Your dog's ACL is actually referred to as their CCL. This ligament is commonly injured in dogs due to the anatomy of their legs and how active they generally are. Today our Clinton Township vets share some of the common signs of ACL injuries in dogs and the potential treatment options.
What is the Dog ACL?
In people, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a thin connective tissue in the middle of our knees. Dog's legs have similar connective tissue but with a difference in positioning.
This connective tissue in dogs is called the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) and it connects your pup's tibia (bone below the knee) to their femur (bone above the knee). So, although there are differences, the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is your dog's ACL.
One main difference between a person's ACL and your pup's CCL is that for a dog this ligament is always load-bearing since your pet's knee is always bent when standing.
What is the difference between an ACL injury in dogs and in people?
In humans, these ACL injuries most commonly occur in athletes. These injuries tend to occur due to an acute trauma stemming from a sudden movement such as a jump or change of direction (think of basketball players in action). In dogs, CCL injuries tend to occur gradually, progressively worsening with activity until a tear occurs.
What are the typical signs of an ACL injury in dogs?
The most common signs of a CCL injury in dogs are:
- Stiffness (typically most noticeable after rest, following exercise).
- Difficulty rising and jumping.
- Hind leg lameness and limping.
It is important that your dog does not continue to use the injured leg as this can lead to further injury.
Dogs suffering from a single torn CCL will typically begin favoring the non-injured leg during activity which commonly leads to the injury of the second knee. Approximately 60% of dogs with a single CCL injury will go on to injure the other knee soon afterward.
What are the treatment options for dog ACL injuries?
If your pooch has been diagnosed with a cruciate injury, there are a number of treatment options available from knee braces to surgery. When determining the best treatment for your dog's injury, your vet will take your dog's age, size and weight into consideration as well as your pup's lifestyle and energy level.
Some of the common types of treatment for this knee injury include:
Stabilization Using a Knee Brace
Treating a CCL injury with a knee brace is a non-surgical option that may help stabilize the knee joint in some dogs. The support provided by a knee brace gives the ligament time to scar over and repair itself. Treating CCL injuries through the use of a knee brace may be successful in some dogs when combined with restricted activity.
Extracapsular Repair - Lateral Suture
This surgery involves replacing the torn cruciate ligament with an artificial ligament on the outside of the joint. This ACL surgery for dogs is typically recommended for small to medium-sized breeds weighing less than 50lbs.
Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy - TPLO
TPLO is a popular and very successful surgery that works to eliminate the need for the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) by cutting and flattening the tibial plateau, and then stabilizing it in a new position with a plate and screws.
Tibial Tuberosity Advancement - TTA
TTA surgery also eliminates the need for the CCL ligament by cutting the top of the tibia, moving it forward, and then stabilizing it in its new position with a stainless steel metal plate.
What should you expect during recovery from dog ACL surgery?
No matter which treatment option ends up being recommended for your dog, you can expect there to be a long road ahead. Your dog wil require 16 weeks or longer to have complete healing and return to normal function. A year after surgery your dog will be running and jumping like their old self again.
To speed your pup's recovery from an ACL injury be sure to follow your vet's advice and never force your dog to do exercises if they resist. To avoid re-injury be sure to follow your vet's instructions closely and attend regular follow-up appointments so that your veterinarian can monitor your pet's recovery.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.