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In recent years conservative (non-surgical) therapy for the CCL injury has gained popularity, primarily because of improvements in veterinary rehabilitation. Conservative therapy consists of rest, anti-inflammatory medications, exercise and in certain cases, weight loss. While there are numerous anecdotal reports of success, there are no studies or long-term retrospective patient assessments to support the use of conservative therapy.
The severe joint instability that occurs with complete rupture of the CCL cannot be corrected by conservative therapy which might potentially cause more joint damage. Conservative therapy might be more appropriate for a partial rupture of the CCL, which is a more common injury and entails much less joint instability. However, we believe that partial rupture begins a cascade of events that may result in complete rupture. In years to come research and clinical observations may prove that conservative therapy is, indeed, a valuable option for CCL treatment. |
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