Joint stability in the stifle (or true knee) is maintained by 4 ligaments, which criss cross over to give the knee support, flexibility and movement. A common injury, which occurs to, the joint, caused by sudden twist of the knee, slipping on surfaces, obesity, trauma, breed predisposition and general wear & tear.
Four grades of damage:
- Grade 1: minimal tear or sprain of a ligament with a degree of internal bleeding
- Grade 2: Partial tear of the ligament
- Grade 3: Complete rupture of the ligament
- Grade 4: Ligament tears and takes with it small pieces of bone
Symptoms include:
- Lameness / Limping
- Crying out in pain
- Unable to weight bear equally
- Inflammation/swelling/heat
- Reluctance to exercise
- Reluctance to straighten leg
Benefits of Clinical Canine Massage Therapy – Grades 1 and 2:
- Minimising pain
- Decreases and minimises area of overcompensation and pain referral
- Increases mobility
- Encourages normal weight distribution
- Strengthening of injured leg
Massage can’t be performed on Grades 3 & 4, but following surgery it can benefit by:
- Encouraging equal weight bearing on all four limbs
- Builds muscle to stabilise the leg
- Increases mobility of the affected leg to minimise damage to the good leg
- Increases recovery time after operation and makes recuperation time more comfortable
