You’ve probably heard of athletes recovering from a torn ACL, but did you know that dogs can get this condition as well?
Knee pain isn’t just uncomfortable for your dog. It can also lead to serious complications, such as stiffness and even arthritis. If you want to keep enjoying a happy, active life with your dog, it’s vital that you take an injured ACL seriously.
Types of Dog ACL Surgery
ACL surgery isn’t always necessary, but in certain cases, your vet may recommend it.
In humans, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) connects the tibia to the femur and helps stabilize the knee joint. Dogs have this stabilizing ligament as well, although in canines it is known as the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL). These two terms are often used interchangeably.
Although they might have different names, these ligaments can be damaged or torn in much the same ways. Repetitive stress, twisting, and obesity can put a strain on the CCL, causing it to tear.
Veterinary surgeons use a variety of surgical techniques to repair torn ligaments in the knee joint.
Intracapsular and extracapsular surgeries place a suture either inside or outside of the knee joint to replace the CCL. These types of surgery are best for smaller dogs.
For a medium- to large-weight dog, the most popular ACL surgery is an osteotomy, which changes the mechanics of the joint.
In a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) or tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA), the tibia is cut and moved, then held in place with a metal plate and screws.
Prep and Recovery
Preparing for your dog’s ACL surgery is much like the prep work for any other surgical procedure.
You will be asked not to feed your dog the night before the surgery. Once they are in our clinic, we will perform pre-anesthetic blood work, which is standard for all surgeries at Westmonte Animal Clinic. Once we have determined that they are healthy enough for surgery, we will administer anesthesia and put in a breathing tube.
After the surgery, we will send you home with anti-inflammatory medications to help manage your pet’s pain levels.
During recovery, your dog should rest as much as possible. Stick to short, slow walks for toilet breaks only and restrict their movement during the rest of the day. You may need to put them in a crate to prevent them from getting too much exercise.
If your dog chews on the incision site, we suggest using a plastic Elizabethan collar.
Regardless of the type of surgery, following your vet’s post-operative instructions is the best chance at a successful recovery.
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1420 E. Altamonte Drive
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
What Does Dog ACL Surgery Cost?
The cost depends on the type of surgery needed to repair your dog’s CCL.
Intra/extracapsular surgeries range from $1,100-2,500. TTA and TPLO procedures range from $2,000-6,000.
Is Dog ACL Surgery Worth It?
It’s important to note that most vets won’t recommend surgery for dogs unless it’s absolutely necessary for their recovery.
In some cases, dogs are able to heal without surgery, but it depends on the severity of the injury as well as the size and activity level of your dog. A very large, active dog is more likely to need surgery than a small couch potato.
Sometimes, rest and immobilization of the affected leg is enough to heal a minor ACL tear. Your vet may also recommend a knee brace either after or in place of surgery. If surgery is not an option due to your dog’s age and health, a wheelchair can give them the mobility they crave while keeping weight off of their injured joint.
Pet owners should discuss options with their vet.
Signs Your Dog Has a Torn ACL
If your dog appears to be in pain, it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the problem. Is it a torn ACL or a bee sting? Some dogs are even so dramatic that having something caught in the fur of their paw may cause them to limp!
Some signs that your dog may have torn their ACL include:
- Limping or lameness
- Abnormal posture when sitting or standing
- Swelling
- Decreased range of motion
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it’s important to take them to the vet as soon as possible for a physical examination and/or X-ray to confirm.
Left untreated, a torn ACL can lead to stiffness and arthritis in the affected leg. Furthermore, if your dog starts favoring their other leg, they could possibly tear the other ACL.
Pain-Free Solutions
As a pet owner, it’s important to take your dog’s health seriously—whether they are suffering from allergies or a torn ACL.
However, we also know that the last place your dog wants to go is the vet.
At Westmonte Animal Clinic, we are dedicated to making vet appointments as enjoyable as possible. From our state-of-the-art clinic to our friendly staff, we have made every effort to put you and your dog at ease from the moment you walk (or limp!) through our doors.
Schedule an appointment today!
