A Full Spectrum Approach to Management of Cruciate Disease: Promoting Optimal Care and Recovery

At All Natural Vet Care, we understand the challenges that come with cruciate disease (a ruptured ligament in the knee) in pets. Cruciate disease requires surgery & recovery, and pet’s are at high risk (50% chance) of needing surgery on the other knee within 18 months.

That's why we are proud to offer a Full Spectrum Approach to the management of this condition, combining the expertise of our specialist surgeon, Dr. Alen Lai, and the skilled professionals on our team. From surgery to rehabilitation, nutrition to herbal medicine, acupuncture to regenerative therapies, we provide comprehensive care to ensure the best outcomes for your furry companions.

Did you know:

✅ Speyed female dogs are 6 times more likely to suffer from a ruptured cruciate ligament,

✅ 96% of dogs who sustain a cruciate injury are overweight.

✅ High protein diets may be protective.

In this blog, we will delve into the details of our approach, highlighting the key elements and specialists who contribute to your pet's well-being throughout the entire process.

Meet Our Expert Team:

Dr. Alen Lai

Specialist Surgeon: Dr. Alen Lai is a highly skilled and experienced specialist in Small Animal Surgery. With his extensive knowledge in fracture biomechanics, cruciate ligament disease, and hip dysplasia, he leads our surgical team, providing the best surgical solutions and standard of care for pets with cruciate disease. His commitment to continuing education ensures that our clinic remains at the forefront of advancements in veterinary surgery.

Dr. David Ward

Director and Functional Rehab Integrative Veterinarian: Dr. David Ward plays a crucial role in the pre-surgery assessment and post-surgery rehabilitation process. As our functional rehab integrative veterinarian, he designs personalised exercise programs tailored to each pet's needs. Dr. Ward's expertise in mobility issues and therapeutic solutions ensures that your pet receives the highest level of care and attention throughout the recovery period.

Dr. Scott Cumming

Specialist Anaesthetist: Note, our practice anaesthetic protocols are based on the current gold standards to ensuring the well-being and safety of pets during surgical procedures. Depending on the anaesthetic risk profile for your pet we may recommend, or for your peace of mind, you may elect, that Dr. Scott Cumming our specialist anaesthetist be present for your pet’s anaesthetic. With his expertise in anaesthesia and critical care, Dr. Cumming's presence guarantees a high level of care throughout the anaesthetic process.

Dorien Mergan

Animal Rehab Therapist: Working closely with Dr. Ward, Dorien Mergan, our animal rehab therapist, helps deliver the personalized exercise programs designed by Dr. Ward. As a certified canine remedial massage therapist, Dorien employs various techniques to improve mobility, accelerate healing, and restore function in pets recovering from cruciate surgery and importantly, help prevent relapse of cruciate injury in the other knee!!!

Beatrice Hecherat

Veterinary Technician/Acupuncturist: Beatrice Hecherat brings a unique set of skills to our team. With over 20 years of experience in the veterinary industry, Beatrice is not only a registered veterinary technician but also a trained acupuncturist and studied veterinary medicine. Her passion for holistic medicine and knowledge of acupuncture allow us to provide additional support before, during and after cruciate surgery, reducing medication load and enhancing overall well-being.

Read on to understand more about our approach…..

Comprehensive Pre- and Post-Surgery Care:

Herbal Medicine for Liver and Kidney Support: As part of our standard approach, we incorporate herbal medicine to support liver and kidney function, crucial for the well-being of pets undergoing cruciate surgery. Herbal remedies can help optimize organ health, improve recovery, and reduce the potential side effects of medications.

Evidence-Based Nutraceuticals: After surgery, proper nutrition is vital for healing and preventing complications. Our team of experts advises on evidence-based nutraceuticals tailored to your pet's needs. These supplements support joint health, prevent osteoarthritis secondary to surgery, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall recovery, ensuring a smoother healing process. Examples include collagen and vitamin C.

Acupuncture for Pain Management and Reduced Medication Load: Acupuncture has proven to be an effective complementary therapy for pain management in pets. Beatrice, our skilled acupuncturist, utilizes acupuncture techniques to reduce pain, inflammation, and the reliance on heavy medications. This holistic approach contributes to a more comfortable and speedy recovery.

Rehabilitation, Laser Therapy, and High-Protein Nutrition: Our team, led by Dr. David Ward, focuses on comprehensive rehabilitation services to assist pets in regaining their mobility and strength. With the guidance of Dr. Ward, Dorien Mergan delivers personalized exercise programs, incorporating hydrotherapy and canine remedial massage. These techniques, combined with laser therapy and high-protein nutrition, such as Lyka, support healing and optimize recovery.

Exploring Additional Therapies for Ligament Health: In our commitment to optimal care, we consider other therapies to support ligament health. Regenerative medicine, such as stem cell therapy, and herbal medicine are among the options that may be recommended to enhance ligament healing and reduce the risk of future injuries.

Conclusion

At All Natural Vet Care, our Full Spectrum Approach to the management of cruciate disease ensures that your beloved pets receive the highest level of care throughout their journey. With our specialist surgeon, Dr. Alen Lai, and the expertise of Dr. David Ward in functional rehab, alongside Dorien Mergan's rehabilitation expertise, Beatrice Hecherat's acupuncture, and our comprehensive pre- and post-surgery care, we provide a truly holistic approach to cruciate disease management. By entrusting your pet's care to our expert team, you can have peace of mind knowing that we are dedicated to promoting optimal healing, mobility, and overall well-being.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and give your pet the best care they deserve!