A 5-pronged approach to non surgical management of ligament and joint conditions




Many dogs and cats suffer with painful joints, injured tendons and ligaments. A large number of these can be helped non surgically, such as:


We currently use a 5-pronged approach to manage injured ligaments and joint conditions, this includes:


Let’s take a closer look at each of these aspects:

It is essential to achieve the ideal weight for your pet to relieve unnecessary weight and strain on injured and painful joints and ligaments. We help you to achieve this with correct dietary advice and our weight control clinics run by our veterinary nurses. We also advise the use of nutraceutical joint supplements to help damaged arthritic joints heal. In very painful conditions we will prescribe courses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and other pain medications including Librela a newly registered monthly injection which alleviates pain in dogs suffering with severe arthritis.

Veterinary trained rehabilitation therapists will apply a range of physio and rehab techniques to help your pet heal optimally and to strengthen supporting soft tissues.  This will greatly speed up their return to function, minimize muscle atrophy and other compensatory problems and improve the chances of a successful outcome.  Treatments include laser, electro-stimulation, massage and stretching, passive range of motion, hydrotherapy, controlled therapeutic exercises and advice on home exercise programs suited to your pet's stage of healing.


Prolotherapy is an increasingly popular technique used to help damaged ligaments repair themselves. An irritant 25% dextrose solution is injected into the damaged ligaments causing an inflammatory reaction which accelerates healing and results in thickening, fibrosis and strengthening of the ligament. An average of three treatments are done at 4-week intervals under sedation. Many cruciate injuries appear to respond well to this treatment modality thereby avoiding surgery.

This technique involves drawing blood from the patient and spinning it down in a centrifuge. The platelet rich fraction is collected and injected into osteoarthritic joints under sedation. The platelets encourage healing and repair of the joint cartilage thereby reducing pain and allowing more use of the joint. 

The implantation of small gold bead implants into specific acupuncture points in the body is shown to have a marked anti-inflammatory effect. This procedure is most successful before the condition is too far advanced with degenerative and arthritic changes in the joints. Gold bead implants for those animals suffering from painful joints as with hip and elbow dysplasia, spondylosis, painful necks and spines can benefit greatly with improved movement and pain relief evident in a short time.

This will allow more mobility and range of motion allowing the animal to move more freely without discomfort.

Gold Bead implants have been used successfully for many years in a wide range of conditions with excellent results. This approach would be combined with a review of the animal’s general health and appropriate changes to diet and supplements.





Article written by : Dr Steve Wimberley




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