Evidence for the use of post-operative physiotherapy after surgical repair of the cranial cruciate ligament in dogs
Abstract
Physiotherapy is well utilised and evidenced in human practice. However, the use of physiotherapy in veterinary practice is a relatively new concept with much of the current treatment based on human evidence. Currently the evidence base for the use of physiotherapy in dogs in the post-operative period after surgery for ruptured cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is minimal. Published evidence does indicate that the use of cold therapy in the immediate post-operative period can result in reduced swelling, reduced pain and increased range of motion (ROM). Additionally, post-operative physiotherapy programmes were shown to improve ROM, muscle mass and limb use post operatively when compared with a restricted exercise programme. However, there are some inconsistencies in results, which may in part be due to experiment design — data collection methods and sample numbers. More research is required in this field of veterinary medicine to provide evidence that the benefits of post-operative physiotherapy, widely recognised in human medicine, are truly applicable to the canine patient.
Physiotherapy has long been used in human medicine with vast amounts of research published as to its benefits. However, the use of physiotherapy in veterinary practice is a relatively new concept and the evidence base for such treatments is in its infancy. Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is common in the dog and in most cases treatment of the condition requires surgical intervention to stabilise the stifle (McKee and Cook, 2006). Post-operative care of the canine patient after surgical repair of the CCL previously centred on bandaging the limb for a couple of weeks, followed by 6–12 weeks of limited exercise (Fossum et al, 1997). However, it has since been recognised that the changes that occur to musculoskeletal tissue during immobilisation and disuse can result in delayed recovery (Millis, 2004a) (Figure 1). Early post-operative physiotherapy is now advocated. This review will look at the evidence available to support this recommendation.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting The Veterinary Nurse and reading some of our peer-reviewed content for veterinary professionals. To continue reading this article, please register today.