It’s likely that your dog’s ACL will tear very quickly. The one minute your dog is happy and running around, the next minute he limps and looks sad. The ACL is a key muscle in your dog’s knee that helps it stay stable. When it tears, things quickly become painful and unstable. It happens a lot to busy dogs or big breeds, but any dog can get it, even if they just jump off the couch the wrong way or turn too quickly during a game of fetch. If your dog starts to limp or won’t put weight on one leg, or if their knee looks a little swollen, they may have torn their ACL.
The trickiest thing about a dog’s torn ACL is that they can’t really say what’s wrong, but their body language will make it clear. You might see them having trouble getting up, walking more slowly, or even hopping on three legs to avoid using the hurt one. The good news? Yes, you can treat it and get your dog back on their feet. You can have surgery or use non-surgical methods like physical therapy and rest. For your dog to get better faster, you need to know the signs and take them to the vet right away.
Symptoms of a Torn ACL in Dogs
Like when your pet stops being a kangaroo and running around the yard! If your dog starts to limp or favors one leg over the other, it could be because their knee is hurt. When someone tears their ACL, it looks like they’re in a dog soap opera. If they are afraid to jump or run, you might notice that they are giving you those sad puppy-dog eyes. Don’t forget the telling sign: they’ll sit like a statue, with their buttocks on the ground and their hurt leg raised, as if they’re trying to play the saddest game of freeze tag ever.
Another sign is if your dog suddenly doesn’t want to play or go for walks. They don’t look happy, which isn’t like the dog you love. Watch out for any growths around the knee and pain when you touch it. Remember that what your dog does says a lot, even if it can’t talk. These are all signs that you should get your pet checked out right away by your vet. A sad dog is not liked by anyone.
Surgical Options for Torn ACL
Surgery is often recommended for a torn ACL in dogs, with common procedures including TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) and lateral suture repair to stabilize the knee.
TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy):
Reshapes the tibia for knee stability, great for active dogs.
TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement):
Adjusts the tibial tuberosity angle for stabilization, ideal for specific knee types.
Lateral suture stabilization:
Places a synthetic ligament to stabilize the knee, best for smaller or less active dogs.
Extracapsular Repair:
Uses a heavy suture outside the joint to mimic the ACL, suitable for low-activity dogs.
Recovery:
Post-surgery rehab is essential, including physical therapy and gradual activity reintroduction.
Success Rates:
Most options have high success rates, allowing many dogs to return to their pre-injury activity levels.
Non-Surgical Treatment of Dogs for Torn ACL
Non-surgical options for a torn ACL include rest, weight management, physical therapy, and the use of a knee brace, though they are more suited for smaller or less active dogs.
Rest and Restricted Activity:
Giving your dog plenty of rest and limiting their activity can help reduce inflammation and allow the ligament to heal naturally over time.
Physical Therapy:
Canine physical therapy involves exercises designed to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve range of motion, and enhance stability. Techniques may include underwater treadmills, massage, and therapeutic exercises.
Weight Management:
Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is crucial, as excess weight puts additional strain on the knee joint. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help manage their weight effectively.
Pain Management:
Anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by your vet can help manage pain and swelling. Always consult your vet before giving any medication.
Joint Supplements:
Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements may help support joint health and reduce inflammation, providing additional comfort for your dog.
Supportive Devices:
Knee braces or wraps can provide extra support and stability for your dog’s knee during their recovery, allowing them to move more comfortably.
Acupuncture:
This alternative therapy can help relieve pain and promote healing by stimulating specific points on the body, aiding in your dog’s recovery process.
Recovery and Rehabilitation for Torn ACL
If your dog has torn their ACL, they need a lot of hugs and pep talks to keep them going while they heal. For your dog to get better after surgery or non-surgical care, you need to help them. First, it’s important to rest! Feel like you’re giving your dog a short getaway where they can relax, get some rest, and maybe even watch some dog TV. To keep them from getting too active, now is a great time to get out toys that don’t require jumping, like squeaky balls or plush toys that are just asking to be gently nibbled.
When your dog starts to feel better, physiotherapy will be his best friend. Think of a fun workout where they can use an underwater stepper to show off their moves or do some light exercises to loosen up. Some dogs like it when they are petted, while others love it when they get treats. Dogs can use a little bit of encouragement and a lot of positive reinforcement, just like people can. So, when they reach certain recovery goals, give them lots of praise.
After your pet gets back on its feet, it’s important to keep up a healthy lifestyle. The knee will heal faster if they keep their weight in check. You can think of it as a team effort. So get ready to go for walks every day! These walks will not only make your dog better, but they will also let you both enjoy nature. Don’t forget to give those joint vitamins special love to their knees.
When to Consider Surgery vs. Non-Surgical Treatment
A torn ACL in your dog? You should think about how busy the dog is and how bad the injury is. When the tear is big or really bad, surgery is generally the best choice for bigger or busier dogs. Surgery may also be best for your dog if the pain or stiffness won’t go away any other way. If it’s small or doesn’t do much, you might be able to keep your dog healthy without surgery.
Should you really put your dog through surgery if they already have health issues that make it risky? That is, things like the owner’s tastes and way of life are very important in the decision. That’s why you need to be honest with your vet.
Consider Surgery:
- Severity of the injury
- Size and activity level
- Chronic pain or inflammation
- Age and health
Consider Non-Surgical Treatment:
- Partial tears or mild cases
- Smaller or less active dogs
- Underlying health conditions
- Owner preference and lifestyle
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