One of the joys of owning a dog is how much fun you can both have when out walking or exercising, no matter how big or small they are. But with all that zest for life, your furry friend can also be susceptible to injuring the springy ligaments in their hind legs. Known as the anterior cruciate ligament, an ACL injury in your dog can leave them lame and potentially at risk of long-term joint damage. But, with ACL one of the most common leg injuries seen by veterinarians, there’s a host of treatments available should your pooch get stopped in their tracks.

We take a look at exactly what a dog ACL injury is, and how it can be treated.

What is a dog ACL injury?

In both humans and dogs, an ACL injury involves the anterior cruciate ligament, which is the thin tissue connecting the tibia (just below the knee) to the femur (thighbone). Also known as the cranial cruciate ligament, the difference with a dog is that, due to the angle of their back legs, the ACL is always load bearing, whether they’re standing, walking or running. The ligament is essential in stabilizing the knee joint and keeping the leg bones happily in place so if damaged, can have a serious impact on the leg’s mobility.

Dogs can suffer two forms of ACL injury – a partial or full tear. A partial tear sees individual or a smaller amount of ligament fibers tear while a full tear – or rupture – is across the whole ligament and can lead to total instability of the knee joint.

ACL injury causes

In humans, ACL injuries are common in athletes and can be an acute trauma due to sudden and powerful movements when running or jumping. In dogs, injury to their anterior cruciate ligament are usually gradual and worsen with activity although young or very active dogs can injure their ACL when playing or running a little too fast and hard.

While older dogs are more susceptible to wear and tear, an ACL injury can occur in any dog, whatever age, with gradual weakness overtime putting more pressure on the ligament eventually leading to tear, with no one identifiable cause.

Dogs more at risk of an ACL injury

There are other factors which can lead some dogs to be more prone to an ACL injury. Certain breeds seem to be more at risk of an ACL injury than others, including Labradors, Bichon Frises, Rottweilers, Newfoundlands, German Shepherds and St Bernard’s who are are all at a higher risk of ACL due to potential degeneration of their knees.

Weight is also a contributory factor, so obese dogs are at risk, especially if they are unfit and suddenly participate in fast or strenuous activity. Some studies have also indicated that male dogs who were neutered before five months old may develop ACL issues later on in their life. And finally, dogs who have already experienced a full rupture ACL injury in one leg, are at a higher risk of developing the condition in the opposite leg.

ACL injury symptoms

Whichever way your pet sustains an ACL injury, it means the ligament is unable to function properly, resulting in varying degrees of lameness and pain as well as potential degenerative joint disease. So, if you suspect your furry bud has injured their ACL, here are the main symptoms to look for:

• Limping in the hind legs
• Unable to bear weight on the injured leg
• Stiffness, most obvious after a period of rest
• Visibly swollen knee
• Struggling to jump or stand
• Sitting at an odd angle
• Loss of condition in the affected limb
• A back and hip posture that doesn’t look quite right

Treatment options for ACL

Depending on the type of ACL injury and severity, there are several treatment options which your vet can advise on. They will also take into account your dog’s size, age and weight as well as their lifestyle before deciding on the right treatment plan for your pet.

Non-surgical treatments

A more conservative approach towards healing your dog’s partial ACL injury may be the best approach to take, depending on your veterinary professional’s advice. Non-surgical treatments can also be effective for dogs weighing less than 30 pounds or who are not overly active as it can mean restricted movement and confined rest for a period of between six weeks and two months. During this rest and recover period, your dog may then be treated with:

• A knee brace – a specialist canine knee brace will stabilize the knee joint and allow the ligament to repair itself. For a knee brace to be effective, it should be used in conjunction with a period of significantly reduced activity levels. If a knee brace is the recommended option for your dog, then check out some of the best currently on the market at Petside.

• Supplements - non-steroidal, anti-inflammatories may be prescribed by your vet to help reduce the pain and inflammation caused by an ACL injury. You can also look at natural supplements such as glucosamine and New Zealand green lipped mussel to help with the healing process.

• Weight loss – to help your limping pet get back to his full and active life, you may need to manage his weight. Being overweight can put extra pressure on their joints, exacerbating the injury and potentially meaning they could be prone to further injury down the line. Dog Gear has an excellent overview of specialty dog food to help you revise your pooch’s daily menu if they need to lose a little weight.

• Other non-surgical treatments – as well as a knee brace, supplements and reduced activity, your poorly pooch can be helped with other non-invasive treatments such as acupuncture, massage and water therapy, although do discuss with your veterinarian to ensure these treatments are appropriate for your dog’s specific injury.

Surgical options

If a more conservative treatment plan doesn’t see an improvement, then surgery could be an option to repair the ligament and stabilize the joint. Surgical procedures include replacing the torn or ruptured ligament with an artificial ligament or using a metal plate and screws to stabilize the knee cap.

Replacing the torn ligament is usually only recommended for dogs weighing less than 50 pounds. Alternative treatments include injections to strengthen fibrous tissue around the knee joint or stem cell therapy to replace any diseased tissue.

With any surgical treatment for an ACL injury, your pet will need at least eight weeks of post-operative care, confinement and rest to ensure a full recovery.

Recovery and rehabilitation

Whether your dog is receiving non-surgical treatment or has undergone an operation for his ACL injury, sufficient time to recover is essential. While he may be able to get up and move around, your pet will need several months to get back to full mobility.

With an ACL injury it’s essential to follow your vet’s post-op advice and never force your pooch to exercise before they are ready as it can lead for a further ligament tear or rupture. And if left untreated, an ACL injury can cause long term lameness and pain as well as raise the risk of irreversible joint damage.

How to reduce the risk of an ACL injury

While you cannot always stop an ACL injury, prevention is better than cure. Keeping your dog at his optimal weight and ensuring he gets regular exercise appropriate to his breed, size and build is a good place to start. And avoid any sudden or strenuous activity, especially if your pooch has been recently inactive or is out of condition; focus on gradually building their fitness instead. And, as with any concerns you may have about your pet’s health, if you suspect an ACL injury or observe any of the typical symptoms, seek veterinary advice pronto.

Source:

How to heal a torn dog ACL without surgery WikiHow

The best dog knee braces (Review) in 2020 Petside