ACL Surgery in Dogs: Down But Not Out
Call it the Achilles heel of our canine friends, but a torn ACL in the knee (more properly called a CCL in the dog) is the nemesis of many a pet. Injuries to the cranial cruciate ligament are one of the most common orthopedic problems diagnosed in dogs. Rupture of this ligament makes the knee joint unstable, and it can be an extremely painful condition. Thankfully, your friends at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital can help.
Torn ACL Symptoms in Dogs
Dogs that have a CCL injury often have a very sudden onset of an obvious lameness in a rear limb. Sometimes there will also be a history of intermittent problems with that leg.
Symptoms of a diseased ACL can include:
- Sudden severe lameness or reluctance to use the limb
- Lameness of unknown cause that comes and goes
- Decreased athletic performance
- Pain
- Swelling of the knee joint
Between these torn ACL symptoms and a good physical exam, our team will often be able to diagnose a CCL injury. A cranial drawer sign in the affected knee can be diagnostic, although some pets may require sedation in order to be able to feel it.
Sometimes radiographs (X-rays) or even advanced imaging is needed to evaluate the extent and nature of the problem within the knee joint.
Helping Pets One Knee at a Time
In order to stabilize a damaged knee, surgery is typically required. Ligaments like the cruciate are typically bad at healing, and without correction an unstable stifle joint can lead to significant pain and development of arthritis.
There are a few surgical options that exist for addressing CCL injury. In many veterinary hospitals, these orthopedic surgeries are referred to a specialty practice. Thankfully, though, we are able to offer a wide array of soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries within our hospital, ACL repair included.
Almost immediately after surgery, many dogs already look much better and more comfortable. Exercise restriction, pain management, and post-operative care are important during healing, but most pets recover from ACL surgery with a full return to function.
It is always a little scary when a pet needs to have surgery, no matter what kind. It feels a little more reassuring, though, to have your pet’s procedure done in a familiar place with people you know. If you think that your pet may have an ACL injury, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help.