Hip dysplasia is a genetic disorder in which dogs have a poor fitting hip joint. This ball and socket joint should fit together neatly, allowing dogs to move the legs freely and without pain. Because their bones do not fit properly, dogs with hip dysplasia are prone to develop arthritis and related … [Read more...]
Orthopedic Pet Care
Cruciate Ligament Injury
Professional –– or weekend –– human athletes know all about the debilitating pain of knee injuries. We’ve all heard about someone going on the disabled list because of an ACL injury. Unfortunately, some dogs have to deal with this kind of knee trouble as well. A cruciate ligament injury in dogs … [Read more...]
Critical decisions in cranial cruciate ligament repair
Painful and debilitating for patients, expensive versus less effective repair options for clients, WAY too many recommended surgical approaches for you. Are you limping toward the best plan? The patient: A 6-year-old, 60-lb male castrated American bulldog with unilateral cranial cruciate ligament … [Read more...]
Limping in Dogs
Just like humans, dogs sometimes break bones, sprain muscles, slip discs or tear ligaments, all of which can lead to the sudden onset of limping or movement difficulties. Torn knee ligaments occur frequently. Muscle strains are less common, but even these can occur while dogs undertake something as … [Read more...]
Bad hips and knees: Is it hip dysplasia or a torn cruciate ligament?
It can be difficult to differentiate between these two orthopedic problems. Luckily, the sit test, among other diagnostic evaluations, can help. Differentiating between a torn cruciate ligament and hip dysplasia can be tricky, if not frustrating. In one study, 32% of dogs referred to a surgeon … [Read more...]