Prolotherapy , also known as ligament reconstructive therapy, is an alternative to surgery for repair of ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries. It is a non-surgical procedure that stimulates natural healing. Prolotherapy has been used on humans for decades but only recently has become common in veterinary practice.
The dog is sedated for the procedure which takes place in 2 or 3 sessions, more if necessary. A solution is injected into areas of ligaments and tendons. It strengthens weak tissue, repairs and rebuilds to stabilize the joint. It has been used to treat other conditions such as hip dysplasia, spinal stenosis, disc disease, elbow dysplasia. There is no rehabilitation necessary.
Overweight dogs are more prone to ccl problems. It’s very important to keep your dog at a normal weight to prevent any number of illnesses.
Prolotherapy is mainly successful in dogs with partial ccl injuries. A complete tear of the ligament requires a surgical procedure. Dogs with these injuries have to be evaluated individually to determine if they are candidates for prolotherapy or another type of procedure.
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