to turn to the side of the injured limb.

Findings from palpation

A physical examination of the dog found no contraindications to treatment.

The following observations were made from the physical examination:

• Muscular tension in right and left brachial triceps, deltoid, trapezius and origin aspect of cleidocervical more so on the side of the injured hind limb.

• Atrophy of the femoral biceps of the injured limb.

• Muscle spasms and irritability along both the right and left thoracic and lumbar vertebrae – origin of trapezius, latissimus dorsi, tensor muscle of the fascia lata and gluteals.

• On the uninjured hind limb, muscle knot and irritability in the insertion of the gracilis. Muscle tension in the femoral biceps and pectineal.

• On the injured hind limb, muscle knot and irritability in origin aspect of the semitendinous.

• Dog guarding injured stifle.

Objectives of treatment programme

From the assessment and in discussion with the dog’s owner we agreed that the objectives of the treatment programme would be as follows:

• Address muscle tension and irritability in compensatory muscles in the uninjured limb, along the vertebral column, neck and forelimbs to prevent any longer term affects on gait.

• Maintain muscular health of uninjured hind limb particularly supporting the stifle joint to reduce risk of injury to cruciate ligaments.

• Address muscle atrophy in hind limb and maintain mobility.

• Increase proprioception in injured leg to encourage weight bearing and mobility.

Treatment programme

So we could meet our objectives , the dog’s owner and I designed the following programme:

Massage therapy treatments including:

• Massage to address muscular tension and maintain circulation in the muscles particularly in the injured limb,

• Passive and active joint mobilisations and exercises to increase proprioception and maintain mobility.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy comprising water walking. The purpose of walking in water is to increase proprioception and build muscle strength.

Diet and lifestyle

• Modified diet to aid muscle healing and address weight gain due to limited exercise.

• Addressed floor surfaces in the house to aid recovery and prevent further injury.

• Modified yard design to prevent re-injury (or injury to other limb).

• Modified exercise regime to aid healing and prevent re-injury.

The duration of the treatment programme was six weeks and included four massage and exercise therapy sessions with me.

How are you treating your dog’s cruciate ligament injury? Leave me a comment and share your story. Full Stride provides canine massage and exercise therapy to keep dogs active.

You may also be interested in https://www.fullstride.com.au/blog/how-to-prevent-cruciate-ligament-damage-in-dogs

Until next time, enjoy your dogs.