The best non surgical treament of crucial ligament damage in small dogs?

Answer 1

If it's very severe, there usually isn't an option.

Answer 2

'Cruciate' ligament is the term.

It depends on how extensive the damage is. If it has completely ruptured, surgery to repair the ligament is the only cure. Complete rupture does not have a medical treatment option.

If their is only minor damage, the condition may be stablised by the use of anti-inflammatories. Metacam (meloxicam) is most commonly used in dogs.

If your dog has a cruciate problem, talk to your vet about the best approach as he has examined the dog and will know what is needed to treat it.

Chalice

Answer 3

According to this site> http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/petcolumns/showarticle.cfm?id=43
Fortunately, pain control and/or surgery can restore your dog to function in about 90 percent of cases. If your dog weighs less than 20 pounds, pain and inflammation control may be enough to alleviate the discomfort and resulting lameness.
(more on the condition on the above quoted site)

Another veterinary site> Treatment
The goal of treatment is to alleviate pain and increase use and mobility. Factors to consider when planning treatment include the following:

* Ability of owner to comply with after care requirements
* Age, size, and health of dog
* Availability of surgeon
* Cost
* Intended use of dog

Conservative treatment is less expensive and requires less rigorous owner compliance than surgery. It may be appropriate for older dogs and those with other serious health problems. Surgery is performed only on healthy animals, and it requires an experienced surgeon and owner compliance for proper healing.

Conservative
Conservative treatment (weight control, rest, medication) is often combined with surgery, but it can be used alone for dogs that weigh less than 25 pounds and for cats. Lameness may continue until surgical repair. Degenerative joint disease often progresses regardless of treatment.

Losing weight reduces stress on the joint. The recommended diet has a low fat, protein, and calcium content and is given at specific times of the day.

Rest and confinement for 4 to 8 weeks alleviates inflammation. Short walks on a leash are permitted. < http://www.animalhealthchannel.com/ccl/treatment.shtml

Answer 4

ask your vet to order you this....
http://www.handicappedpets.com/k9brace/

or this
http://www.woundwear.com/

u can easily find a vet that doesn't charge as much for this surgery and it is a small dog, so it's even cheaper!!!Good luck!!