Is your dog limping on their back leg? Have you just found out that they have damaged their cruciate ligament and are wondering what this means and the best treatment to give them?

On this episode of the Call The Vet Show, I talk with veterinarian Dr. Kristen Shaw, a specialist surgeon with a longtime interest in rehabilitation techniques, arthritis and cruciate disease, as well as the founder of Canine Arthritis Resources and Education (CARE), which provides evidence-based resources for vets and pet owners on how to treat arthritis in dogs.

Dr. Kristen and I discuss cruciate ligament disease, also known as an ACL tear, which is by far the most common orthopedic injury in dogs. There have been many developments in the treatment of ACL tears over the years, and Dr. Kristen gives some great expert advice on how you can help your dog recover.

We walked through what an ACL tear is and how they happen, plus a comprehensive run-through of all the different kinds of treatment available. We also discussed some alternative treatments for an ACL tear if surgery isn’t within your budget.

Listen out to learn how you can help your dog to recover from an ACL tear, how you can spot any warning signs of a returning ACL injury, and what to do to manage subsequent arthritis in your dog following this injury including the supplements you can give your dog to help them recover from ACL injuries and keep their joints as healthy as possible long-term.

This is a really detailed episode with a lot of expert knowledge on treating dog ACL tears, so be sure to listen carefully and share the episode with the other pet parents in your life. 

Highlights:

[02:36] I invite special guest Dr Kristen Shaw onto the show and she talks about her background in orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation

[04:38] What is an ACL injury and how does it happen?

[07:07] What are the treatment options for an ACL injury in dogs?

[10:01] Cheaper treatments for ACL injuries

[11:37] What’s the best kind of surgery to repair an ACL tear?

[14:34] How to help your dog heal after an ACL surgery 

[16:51] Supplements to give dogs during their recovery time, and when to give them

[20:38] How to spot the early signs of an ACL injury return post-surgery

[22:13] Dr. Kristen’s thoughts on using braces on dogs

[23:13] Where to go to find out more about Kristen and canine arthritis care

For all the links mentioned and more information head over to the full show notes

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