The Canine Stifle

Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury is a leading cause of lameness in dogs. Recent advances in diagnostic visualization and surgical treatments for CCL injury have stimulated an increased emphasis on early clinical recognition and an early return to function. Many surgical treatments have been described that aim to restore stifle joint stability and minimize the progression of osteoarthritis. Major advances have occurred not only in the treatment of CCL injury, but also in postoperative recovery, specifically, rehabilitation therapy. The benefits of rehabilitation therapy following CCL surgery are multifaceted including pain relief, decreased inflammation and swelling, increased tissue flexibility, strengthening, improved proprioception, improved limb and joint biomechanics, and improved weight-bearing. In this article, we introduce a variety of rehabilitation therapy options for postoperative CCL patients including modalities, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and the benchmarks for a full return to function.