Rehabilitating the Cranial Cruciate Patient (2024)

Diane Messum | RC2024

40 minute video - Certificated at 1 hour of CPD

Partial or complete rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament is one of the most common causes of hind limb lameness in dogs. It can result in pain commonly associated with lameness, muscle atrophy and poor limb function as a result of dynamic joint instability. During this presentation we will cover the following key points:

• Discuss the effect that cranial cruciate disease has on the joints structure, motion and function
• Factors that might predispose a patient to bilateral cranial cruciate disease
• Conservative and surgical management options for cranial cruciate disease
• Should stifle orthotics be factored into our management plan
• Biomechanical considerations post-surgery and navigating the problems that may be encountered
• The importance of restoring range of motion, muscle strength and neuromuscular control to minimise the progression of degenerative joint disease