This month when reviewing what has come out in the literature, I found a cluster of recent information on cruciates in dogs.  The research articles touched on surgical techniques, complications, arthritis, and more. So, I figured that for this week’s blog, I would just put together some quick snippets of information pertaining to the canine stifle.  

Why is any of this important to you as a rehab professional?
Well, many of us get questioned by our clients to help them in their decision making or to help them understand why their surgeon did what they did. To be informed and be able to provide information based on science is important. Sadly, clients aren’t always getting all of the information they need to know from the surgeon and/or they don’t think to ask certain questions when they are conversing with the surgeon.  This information is also pertinent in working with cruciate-deficient or post-operative CCL dogs.  To know about complications, means that we can sound the alarm bells when things just aren’t right with the case in front of us.  All in all, there are good studies to tuck away into the back of your brain for future use!