Adding alternative therapies such as acupuncture, laser therapy, and stem cell therapy to the treatment plan for a dog with cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD) can significantly increase the chances of recovery for dogs suffering from this common and debilitating condition.
Cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD) in dogs is a common and debilitating problem. Surgery alone may not be the best solution. This article explores how an integrative approach that includes alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and stem cell therapy. These therapies can help dogs with CCLD heal and regain mobility.
Understanding Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease (CCLD)
The cranial cruciate ligament functions as a fibrous band of tissue that restricts excessive movement between the femur and tibia, the two main bones of the knee. This ligament’s primary job is to stabilize the joint.
Did you know? Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury is one of the most common causes of pelvic limb lameness in dogs.
However, even though research has greatly progressed over the past years, the local and systemic mechanisms leading to ligament degeneration and structural failure remain largely unknown. The initial view of traumatic ligament rupture, fostered by “wear and tear”, has been replaced by a new concept of systemic processes linked to progressive degenerative joint disease and ligament failure; thus the term “cranial cruciate ligament disease” was coined and is generally accepted. In cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD), primary osteoarthritis (OA) is a key feature.
Multimodal approach to Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease (CCLD)
The progression of secondary OA can be slowed by joint-stabilizing surgery; however, the primary underlying osteoarthritic disease process continues and, in most cases, prevents a full return to integrity. Fortunately, there are also many nonsurgical options that can help dogs with CCLD. These include physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, low level laser therapy, and stem cell therapy, among others.
Managing pain and inflammation should be the first step, and a multimodal approach works best. You can combine many of the modalities mentioned above and develop a specific plan for your individual dog. Most traditional pain relief drugs (i.e. NSAIDS, steroids, gabapentin, etc.) have numerous side effects.
Did you know? Combining alternative therapies with conventional meds may mean your dog will need fewer drugs to address his pain and inflammation.
Acupuncture and chiropractic care
Acupuncture and chiropractic treatments restore balance in the body.
Acupuncture stimulates the nerves and muscles, helping to boost the body’s response to pain and improve blood circulation.
Chiropractic can also increase nerve and blood flow to the joints. Regular chiropractic adjustments help reduce pain, restore alignment of the pelvis, and maintain symmetrical loading in the hind end.
Did you know? When dogs injure one knee, they tend to shift their weight to the opposite side, which can lead to rotation of the lumbar spine and pelvis. This can cause back pain and asymmetrical loading of the knees.
By improving alignment, chiropractic can ease discomfort and reduce extra wear and tear on an already unhealthy arthritic knee.
Physical therapy and low level laser therapy
Photobiomodulation (PBM) induced by laser therapy involves the application of electromagnetic radiation in the near infrared spectrum, and is aimed at stimulating healing or analgesia within the target tissue. Currently, laser therapy is being advocated for a variety of conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, osteoarthritis, joint pain and inflammation, neuropathic pain, otitis, dermatitis, chronic, or non-healing wounds and ulcers.
Physical therapy significantly helps dogs with CCLD. Some of the objectives of physical therapy are pain management, muscle strengthening, and the correction of proprioceptive deficits. The goal is to limit prolonged disuse of the limb in order to avoid negative effects such as muscle and cartilage atrophy, reduced joint motility, and loss of strength in tendons and ligaments.
Stem cell therapy
Intra-articular injection of mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of CCL in dogs has demonstrated great clinical benefits. This therapy offers systemic and anti-inflammatory potential by decreasing CD8 lymphocytes, c-reactive protein (CRP) and inflammatory cytokines in serum and synovial fluid.
Diet and weight management
A significant number of dogs with CCLD are overweight and in a state of inflammation. You can help decrease overall inflammation by managing your dog’s weight with a species-appropriate diet.
Did you know? A raw or gently-cooked diet is ideal, either store-bought or prepared at home under the guidance of a veterinarian well educated in raw feeding.
Bone broth can be added to the diet on a daily basis. It contains natural collagen that aids in bone and cartilage support. Bone broth can be easily purchased or made at home
Golden paste is a great super food made by mixing turmeric, coconut oil and black pepper. It offers nutritional support for bone health, joint strength, and flexibility.
Many alternative modalities and natural treatments effectively help dogs with CCLD heal and regain their quality of life.
Risk factors for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease (CCLD)
Risk factors include:
- Body weight
- Spay/neuter status
- Breed
- Physical activity level
- Age
Obesity poses a health risk for any dog, but studies show it can quadruple the risk of cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR). Early spaying/neutering (younger than 12 months of age) increases the risk of a dog developing an increased tibial plateau angle and, in general, increases the risk for CCLR by 5% in males and 8% in females.
Breed-related risk is generally linked to heavy body conformation and large breed dogs (e.g. Boxers, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, St. Bernards). Being sedentary with inconsistent or absent daily exercise/activity is detrimental for dogs suffering from OA. Reports state that the risk of CCLR in agility dogs decreases in those that engage in regular core strengthening exercises, and that compete more frequently, at higher levels, and in more athletically challenging venues. This doesn’t mean that all dogs at risk of CCLD should do agility, but it does mean that a consistent, frequent, low-impact exercise routine is needed to keep their joints healthy.
Natural Pain Control and Anti-Inflammatories for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease (CCLD)
Try the following methods for controlling pain and inflammation:
- Omega 3s and joint supplements: Daily supplementation (chondroitin, glucosamine, green lipped mussels, colostrum) will help fight inflammation and aid in cell repair.
- Palmitoylethanolamide: PEA is an endogenous fatty acid amide that binds to cells in the body to reduce pain and inflammation. Research has indicated PEA may be beneficial for OA and many other conditions in dogs.
- Natural herbs: Herbs such as Boswellia can be beneficial for controlling pain over the long term.
- CBD oil: Products containing CBD can also help with inflammation and pain.
Be sure to consult with an integrative veterinarian before using any new supplements or herbs.
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