Is Your Dog Limping? Understanding Torn ACL in Dogs

Seeing your dog suddenly limping is alarming for any pet owner. One of the most common reasons for this is a torn ACL in dogs. This condition is a primary cause of hind-limb lameness. 

While we call it the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in humans, in dogs, the correct term is the Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL). This vital ligament acts like a strong rope inside the knee, connecting the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia), keeping the joint stable. 

Injuring the ACL can happen suddenly during an athletic movement or develop over time through gradual wear and tear. Just like in humans, the ACL in dogs plays a crucial role in knee stability. A tear can significantly impact their mobility and comfort.

So, what should you know about caring for your dog and its ACL?

Are Certain Breeds More Prone to an ACL Tear in Dogs?

While any dog can experience a torn ACL, some breeds have a higher genetic predisposition to this injury. 

Research from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons shows that large and active breeds are more prone to struggle with ACL tears. These are dogs like: 

• Labrador Retrievers
• Newfoundlands Rottweilers
• German Shepherds
• Golden Retrievers 
• Staffordshire Terrier
• Mastiff
• Akita
• Saint Bernard
• Chesapeake Bay Retriever

However, breed is only one piece of the puzzle. Other factors that increase the risk of an ACL injury in dogs include:

• Being overweight or obese, which places constant strain on the joints.
• Poor physical condition or lack of regular exercise.
• Age, as ligaments can weaken over time.

Common Torn ACL Symptoms in Dogs

An ACL tear in dogs can present with a range of signs. Knowing what to look for is the first step in getting your companion the right help.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact us immediately. 

Besides making an appointment to see your dog as soon as possible, we can advise on intermittent emergency care. 

How to Spot a Torn ACL in Your Pup

• Limping. This is the most obvious symptom. The limp may be subtle at first and worsen after activity, or it can be so severe that your dog refuses to put any weight on the leg.
• Difficulty Getting Up or Lying Down. The pain and instability in the knee can make it hard for your dog to transition between standing and lying positions.
• Trouble with Movement. A reluctance to jump into the car, climb stairs, or play as usual is a strong indicator of pain.
• Stiffness After Rest. After a period of rest, you notice your dog is particularly stiff when they try to move. This often improves slightly with activity, but the limp usually remains.
• A Popping Sound. Some owners report hearing an audible "pop" from the knee at the moment of injury.
• An Unusual Sit. Some dogs with an ACL tear might sit with the affected leg extended out to the side rather than tucked under them, as it's more comfortable.
• Knee Swelling. The joint may appear swollen or feel puffy to the touch.
• Pain Response. Your dog might cry out, whimper, or show signs of pain when you touch their knee or when they try to put weight on the affected leg.

What to Do if You Suspect an ACL Injury in Your Dog

If you suspect your dog has an ACL injury, your actions can prevent the injury from getting worse.

At-Home Management While You Wait

Your primary goal is to limit movement. 

• Create a comfortable resting spot for them. It should be a soft and easily accessible place.
• Enforce strict rest, which means no running, jumping, or roughhousing. 
• When your dog needs to go outside, keep them on a short leash for slow, controlled walks. 

Whatever you do, do not give your dog any human pain relievers. Many are toxic to pets and can cause serious harm.

When to Call Your Veterinarian

A persistent limp requires a professional evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent irreversible arthritis and long-term pain for your dog. 

Contacting a trusted veterinary team, like Oxford Animal Hospital, is the most critical step you can take for your pet's well-being. 

Diagnosis and Treatment for Your Dog's Torn ACL

A thorough examination is needed to confirm a diagnosis and create a treatment plan tailored to your dog.

How We Diagnose the Injury

To diagnose an ACL tear in dogs, we perform a careful physical examination of the knee. 

This often involves a specific manipulation called the "cranial drawer test" or "tibial compression test." It allows us to feel for instability in the knee joint. 

We will also likely recommend X-rays. While X-rays cannot see the torn ligament itself, they are essential for assessing the degree of arthritis, detecting joint swelling, and ruling out other potential causes of the limp.

In some cases, more advanced imaging may be suggested.

Exploring Treatment Options

For most dogs, surgery is the gold standard for treating a dog's torn ACL. However, ACL treatment for dogs can vary depending on the severity of the tear, your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Conservative Management

For small dogs, partial tears, or cases where surgery isn't an option, conservative management might be considered. This involves:

• Strict rest,
• Anti-inflammatory medications,
• Physical therapy, and 
• Controlled exercise. 

However, this approach often has less predictable long-term success for larger or more active dogs.

Surgical Repair

Surgery is often the most effective treatment for a torn ACL in dogs, especially for medium to large breeds. There are several surgical techniques designed to stabilize the knee joint. 

The goal of ACL surgery is to: 

• Restore stability to the knee, 
• Reduce pain, and 
• Prevent the progression of arthritis. 

Our veterinarians will discuss the best approach for your dog's specific needs.

The Path to Recovery After Surgery

Post-surgical recovery requires patience and commitment. A successful outcome depends heavily on how carefully you follow the post-operative instructions.

The recovery period often lasts between 8 and 12 weeks, during which activity must be strictly controlled.

Your dog's recovery plan will include:

• Strict Rest. Limiting activity is crucial during the initial healing phase to protect the repair.
• Medication. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications will be prescribed to manage discomfort and reduce swelling.
• Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy. This is a vital part of recovery. It can include controlled exercises, massage, and hydrotherapy to rebuild muscle strength, improve range of motion, and restore normal function.
• Gradual Return to Activity. Your dog's activity will be slowly increased over several weeks or months, following a precise schedule to avoid reinjury.

Preventing a Torn ACL in Dogs

While not all injuries are preventable, you can take steps to protect your dog's joints. 

• Maintaining a lean, healthy body weight is the single most important factor in reducing the risk. 
• Regular, moderate exercise helps keep their muscles strong and supportive. 
• For dogs who have already had an ACL tear, careful monitoring and adherence to rehabilitation protocols are a must. Studies show that about 60% of dogs that tear one ACL will eventually tear the other one because of the increased strain on the uninjured leg.

If your dog is showing any signs of lameness, our team is here to provide answers and care.

Schedule an appointment today.

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. For any health concerns regarding your pet, please schedule an appointment with our veterinary team.

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