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Discover Local, Expert Treatment Options at Creekside Veterinary Clinic in Black Earth, WI Creekside Vet in Black Earth offering Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury Services A torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs—and one of the most stressful for pet owners. If your dog has been diagnosed with a CCL tear, you're likely feeling overwhelmed, worried about their pain, and unsure what to do next. We totally get it. But here's the good news: you don’t have to drive to Madison or beyond to get expert care. At Creekside Veterinary Clinic in Black Earth , we offer advanced, compassionate CCL treatment options— both surgical and non-surgical —right here in your community. For dogs needing surgery, we work with a board-certified veterinary surgeon  who performs procedures right in our clinic. And for those who aren’t surgical candidates, we provide a full range of effective, non-invasive therapies. Whether you’re a current client or coming to us on referral from your primary vet, we’re here to help you navigate this journey with confidence. What Is a Cranial Cruciate Ligament Tear? Image Credit: American College of Veterinary Surgeons. https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/cranial-cruciate-ligament-disease/ The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in dogs is similar to the ACL in humans. It plays a critical role in stabilizing the knee joint (stifle), preventing the femur and tibia from sliding out of alignment during movement. When this ligament tears or ruptures, your dog may show symptoms like: Sudden limping or lameness in the hind leg Difficulty rising, walking, or jumping Swelling around the knee “Toe-touching” (barely putting weight on the leg when standing still) These injuries can happen suddenly—often during play or running—or develop gradually as the ligament weakens over time. How a CCL Tear Is Diagnosed? If your dog is limping or showing signs of knee pain, the first step is a comprehensive evaluation at our clinic. Here’s what you can expect during your appointment: Gait & Pain Evaluation:  We observe your dog’s walk and posture, and gently manipulate the leg to check for signs of joint instability. One key indicator of a CCL tear is the “drawer sign,” which shows abnormal movement in the knee joint. Sedation (if needed):  Some dogs are painful or tense, so we may recommend mild sedation to perform a more thorough orthopedic exam comfortably and safely. X-rays:  While X-rays can’t show a torn ligament directly, they are essential for ruling out other causes of lameness and identifying secondary issues like joint swelling or arthritis. They’re also vital for surgical planning, if surgery is recommended. Why Treating a CCL Tear Matters Unfortunately, a torn CCL doesn’t heal on its own. Left untreated, it can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, muscle loss, and even damage to the opposite leg. In fact, about 50% of dogs who tear one CCL will tear the other within a few years . Early diagnosis and treatment can dramatically improve your dog’s comfort, mobility, and long-term joint health. The sooner we intervene, the better the outcome. Treatment Options for CCL Injuries At Creekside, we believe in personalized care  because no two pets—or pet parents—are alike. When it comes to CCL injuries, we create a treatment plan based on your dog’s age, size, activity level, and overall health. Whether your dog is a good candidate for surgery or would benefit more from a non-surgical approach, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Read more about Creekside's Services here: https://www.vetcarecreekside.com/currentservices And the best part? You don’t need to leave Black Earth to access the same advanced treatments you'd find in a Madison specialty hospital. Already working with another vet?  We’re happy to provide CCL treatment on a referral basis . If your primary veterinarian has already diagnosed your dog, they can send you our way for surgery or advanced therapies.Have questions about how that works? Give us a call at (608) 767-1400—we’re happy to talk you through the process. 🏥  Surgical Treatment Dog's stifle (knee) after the TPLO procedure If surgery is the best path for your dog, you’re in excellent hands. We partner with Dr. Javier Gallegos , a board-certified veterinary surgeon, who performs all orthopedic procedures right here at our clinic . This allows you to receive expert-level care locally , often at a more affordable cost  than traveling to a specialty hospital. 👉  Learn more about Dr. Gallegos and OTRA Surgical Surgical options may include: TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy):  A highly effective procedure for stabilizing the knee in large or active dogs. Lateral Suture Stabilization:  A traditional method often used in smaller or less active pets. 🌿   Conservative & Alternative Therapies Surgery isn’t the only option—and it’s not always the best one. Smaller dogs, older pets, or those with other health concerns may do best with a conservative, non-surgical approach. We’re proud to offer a full spectrum of alternative and supportive therapies to help your dog heal and thrive: Chiropractic Care Helps reduce pain and prevent secondary injuries by improving your dog’s posture and movement as they adjust to the injury. Class IV Therapeutic Laser A non-invasive, deep-tissue laser therapy that reduces inflammation, eases pain, and accelerates healing. Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy Tailored exercise plans to rebuild strength and restore mobility, either at home or under professional guidance. Custom-Fit Bracing We offer custom-fit bracing options, such as Hero Bracing or ACO braces, which provides knee support and stability, helping your dog move more comfortably without surgery. Learn more about Hero Bracing here . Nutritional Support & Supplements We recommend high-quality joint and ligament supplements, selected specifically for your pet’s condition. From muscle recovery to joint protection, we’ll help find what works best for your dog. Read more on our supplements and choosing a quality product here: https://www.vetcarecreekside.com/post/let-s-talk-supplements-and-nutraceuticals Let’s Talk About Your Dog We know how hard it is to see your pup in pain—but you’re not alone. Whether you’re looking for a second opinion, exploring non-surgical options, or ready to move forward with surgery, our team at Creekside Veterinary Clinic is here with expert guidance, compassion, and care you can trust. 📍  Creekside Veterinary Clinic – Black Earth, WI 📞  (608) 767-1400 🌐  www.vetcarecreekside.com Let’s get your dog back on their feet—and back to doing what they love most.

We have been getting several questions on how to transfer your records and veterinary care to Creekside Veterinary Clinic. We've made it very easy for you to do! And the extra good news is that if your pet has seen Dr. Hoffman in the past 12 months then we have a valid VCPR (Veterinary Client Patient Relationship) and we can honor this at Creekside Veterinary Clinic without the need to redo this examination. If you have any questions on if you qualify for this just give us a call and we will let you know for sure. So, the good news is you just call over to Creekside Veterinary Clinic (608) 767-1400 and experience the expert care from the same vets and technicians you and your pets have come to know. If you want to transfer your records over we have simple form for you to fill out (or find the link here: https://form.jotform.com/242905855092159 ) if you'd like to do it now. Once we get your request we'll be in touch to let you know your vet care has been transferred. We can't wait to see you! https://www.vetcarecreekside.com/currentservices Bennie- Clinic Kitten

Helping Your Pet Beat Seasonal Allergies: A Balanced Approach to Relief As a pet owner, watching your furry friend suffer from seasonal allergies can be tough. The sneezing, the itching, the skin and ear infections, the watery eyes—it’s no fun for anyone! Luckily, the good news is that there are plenty of ways to help your pet feel better when the seasons change. Whether you're looking for quick relief or a more holistic approach, Creekside offers a range of treatments to suit your pet’s needs. Traditional Treatments: Quick and Effective Relief Sometimes, your pet needs fast relief to help them get through allergy season. Traditional treatments can work wonders to help your pet feel better in no time: 1. Antihistamines and Steroids These are great options for when your pet needs immediate relief to reduce the itch and inflammation. Antihistamines block the effects of the histamine produced during an allergic reaction, while steroids reduce inflammation and can be prescribed for more intense flare-ups. While these treatments can provide fast relief, they may have side effects, especially with long-term use. 2. Topical Treatments For pets with localized itching or skin or ear infections, topical treatments such as medicated shampoos, ointments, or mousse’s can soothe the skin and provide relief from discomfort. These treatments can be especially helpful in the early stages of allergy flare-up, as add on treatments, or to treat active infections. 3. Prescription Allergy Medications These medications can be useful for pets suffering from severe allergies. We can use them in times of flare ups, just seasonal, or year round if needed. We have many options to choose from in this realm but some of our most commonly used medications are Apoquel, Cytopoint, and Zenrelia. We can also utilize allergy desensitization medications. Overall, these treatments are effective and can help your pet get back to their playful self quickly, but they can be even more powerful when paired with natural, holistic methods. Holistic Treatments: A Gentle Approach for Allergy Relief For those looking for a more natural way to support their pet's health, holistic treatments can offer a gentle alternative. Many of these approaches can help reduce allergy symptoms and keep your pet feeling great without the need for harsh medications: 1. Whole Food Remedies These supplements made by Standard Process (grown and produced outside Palmyra, WI) can be used in many ways. Each pets in unique so we welcome you to schedule you appointment with Creekside Vets to discuss what type of targeted plan will be best for your pet. We have found the each pets allergies are unique and there isn’t a one size fits all answer. But we have many options to choose from, and Standard Process is a huge part of treatment offerings. We can use these supplement to boost the immune system, help heal the skin, and cut the itch animals are feeling. Becca Phillips, CVT using our Class IV laser. Immediate relief can be felt! 2. Herbal and Holistic Options We can turn to several options here: The Chinese herbal products created by Herbsmith (and produced just outside Milwaukee, WI) can be truly magic for pets when other options have failed. We can also use Omega 3 fatty acids to help the skin. We can use these products orally and also have some spot on treatments we can look at using. Additionally, if your pet is suffering from infections our Class IV Therapeutic Laser and provide immense relief and speed up healing. We use it for many things, but we find it be super effective for ear and skin infections. 3. Dietary Adjustments The food your pet eats can make a big difference! A high-quality, well-balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce inflammation and support your pet’s immune system. There are also some skin specific diets that some pets really benefit from. In some cases, food sensitivities may exacerbate allergy symptoms, so we may recommend switching to a hypoallergenic diet to rule out food triggers. For other pets we may look into fresh diets as a way to assist them. We have many options here. We can work through a plan for feeding your pet and makes tweaks along the way as needed! 4. Probiotics and Prebiotics A healthy gut is crucial for managing allergies, as much of the immune system is located in the digestive tract. Adding probiotics and prebiotics to your pet’s diet can help support gut health, strengthen their immune system, and reduce the severity of allergic reactions. Give us a call so we can help you determine the best one for your pet. Overall, these holistic methods can work in harmony with traditional treatments, offering your pet a well-rounded approach to staying allergy-free. Want more information on choosing quality supplements and what Creekside offers? Check out this blog post: https://www.vetcarecreekside.com/post/let-s-talk-supplements-and-nutraceuticals Why a Balanced Approach Works Best One of the best parts of combining traditional and holistic treatments is that you get the best of both worlds. Traditional options can offer fast relief when allergies flare up, while holistic methods help support your pet’s health in a more natural way. Every pet is different, so having a variety of tools in your wellness toolbox is the best way to create a plan that’s perfect for your furry friend. Creekside Veterinary Clinic and Pet Grooming Team. Making Allergy Season Better for Your Pet At the end of the day, our goal is to make allergy season as comfortable as possible for your pet. With the right combination of treatments, your pet can feel their best no matter what the weather brings. So whether you’re looking for fast relief or a more natural approach, I’m here to help you find the perfect solution for your pet’s needs. Let’s work together to keep your pet feeling happy, healthy, and allergy-free all year long!