Prolotherapy has emerged as an effective, non-invasive method of treating major canine ACL injuries.

Whether your canine is large or small, he could be at risk of potential anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries if he's running around outside or taking an awkward tumble off the couch. In years past, many of these injuries were treated with surgery and a long recovery time, but veterinarians are trying new methods to improve dog wellness and lessen his recuperation period. According to TheInternetPetVet.com, prolotherapy is becoming a common practice in the veterinary field as a means of improving long-term joint health and lessening the pain of the injury.

Prolotherapy has been used to treat ACL injuries in humans for decades and refers to injecting an irritant type solution into ligaments and tendons to strengthen the weakened tissues, according to MyHolisticPetVet.com. This will eventually cause scar tissue to form and continually strengthen the joint as the treatments are administered. The dog is not put on anesthesia for the procedure, but most are sedated. Typically, vets perform the injections at between five and six sessions at three week intervals, and some doctors have reported positive results after only three treatments.

This procedure has emerged as a cost-effective alternative to full-scale ACL surgery, and it may be a fabulous way to treat geriatric dogs that may not be able to recover as quickly from an invasive method. Prolotherapy is only being performed by a select few veterinarians across the country, and in many ways it is still in its research stages. However, it follows the recent trends in the pet care industry of embracing holistic and therapeutic methods over surgery as a means of reducing recovery times and chronic pain.

In fact, many of the veterinarians who perform this procedure recommend it as an accompaniment to therapy. Hydrotherapy has emerged as a preferred method of helping canines recover from joint issues, as it is a low-impact exercise that will be able to strengthen the weakened tendons. Lastly, veterinarians recommend that dogs with joint injuries should be put on a vitamin supplement to aid the pooch's recovery with proper nutrition. Any supplement with anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids would be a wise choice for a canine with joint issues.

An ACL injury can be a harrowing time for your companion, but the veterinary field has many emerging treatment options that could improve animal wellness and lessen the impact of the dog's injury.