Can a dog function with a torn ACL?
Sure, it is possible to survive with a torn ACL. Sadly, it may be the only option if you absolutely cannot afford surgery. However, if you can afford surgery, it will dramatically improve your dog’s (or cat’s) quality of life.
Can a dog recover from torn ACL without surgery?
A torn ACL in dogs is one of the most common dog injuries. A torn ACL requires rest, immobilization, and sometimes surgery. It is entirely possible for a dog to recover from an ACL tear without surgery. Many dogs heal through surgery alternatives like orthopedic braces and supplements.
How long can a dog live with a torn ACL?
It is likely that the ACL tear in your dog will heal through alternative treatments easily performed at home without turning to invasive surgery. For most small dogs weighing less than 30 lbs., the injury will go away without interference within three to six weeks.
What can you do for a dog with a torn ACL?
Conservative treatment options for a canine ACL tear include:
- Physical therapy.
- Chiropractic adjustments.
- Acupuncture.
- Massage.
- Nutrition.
- Use of a leg brace.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Anti-inflammatory supplements.
How much does ACL surgery for a dog cost?
The cost can vary from $1100 to upwards of $4500 depending on the surgery type and who is performing the procedure. In the end, the TPLO or TTA are going to be more expensive surgery options than the lateral suture technique but they may be a better option for your dog.
What are the symptoms of a torn ACL in a dog?
Signs of a Torn ACL in Dogs
- Limping in the hind legs.
- Joint stiffness that is most noticeable when resting after physical activity.
- Difficulty jumping or rising from the floor.
- Sitting with one hind leg stuck out to the side.
- Clicking sound when your dog walks.
How painful is a torn ACL for a dog?
At the moment when the ACL tears, a dog will experience sudden pain and often hold their leg up. Depending on the severity of the tear, they may then avoid putting any weight on the leg for a day or so, and when they do use it again will have a limp that often continues for several weeks.
How old does a dog have to be to have a torn ACL?
ACL injuries are most commonly seen in large breed dogs. I’ve diagnosed a torn ACL in dogs of all sizes and shapes (and even cats), but large breed dogs older than four years of age are most often affected.
Who is the best vet for a torn ACL?
Integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby shares signs, causes, surgical treatment options, and post-operative recovery for ACL injuries. Learn the facts in this comprehensive guide that includes images of dog ACL X-rays and video of a veterinarian checking the health of a dog’s CCL.
What kind of surgery can I do for a torn CCL?
Surgical options to repair the CCL include: 1. TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) As a veterinary student, I was taught about the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) procedure. In this common procedure, a piece of the tibia is cut, rotated to a specific angle, and reattached with a plate and screws.
What does the ACL stand for in dogs?
ACL stands for anterior cruciate ligament, and it is an important stabilizing structure in the human knee. Dogs have a very similar ligament, technically called the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL).
How is an ACL tear treated in an adult?
The treatment of ACL tears in the young, athletic, skeletally mature (adult) knee is usually reconstruction. A tendon is usually taken from another part of the body and used to rebuild the torn ligament.
Is there rule of thirds for ACL injuries?
The rule of thirds suggests that about a third of all people who sustain an ACL injury will be in each of these three categories. As stated, this is not scientifically researched, but it is a reasonable way to consider the various options for treatment.
Who is the best orthopedic surgeon for ACL tears?
Jonathan Cluett, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery. Injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a common sports-related injury that we often talk about in young, athletic people.
How old do you have to be to have ACL reconstruction?
It used to be the case that ACL reconstruction surgery was reserved for young athletes, and people over the age of 40 years old were recommended to undergo nonsurgical treatment.