PHYSIOTHERAPY SUPPORT FOR POSTOPERATIVE TREATMENT OF CRANIAL CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RUPTURE IN DOGS: CASE REPORT

Abstract

Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in the stifle is one of the most common causes of hind-limb lameness in middle-aged and old dogs. The treatment of choice involves surgical extra- or intra-capsular stabilization of the knee joint, or the increasingly preferred tibial osteotomy techniques. Postoperative rehabilitation of the affected limb is an equally important part of the treatment. The paper describes three cases of rupture of the cruciate ligament in dogs and the methods of physiotherapeutic treatment applied to them. The techniques of passive and active exercises were used along with massage and physical therapy, such as magnetotherapy, ultrasound, electrotherapy, and laser therapy. The development of the correct physiotherapeutic treatment plan, the selection of techniques, and the duration of therapy is crucial for its effectiveness. It has been shown that rehabilitation has a positive effect on the tissue healing process. It also shortens the time needed to restore full mobility of the affected limb, both during the non-complicated healing process and in the event of problematic cases.