Your dog may go from being a fit four-legged athlete to a lazy couch potato all of a sudden. Torn ACLs in dogs could be scary! ACL tears are common and can make it hard for your dog to play and walk. When your pet has trouble getting around, it’s never fun. The good news is that most of the time, medicine can help them do the things they love again.
This article talks about the different treatments that can be done to fix a dog’s torn ACL. We’ll explain how each procedure works and what makes it different, from tried-and-true ways to new ones. You’ll also learn about what to expect during healing, such as when things will happen, how to help them heal, and how to give them the best care at home. We’ll also share some heartwarming success stories that show how strong dogs are and how happy people are when their dogs can move around again.
Understanding Torn ACLs in Dogs
Dogs often hurt their knees by tearing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This can make it hard for them to move around and enjoy life in general. The ACL, which connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia), needs to be strong for the knee to work well. That hurts, swells up, and moves with a limp if this ligament breaks in your pet. It may have trouble getting around.
Several factors can contribute to torn ACL in dogs. Common causes include:
Trauma or Injury:
Sudden impacts, such as jumping or landing awkwardly during play, can cause an ACL tear. Think of that moment when your dog leaps after a squirrel and lands funny—ouch!
Degeneration:
Over time, the ACL can weaken due to age or chronic conditions like arthritis. This gradual wear and tear can make it more susceptible to tears, especially in older dogs.
Obesity:
Extra weight puts additional stress on the joints, increasing the likelihood of injuries like ACL tears. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is crucial for joint health!
Certain Breeds:
Some breeds are more prone to ACL injuries, including larger dogs like Labradors, Rottweilers, and Golden Retrievers. However, smaller breeds can also be affected.
Genetics:
A dog’s genetic makeup can influence their predisposition to joint issues, making some pups more vulnerable to ACL injuries.
Surgical Treatment Options for Torn ACLs in Dogs
Most of the time, surgery is the best way to fix a dog’s torn ACL and get them moving again. Surgery can strengthen a knee joint, which can help your pet walk again.
This surgery is often used to fix dogs whose ACLs are broken. The tibial plateau angle is changed to stabilize the knee joint, removing the need for the ACL. The treatment is complicated, but many dogs heal well and may resume their normal activities.
TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement) realigns knee bones to improve instability. The TTA advances the patellar ligament-attached tibial tuberosity, stabilizing the angle. TTA surgery usually restores normal activity in dogs. The conventional lateral stitch technique mimics the function of the damaged ACL by wrapping a strong stitch around the knee. The knee should be stabilized and the tissues healed spontaneously. This method works; however, smaller dogs or circumstances where surgery is not a possibility may benefit more.
In the extracapsular repair, the surgeon builds a new ligament outside the joint using thick nylon or surgical-grade material. Smaller tears or less active canines are generally treated this way. It’s simpler, but larger or more active dogs may not like it. Finally, reconstructive surgery may employ a dog’s own tissue to produce a new ligament. Although rare, this surgery can be effective, especially in younger canines. However, a competent veterinary surgeon must do this more complicated surgery.
Each surgical treatment has pros and cons, so talk to your doctor to choose the best one for your dog. Many dogs can play, chase squirrels, and enjoy life again after surgery!
What to Expect During the Recovery Process for Torn ACLs in Dogs
You should give your dog some time and care after getting their ACL fixed so they can play again quickly. The time it takes for your dog to heal depends on the treatment and how quickly he or she gets better. After surgery, your pet will need a lot of love and care. They will need to move around and rest a lot. You can enjoy short walks on a leash to go to the bathroom and lots of free time for a few weeks.
As the weeks go by, you’ll get to the most important parts of getting better. In the beginning, you will give your dog painkillers. Soon, though, you will start gentle physical treatment with exercises like stretching and strengthening. Normal things can be done again slowly between 8 and 12 weeks. For example, they can go for short walks and play with toys. To keep them happy at home, keep things calm, do what they normally do, and give them lots of love and treats. With your help, they’ll soon be back to zoomies and adventures that make their tails wag.
Success Rates and Long-Term Outlook for Torn ACLs in Dogs
Dogs with damaged ACLs often recover after surgery! Surgery can return 80%–90% of dogs to pre-injury activity. Success rates vary by dog age, size, health, and injury response. Larger dogs may heal slower than active ones.
Most dogs return to running, jumping, and fetching after rehabilitation, enjoying a good quality of life. As they age, some dogs may develop arthritis or other joint difficulties, so it’s important to monitor their joint health. Regular vet visits and a healthy weight can keep those joints happy and working.
Your pet’s outlook is good with proper surgery and post-op care. They can have many more years of tail-wagging enjoyment with your patience and support!