Gun Dog training at Webb Footed Kennel in Bono, Arkansas. Owned and operated by one of the best trainers in the game, Chris Akin.
With over 3800 dogs trained, 250 Hunter Retriever Champions, 90 Master Hunters, 80 Master National Qualifiers (over 18 qualified so far this year), 30 Grand Hunting Retriever Championship titles, Chris has established himself and one of the best ever to train retrievers.
Not only is Chris a great trainer, he has one of the nicest facilities in the country.
Water single at Webb Footed Kennel. Shot with a GoProHD.
Dog Cranial Cruciate Ligament Surgery :
Dog Cranial Cruciate Ligament Surgery: Why Would a Dog Need this Surgery?
Cranial Cruciate Ligament damage is a rip or tear of one of the cruciate ligaments. It is usually the result of slow, subtle degeneration of the ligament that has been taking place from within rather than being the result of an injury to a previously healthy ligament.
The cruciate ligaments located within the knee in an “X” pattern that connect the femur (“thigh bone”) to the tibia (“shin bone”). The cranial cruciate ligament’s function is to stabilize the tibia and keep it from sliding out of position, hyperextending, and twisting.
Because of this, many dogs that have damaged cruciate ligament in one knee will experience the same in the other knee.
Diagnosis of a damaged cranial cruciate ligament is determined by observation of the dog’s gait, palpation of the dog’s knee, and verification with x-rays. Hind leg lameness is the most common sign of a CCL rupture. The dog may also experience pain and swelling of the joint. Sometimes a crackling sound can be heard when the dog walks due to the bones rubbing the bones rubbing together (crepitus). There may also be a popping or snapping sound when walking if the knee cartilage has also been damaged.
Biceps Tendonitis in Dogs :
Two TPLO surgeries, elbow dysplasia and now biceps tendonitis! Can it get any worse?
Biceps tendonitis in dogs is debilitating and when considering all of these problems, might be the hardest to treat. Biceps tendonitis is inflammation of the biceps tendon where the tendon courses over the front part of the shoulder.
Oftentimes, it results from blunt trauma or from a change in the biomechanics of the gait. Most of these dogs are athletic, hard working dogs that like to run, play, and jump. This is the main reason why it is so hard to treat successfully. In this athletic patient, altered gait biomechanics from bad stifles and elbows led to biceps tendonitis.
The most consistent clinical sign is progressive front end lameness with exercise and pain over the point of shoulder on extension.
Treatment of Biceps Tendonitis in Dogs
You have a few options depending on the case. If the owner chooses, I employ all the options!
Rest. The tendons need rest to rehab and heal.
NSAID’s. NSAID’s will decrease the inflammation.
Laser Therapy. Laser therapy aids in decreasing inflammation.
Swimming. Swimming will keep the shoulders strong and well toned.
Biceps Tendonitis Injection. Injecting the shoulder joint with steroids can help eliminate tendonitis.
Surgery. Surgery is the last resort after all else fails.
Sometimes, I use acupuncture or some other alternative medicine depending on the clinical presentation. In a nagging, debilitating and painful situation like tendonitis, however, I find it more effective to use faster acting medicine at first as “emergency intervention” and later use the alternative medicine to help rebuild muscle and strengthen the shoulder area.
Remember, tendonitis is painful and changes daily. You must change your treatment based on your patient’s progress.
Watch Dr. Smith treat biceps tendonitis in dogs. This patient has undergone two TPLO surgeries, therapy for elbow dysplasia and now has biceps tendonitis.
