Duke’s Story: How to spot, treat, and live with Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Rupture
Duke suffers from CCL and will undergo his second surgery
What is CCL?
Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) is one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs (WalkingPaws Rehab, n.d.). The CCL is a structure inside the knee that helps provide stability (Ibid.). When it ruptures, you will notice abnormal movement whenever your pet puts weight on their leg. Unfortunately for our four-legged family members, this type of ailment is mostly degenerative, painful, and debilitating. Research also shows that dogs who tear one CCL have a 50% chance of tearing the other CCL in the opposite leg within a year (Ibid.). Depending on the severity of the case, treatments vary from physical therapy to surgery. Surgery is the preferred treatment in dogs over 25 pounds. It may not completely restore function, but does provide good results if performed within a few weeks of the injury (Upstate Veterinary Specialities, 2015). While surgery would not stop the degenerative joint disease, it will help slow it down and provide our dog a comfortable quality of life (Ibid.).
How to spot and treat?
When your dog is suffering from CCL, below are some signs to watch out for: decreased range of motion, hind leg extended when sitting (sit sign), pain when stifle joint is touched, reluctance to exercise, restricted mobility or extension, stiffness after exercise, swelling, thick or firm feel of joint and weight shifted to one side of body when standing (Upstate Veterinary Specialities, 2015). When you see any of these symptoms, limit your dog’s activities and take him to a veterinary hospital.
The range of treatment options vary from nonsurgical to surgical procedures. Your veterinary surgeon can advise you on the best surgical options for your sweet pup. In dogs under 30 pounds, there are cases of recovery without surgery through rest, anti-inflammatories, and physical rehabilitation (Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, 2020). Much depends upon the size of your pet, their overall health, and the severity of your dog’s CCL injury (Ibid.).
Duke and his loving ‘Ohana
Duke and his Ohana’s battle with CCL
Unfortunately for one of our favorite local dogs and a Finley Fort recipient, Duke, CCL is a fact of life. He is now scheduled to undergo his second CCL surgery this Wednesday, February 23rd, at VCA Hawai’i.
Duke: A brave dog with a cheerful soul.
According to Duke’s mom, Alexis, Duke and his sister were found in severe health condition at a trash dump near Hau’ula Beach park. She first fostered him until he got stronger and made the best decision to make him a part of their family.
Unfortunately, Duke tore his CCL a few months back which has limited his mobility. While he has undergone surgery in one leg, his other leg has gotten worse. He is unable to walk normally and uses his other legs for support. And when it gets too sore for him, his legs stay up in the air.
Yet despite this condition, Duke remains happy and active. Alexis shares that she thinks Duke is confused as to why his activity is limited; yet despite the pain, he [Duke] still tries to live an active lifestyle and try to be normal. With his condition, Duke needs a Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery to be able to live a normal, happy, and healthy life.
“A brave dog with a cheerful soul.”
Duke and his ‘Ohana need our help
Like most, if not all, pet owners, this surgery means so much to Alexis because Duke is an integral part of their family. Alexis shares, “Being able to have my best friend tag along again on hikes and beach trips would make my heart complete. Having this surgery means that we [family] know that Duke is living his best life he most definitely deserves.”
The Finley Fort Foundation will be providing assistance to Duke and his family as part of our Emergency Veterinary Funding program. If you are interested in donating specifically to help Duke and his family, please donate using the link below. All donations will go towards Duke’s surgery and recovery. Mahalo for your continued support.