Imagine your dog, once full of energy and agility, suddenly limping and favouring one leg. The culprit behind this sudden change is often a silent but destructive force – Cruciate Ligament Disease (CLD). It is the most prevalent orthopaedic problem in dogs and one of the most common pet insurance claims in Australia.
Cruciate Ligament Disease (CLD) is the canine equivalent of the ACL that brings athletes to their knees (literally). The irony is that dogs already have a knee joint that’s inherently more unstable than humans’. Thanks to their natural posture, dogs’ hind legs are always slightly bent when standing. So when your dog’s knee goes down, it’s like a ticking time bomb towards discomfort and disability.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – learn how to recognize the signs of CLD and take proactive steps to keep your dog’s knees healthy and strong.
- What is Cruciate Ligament Disease (CLD)?
- Symptoms of CLD in dogs
- Dog breeds affected by CLD
- How to prevent CLD
- Treatments and rehabilitation
- The importance of pet insurance
What is Cruciate Ligament Disease?
Cruciate Ligament Disease is a common condition that targets the knee joint, specifically the critical ligaments that work together to keep your dog’s knee stable and secure.
The cruciate ligaments are the unsung hero of the knee joint, preventing excessive forward motion of the tibia. But when damaged or torn, it may lead to devastating consequences. A sudden or repetitive stress on the knee joint can cause this ligament to snap, leaving your dog with a chronic condition that can lead to arthritis, chronic pain, and limited mobility.
That’s why it’s important to learn how to identify the signs and symptoms of CLD, and take proactive steps to prevent this condition from crippling your furry friend’s knees.
Symptoms of Cruciate Ligament Disease in dogs
- Lameness or stiffness in the affected leg
- Swelling and pain around the knee joint
- Instability or giving way of the knee
- Difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg
- Pain when extending or flexing the knee
If you notice any of these telltale signs on your dog, don’t panic. Take a deep breath and observe your dog’s behaviour throughout the day. Gently massage the affected knee to gauge their discomfort level. But, whatever you do, don’t let your dog get too riled up – no exercise or playtime until you figure out what your dog needs.
If you ignore these signs and let your dog continue to exercise on a mildly injured knee, the damage will only worsen even if only one knee is affected. According to Antinol Australia, 40-60 % of all dogs who rupture one cruciate ligament will tear the other within one year.
Dog breeds affected by Cruciate Ligament Disease
- Rottweilers
- Labradors
- Mastiffs
- St. Bernards
- Staffies
Cruciate Ligament Disease is more common in larger dogs due to their rapid growth and weight. However, even smaller breeds like Staffies can be affected. And even if your dog is healthy now, the risk remains a concern as they age.
Early detection and treatment can make all the difference in preventing further damage and ensuring your dog’s quality of life. By consulting with your vet at the first sign of trouble, you can take proactive steps to address the issue before it becomes severe.
Remember, CLD is a common condition that can be managed with proper treatment and care. Here are some quick tips from Laura, pet trainer and qualified pet behaviourist:
How to prevent Cruciate Ligament Disease in dogs
As a responsible dog owner, you want to do everything in your power to ensure your dog remains happy, healthy, and pain-free. The good news is that prevention is key, and by taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of Cruciate Ligament Disease.
1. Keep your dog at a healthy weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial in preventing CLD. Excess weight puts additional stress on your dog’s joints, increasing the likelihood of ligament damage.
To keep your dog at a healthy weight, it’s essential to monitor their food intake and adjust portions accordingly. Regular exercise, such as walking, running, or swimming, is also crucial to ensure they burn off excess calories and maintain a healthy physique.
Consulting your vet for dietary recommendations can help you develop a tailored plan to keep your dog at a healthy weight.
A healthy weight not only reduces the risk of Cruciate Ligament Disease but also improves your dog’s overall health and well-being. This makes it easier for them to engage in activities with you, resulting in a more happy and fulfilling life.
2. Neuter your dog at the right age
Neutering or spaying your dog can have a significant impact on reducing the risk of Cruciate Ligament Disease.
Neutered or spayed dogs experience reduced hormone levels, which can lead to several benefits for their joint health. One of these benefits is reduced joint stress, as lower hormone levels result in less muscle mass and lower physical activity. This, in turn, prevents excessive wear and tear on the joints that can contribute to CLD.
Additionally, neutering or spaying can slow down a dog’s growth rate, reducing the likelihood of joint problems associated with rapid growth. This is especially important for large and giant breed dogs, who are more prone to joint issues.
Neutering dogs is highly encouraged in Australia. Some states even require it by law. Each state has its own requirements, but 5-6 months old is a safe range – not too soon and not too late. This allows for proper development and growth before removing hormones that regulate growth.
3. Choose strengthening dog exercises
Exercise is crucial for a dog’s overall health, both physically and mentally. However, it’s important to be mindful of your dog’s activities, as some can put excessive stress on their joints. This can lead to Cruciate Ligament Disease or even other health issues.
Knose recommends low-impact exercises for dogs like swimming, slow jogging, or walking. These activities are gentler on your dog’s joints and can help promote a healthy and happy lifestyle. You can gradually increase exercise intensity and duration to avoid strain on your dog’s joints.
Remember to provide regular breaks and rest periods throughout the day to allow your dog’s joints to recover. Also, avoid playing fetch with a heavy ball or stick.
Every dog is unique, so consulting your veterinarian can help determine the best exercise plan for your dog. They can help you create a personalised routine that takes into account your dog’s age, breed, size, and individual needs.
4. Don’t let your dog jump from high distances
Some activities can increase the risk of Cruciate Ligament Disease, especially jumping from high distances. Young dogs are naturally jumpy and unaware of their physical limits, so it’s crucial to take proactive measures.
When it comes to everyday routines, there are a few things you can do to minimise the stress on their joints. For example, avoid letting your dog jump in and out of cars, beds, or other high-reach places. Instead, consider using ramps or stairs to help your dog enter and exit vehicles or furniture. This can help reduce the impact on their joints and prevent injuries.
When it comes to playtime, provide alternative surfaces for playing fetch or other high-impact activities. Replace or cover hard flooring with grass, carpets, or mats that can lessen the impact of jumping.
Additionally, keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear on any surface that may contribute to slipping or falling. Check out our complete guide to puppy-proofing your home for more tips. By addressing any potential hazards, you can create a safer environment for your dog.
5. Avoid irresponsible breeders
Irresponsible breeders should be avoided not only for their inhumane animal treatment, but also for their careless breeding practices. The truth is, 62% of the risk of developing Cruciate Ligament Disease is genetic, while the remaining 38% is influenced by environmental factors like body condition. This means that responsible breeders take genetic testing very seriously to minimise the risk.
Unfortunately, many irresponsible breeders neglect to test for heritable diseases, including those that can lead to CLD. By choosing a responsible breeder who prioritises genetic testing and health clearances, you can significantly reduce the risk of your dog developing CLD.
Don’t compromise on your puppy’s health. Demand transparency from breeders about their testing protocols and health guarantees. Your pet dog’s well-being depends on it.
6. Give your dog bone-strengthening supplements
To optimise your pet’s health, consider adding supplements that promote joint health and overall wellness. Cruciate Ligament Disease affects joints, so incorporating bone-strengthening supplements into your dog’s regimen can help prevent or alleviate symptoms.
When selecting a supplement, look for products rich in fatty acids and glucosamine, which are essential for joint health. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best supplement and dosage for your dog.
Treatments for Cruciate Ligament Disease
When your pet dog is diagnosed with CLD, it can be overwhelming to navigate the various treatment options. In this section, we’ll cover treatments by surgery and by rehabilitation. It’s essential to understand the different approaches that can help alleviate your furry friend’s discomfort and promote a successful recovery.
Rehabilitation plan for Cruciate Ligament Disease
A well-structured rehabilitation plan is a crucial component of treating CLD. The goal of rehab is to reduce pain and inflammation, while gradually improving the range of motion in the affected joint. A typical rehab plan may include:
- Physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles
- Gentle stretching and mobilisation to improve joint flexibility
- Pain management techniques like acupuncture or massage
- Gradual return to normal activities and exercise
Surgical treatments for dogs with Cruciate Ligament Disease
In many cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the damaged ligaments. There are various surgical options available, including:
- Intra-articular repair: A minimally invasive procedure that repairs the torn ligament
- Extracapsular repair: A more extensive surgery that replaces the entire ligament
- Tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO): A surgical procedure that changes the alignment of the tibia bone to reduce stress on the joint
According to UF Small Animal Hospital, 90% of dogs return to good or excellent function following surgery and proper post-operative care. Dogs are allowed to return to normal activity once the bone has healed completely and the muscles have been rebuilt (3-4 months after surgery).
Cruciate Ligament Disease treatments and recovery are very expensive. Be sure to consult with your vet and review your dog’s x-rays before making any decisions about treatment. With careful planning and preparation, you can help your dog get back to their happy, healthy self.
The importance of pet insurance
Accidents can happen at any moment, and having pet insurance can provide financial peace of mind when faced with unexpected vet costs in Australia. And the right pet insurance can cover a significant portion of the costs associated with CLD treatment, including rehabilitation therapy, medication, and even surgery.
Cruciate Ligament Disease is one of the most common pet insurance claims in Australia, with vet costs reaching up to $6,000 without insurance. But by insuring your pet early with Knose, you’re able to ensure a happy and healthy future for your dog, with no sub-limits or hidden fees. Additionally, our 24/7 Pet Health Hotline is staffed by registered vet nurses, so you can get the help you need whenever you need it.
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Post by Knose Pet Insurance in collaboration with Sofia Francheska Insua
Sofia is a fulltime mom to her rescue senior dog, Baebae, a 16-year old Japanese Spitz. She learned a lot about pet care through her volunteer work with PETA, assisting in medical missions for pets, stray cats, and stray dogs. While her passion leads her to strongly advocate for volunteering as a way to help animals, she also contributes insights and tips for pet owners seeking to provide proper pet care.
