For Referring Veterinarians

Extracapsular Lateral Suture Stabilization (ELSS) is a surgical procedure that provides stability to the unstable canine knee.  The instability is the result of a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL). Knee stability is necessary for proper leg function and comfort. The Cranial Cruciate Ligament and Important Points Regarding Its Injury The CrCL, sometimes called the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), is the most important joint stabilizer in the knee. It connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin…

Intervertebral disks are the “cushions” in the space between spinal vertebrae. These disks are subject to a number of degenerative conditions and forces that predispose them to bulge or rupture over time. This rupture leads to damage to the spinal cord. Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) is the most common cause of spinal cord injury in dogs.  With proper attention, many dogs with this painful and debilitating condition can recover to a comfortable and more active…

The cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) or anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the four ligaments within the knee and is the most important joint stabilizer.  Injury to this ligament is common in dogs.  The ligament connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone) and prevents the tibia from sliding forward during normal leg use. Facts about cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) in dogs: CrCL rupture is a common orthopedic injury and the most common…