23/01/2026
Highly recommend this product
DAMAGED CRUCIATE LIGAMENT
TO SUPPORT HEALING AND DELAY ARTHRITIS, ULTIMATE JOINT SUPPORT IS A MUST
Read online here: >>> https://www.vincethevet.co.uk/blog/damaged-cruciate-ligament---how-to-support-healing-and-delay-arthritis
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, is the commonest orthopaedic injury in dogs.
It varies in severity from the ligament simply being overstretched, to being partly torn or ruptured altogether.
And because its function (along with it's partner, the posterior cruciate ligament) is to maintain knee stability during walking, running and playing, any significant damage to this ligament results in excessive movement of the femur (thighbone) on the tibia (shinbone) when a dog is active.
The longer this instability persists:
- the greater the inflammation in the joint
- the more painful it becomes
- the more likely it is that arthritis will develop sooner rather than later
(In days gone by, this was a career ending injury in footballers. However, with the advent of sophisticated surgery, nutritional support, plus intensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation, this is no longer the case.)
Key for a rapid recovery when a cruciate ligament injury is diagnosed is:
- Restoring stability to the joint as quickly as possible.
- Ensuring the diet provides a rich supply of the nutrients the body needs for effective joint repair.
- Providing the right kind of exercise, to restore normal limb movement, mobility, flexibility and strength.
This can be achieved as follows:
1. SURGERY
Dogs weighing less that 15kg can often recover from ACL rupture without surgery, as long as the right nutritional support is provided alongside rehabilitation therapy. For those heavier than this, some form of surgical stabilisation is usually recommended to prevent additional trauma being inflicted upon the joint by normal weight-bearing.
2. SUPPLEMENTATION
JOINTS provides complete musculoskeletal nutrition, to support optimum health - which is especially important during periods of convalescence:
- hydrolysed collagen supplies the nutritional building blocks for ALL joint structures, including cartilage, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, bursae, menisci and fibrous supporting tissues
- hyaluronic acid supports the formation of healthy, oil-like synovial fluid which lubricates movement. It also helps cartilage remain hydrated and elastic, which is important for its shock absorbing properties, and the smooth gliding of the articular surfaces of the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone)
- kelp provides more than 80 minerals and trace elements, essential for the healthy functioning of joint tissues
- bromelain has natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
It is best to start adding to the diet as soon as an injury is suspected, and continued indefinitely.
Joints plus Recuperation Support supports the body's natural self-repair mechanisms and also soothes sore tissues. Not only does it aid a rapid return of normal limb function, it reduces recovery time following bodywork sessions, such as McTimoney chiropractic and later on hydrotherapy. It is best given as soon after ACL damage as possible, and continued until recovery is complete (typically 8 - 16 weeks).
This remedy is invaluable for any soft tissue injury - and this includes surgery. Given post-operatively, it reduces discomfort and aids a rapid recovery.
PEA eases inflammation and reduces discomfort - both of which are important for a return to full functionality and mobility. Unlike many of the drugs prescribed by vets it has no side-effects.
It is important to remember when easing discomfort however, to prevent jumping up and down, and avoid excessive activity on bumpy ground. Short walks on soft, level ground is best until a full recovery has been made.
Giving Detoxification Support pre and post operatively if surgery is performed, aids the elimination of anaesthetic and drug residues from the body. Give 2 - 3 drops 3 times daily on a teaspoon of fresh food for 3 weeks. After that give for 7 days at the beginning of every month as part of a natural worm control regime.
3. REHABILITATION
Hydrotherapy is widely recognised to be an invaluable aid for helping dogs with any form of musculoskeletal damage or disease, to regain better mobility, muscle strength and an improved quality of life. And this is especially true following ACL rupture.
Coupled with the targeted nutritional support outlined above, the results are even more impressive.
NOTES ON RISK FACTORS
ACL rupture is significantly higher in dogs:
- when one cruciate ligament has already been damaged (in 30 to 50% of cases, there is a similar occurrence in the opposite leg within a few years)
-of medium, large and giant breeds
- who have a genetic predisposition for this to occur (history of this injury in related dogs)
- fed an unbalanced diet, or one deficient in certain nutrients
-who are overweight
-involved in activities which involves repeated, high energy impacts to joints (typical in working dogs and those participating in endurance events such as CaniCross or sports such as Flyball)
Particular attention should be paid to supplementation and other areas of pet care (such as the quality of the diet being fed, reduction of weight, regulation of exercise / activities etc) when one or more of these factors apply.
LARGE B***D PUPPIES
From weaning to 12 - 36 months of age, dogs grow quickly and change shape as they mature. And this is especially pronounced in medium, large and giant breeds.
This whole, amazing process involves the rapid formation of new muscle, bone and cartilage, plus the strengthening of ligaments, tendons and other structures that make up the musculoskeletal system. It is essential during this period of physical development, that the diet provides a rich supply of all the building blocks necessary to form the healthiest possible tissues, if problems are not to appear, such as:
- poor joints
- weak bones
- splits in cartilage
- overly lax ligaments
- muscles which are easily injured or sprained
- an unhealthy conformation
- a predisposition for ACL rupture
Because Vince the Vet Veterinary Formula JOINTS provides nutrients which nourish the entire musculoskeletal system, it is an invaluable addition to the diet of rapidly growing pets, especially if their adult weight is likely to be 25kg or more.
To learn more about Ultimate Joint Support click here: >>> https://www.vincethevet.co.uk/joint-health/ultimate-joint-support---large
