How to treat a dog with a torn ACL

A torn ACL is a common injury in dogs and can be a painful experience for your furry friend. If your dog has suffered a torn ACL, there are some things you can do to help your dog heal and get back to its usual self.

What is a torn ACL, and what causes it?

The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is a critical ligament in the knee joint. It helps stabilize the joint and prevent forward movement of the tibia (shinbone). This is a common injury in dogs, particularly high-energy dogs that love to play outdoors.

The most common cause of a torn ACL is excessive twisting or turning the knee, which strains or tears the ligament. Other causes include sudden impact or trauma to the knee, congenital disabilities, and arthritis.

Symptoms of an ACL tear include lameness, pain, swelling, and instability of the joint. Treatment typically involves surgery to repair or replace the damaged ligament. In some cases, conservative treatment with weight management and physical therapy may be effective.

ACL tears are serious injuries that can cause long-term problems for your dog if not treated right away. If you suspect your dog has torn his ACL, it is essential to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.

How to recognize a torn ACL

The main signs of a torn ACL in dogs are:

• Limping for more than a few days
• Sudden onset of lameness (often after exercise)
• Swelling in the knee area
• Reluctance to put weight on the affected leg
• Stiffness or pain when moving the joint

If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to take your dog to the vet. They will be able to confirm whether your dog has an ACL tear by doing X-rays or an MRI.

Treating ACL injuries in dogs

The most common treatment for a torn ACL is surgery. This involves repairing the existing ligament or replacing it with an artificial one. The type of surgery your dog will need depends on the severity of the injury and other factors such as age, weight, and overall health.

After surgery, your dog will need rehabilitation for its torn ACL. Rehabilitation involves a combination of physical therapy and controlled exercise to help your dog regain strength and mobility in the affected leg. Dogs also need to wear a dog ACL brace until they recover fully.

With proper treatment, most dogs fully recover from a torn ACL and can return to their normal activity level.

What are the possible complications?

Without treatment, dogs with a torn ACL experience several complications. Those complications include:

• Arthritis is the most common complication and usually develops within a year of the initial injury. Damage to the cartilage around the knee joint can lead to arthritis.
• Loss of muscle mass: If your dog doesn’t use the injured leg, it can lose muscle mass. This can lead to further weakness and mobility issues.
• Loss of joint function: If you don’t repair your dog’s torn ACL, the knee joint will eventually become unstable. This can cause your dog pain and make it difficult for them to walk.

While these complications are severe, you can help your dog avoid them with proper treatment. If you think your dog has torn their ACL, don’t wait to get them help. The sooner they’re treated, the better their chances of a full recovery.

How to prevent a torn ACL in dogs

There are a few things you can do to help your dog live a safe and healthy life and minimize the risk of a torn ACL:

• Give them regular exercise: This will help keep their muscles and joints strong. Typically, walking your dog for 30 minutes per day is enough to keep them healthy.
• Avoid high-impact activities: Activities like running on hard surfaces can strain the ACL. Stick to softer surfaces like grass or dirt.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts additional stress on the joints and can lead to injuries.
• Feed them a balanced diet: A healthy diet will help to keep their bones and muscles strong.
• Give them supplements: Joint supplements can help you protect your dog’s ACL and other joints from damage.

Final thoughts

A torn ACL is a severe injury that can have long-term consequences for your dog.

If you think your dog has torn their ACL, it’s essential to seek veterinary care. With proper treatment, most dogs recover fully and can return to their normal activity level.