Dogs, unlike people, never bend their knees, putting a lot of pressure on the ACL, or better said, on their CCLs (cranial cruciate ligaments).
Being under constant pressure, ACLs in dogs wear and tear over time, making them prone to tearing and breaking. In this article, I, Ivana Crnec, DVM, will talk about torn ACLs in dogs.
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Content:
Dog Torn ACL Symptoms
Commonly reported symptoms in dogs with torn ACLs include:
- Hind Leg Lameness: This is the number one sign and varies in severity, ranging from intermittent to complete inability to bear weight.
- Swelling and Pain: In more severe cases of acute injuries, the dog’s knee gets swollen and painful to the touch.
- Posture Changes: Dogs with torn ACLs are unable to sit squarely and stick the injured leg out to the side to minimize pressure.
Studies suggest that certain breeds, such as the “Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Labrador Retriever, Bulldog, and Boxer, are considered high-risk.
Be extra careful if you have one of these breeds and notice the above-explained symptoms. Alternatively, it is a good idea to monitor your dog at all times with the Petcube Pet Camera.
How to Care for a Dog With a Torn ACL
The instructions on caring for a dog with a torn ACL are provided below.
- Cage Rest: Rest is critical for allowing the injury to heal and preventing further damage. “Find ways to limit your dog's movements for a while,” advises a Reddit user.
- Use Ramps and Gates: Invest in pet stairs or ramps to help the dog reach elevated surfaces and install gates to block access to risky areas of the house.
- Change the Dog’s Routine: Put your dog on a diet to avoid harmful weight gain during recovery. Only take the dog out for short potty breaks and keep it on a leash.
- Buy a Knee Brace: Use an orthopedic brace to support the dog’s knee joint while out on potty breaks.
- Be Prepared: “Larger, overweight dogs that rupture one cruciate ligament frequently rupture the other one within a year’s time,” warns Wendy Brooks, in an article for VIN.
Torn ACL in Dogs Treatment
“Surgical treatment represents the gold standard for injury correction, as it is more effective in correcting instability, restoring joint function, and delaying the onset of osteoarthritis,” studies explain.
- Surgery: Lateral suture technique (extracapsular repair), tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA), and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) are the three surgical options.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatories and pain meds can be used to manage minor injuries in small-breed dogs.
- Rehabilitation Therapy: Physical therapy is an excellent treatment addition as it speeds up recovery and strengthens the knee.
The lateral suture technique costs around $1.100 – $2.500, TTA is between $3.500 – $4.500, and TPLO costs $3.000 – $6.000. Considering the high cost of surgeries, it is wise to invest in an emergency fund, such as the Petcube Emergency Fund.
The fund covers up to $3,000 for emergency vet bills and unlimited access to online vets. We reward our readers with a 27% discount on the fund by using this link.
Conclusion
ACL tears are a common injury in dogs. It is vital to seek immediate veterinary attention and follow the vet’s recommendations regarding the treatment plan, which may include conservative or surgical options.