ACL Surgery in Dogs – If you have ever seen your dog limping or holding up one of their hind legs, you might have feared the worst. One of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs is a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), or cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in veterinary terms. ACL surgery is now a basic procedure for dogs, but it is still a serious one. It is essential to understand the injury, ensure the right diagnosis from a veterinarian, and make a knowledgeable decision regarding treatment. In this blog, we will help explain ACL injuries in dogs, surgical options, and recovery time.
What is the ACL (CCL) in Dogs?
In dogs, while the ACL is known as the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) and has a quite different nomenclature than the human ACL, it has a relatively similar function of balancing the knee joint by restricting the cranial activity of the tibia bone about the femur (thigh) bone. When a CCL is torn, the joint becomes unbalanced, leading to inflammation, lameness, pain, and eventually arthritis if not treated properly.
Causes of ACL Injuries in Dogs
Unlike human ACL tears, which are caused by a single traumatic situation during sports or other athletic activity, the cause of a dog’s torn ACL is most frequently a chronic injury that occurs over time with time. Many things can cause a dog’s ACL tear, including Genetics, Obesity, Conformation (body structure, Age, and Breed predisposition. Larger breed dogs, like Rottweilers, Boxers, Labradors, and Newfoundlands, are specifically cause to ACL injuries, but small breed dogs and even cats have sustained those types of injuries.
Signs of a Torn ACL in Dogs
The most basic signs that your dog may have experienced a torn ACL include –
Sudden lameness or limping of a back leg
- Difficulty rising or jumping
- Reluctance to apply weight to the affected leg
- Swelling in the area of the knee joint
- A distinct clicking sound while walking
Your veterinarian may perform a drawer test or tibial thrust test to check for instability, but x-rays and possibly an MRI will be required to determine whether an ACL injury has occurred.
Surgery Options for ACL Injury in Dogs
Many surgical options are available for ACL injuries in dogs. The decision frequently depends on the dog’s size, activity level, age, and the expertise of the surgeon. The most common techniques are –
TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy)
TPLO is one of the well-known and successful surgeries for ACL injuries in medium to large breeds. This process includes cutting and rotating the tibial plateau, which balances the joint without the requirement for the ACL.
Advantages – Good outcomes in bigger dogs, fast return to function, long-term success
Disadvantages – Expensive, requires particular equipment and skills.
TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement)
TTA also changes the biomechanics of the knee joint and eliminates the necessity for the ACL. This technique advances the tibial tuberosity forward and balances it with a titanium plate.
Advantages – Effective for active dogs, short recovery period
Disadvantages – Best in dogs with certain tibial plateau angles, very expensive.
Lateral Suture Technique (Extracapsular Repair)
Generally, it is used on smaller dogs (under 50 pounds). The technique uses a strong suture that mimics the function of the ligament.
Advantages – Less expensive, less invasive.
Disadvantages – Not as effective for large or active dogs, the longevity of stability may be reduced over time.
Recovery from ACL Surgery
Recovery from ACL surgery takes time, patience, and commitment. Most dogs are putting weight on the operated leg within some days to a couple of weeks post-surgery, but full recovery is usually somewhere between 8-16 weeks after surgery. The important elements of recovery are –
- Crate rest or limited movement in the first week or so after surgery
- Physical therapy to restore strength and range of motion
- Anti-inflammatory medications and pain relief
- Looking for issues, like infection or issues with the implant
- You will need to set up regular check-up visits with your vet or surgeon to confirm that the healing process is occurring normally.
Tips for Prevention
Even though not all ACL injuries are ignorable, there are many steps you can take to decrease your dog’s risk –
- Maintain a healthy weight for your dog
- Avoid overjumping in predisposed breeds
- Use supplements and exercise daily to help your dog’s joint health
- Look for early signs of lameness or discomfort
Conclusion
ACL injuries are painful and crippling injuries for dogs, however, rise in surgical treatment enable for effective treatment options. It does not matter if you use TPLO, TTA, or a conservative option; the aim will be the same: to restore your dog’s mobility and quality of life. If you see your dog has an ACL injury, do not wait for the injury to get worse. Early intervention can prevent more damage and make the recovery process easier for both you and your pet.
FAQs
Can a dog live with a torn ACL without surgery?
Yes, technically, a dog can live with a torn ACL but without surgery, the joint will be unbalanced and thereby development chronic pain, arthritis, and gradually reduced function. There are possible non-surgical options to handle the dog’s situation, but surgery is the best option for recovery for most dogs.
How much time does it take a dog to recover from ACL surgery?
Most of dogs recover in 8 to 16 weeks. Also, it depends on the type of surgery used, the size and age of the dog, as well as the compliance with post-operative care and the physical therapy program. Activity should be observed according to the post-operative care plan to reduce the risk of re-injury.
Will the dog be able to walk normally again?
Yes, most dogs will regain nearly normal function after surgical repair of an ACL injury and recovery. Most dogs return to normal activities, such as playing, running, and jumping after recovery, specifically with the TPLO or TTA procedures.
What are the risks of ACL surgery on dogs?
As with most surgeries, there are risks, including Infection, anesthetic complications, implanted hardware failure, re-tear, or injury to the other leg. However, risks are low if your procedure is done by a skilled veterinarian and you adhere to their post-operative care suggestions.
