A torn ACL in dogs (technically called a CCL or cranial cruciate ligament) is a common condition. However, that doesn’t make it less scary when it’s your dog who is limping. Integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby shares symptoms, 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.
- Bailey, a Labrador Retriever dog with a torn ACL
- What is a torn ACL in dogs?
- What causes a torn ACL in dogs?
- Which dog breeds are at increased risk for an ACL injury?
- What are the symptoms of a torn ACL in dogs?
- How is a torn ACL in dogs diagnosed by your veterinarian?
- What are the treatment options for a torn ACL in dogs?
- Surgical options for repairing a dog's ACL
- Recovery and caring for your dog following ACL surgery
- The rest of Bailey's story
- Can ACL tears be prevented?
- Speak with your veterinarian about treatment options for ACL injuries in dogs
Bailey, a Labrador Retriever dog with a torn ACL
First, to understand how a torn ACL in dogs may happen, let’s meet my veterinary patient, Bailey. This 13-year-old, rotund Labrador Retriever preferred couch dwelling to outdoor adventures. One day, Bailey hopped down from the couch, walked a few steps, and then stopped. Randy, his pet parent, noticed that Bailey was favoring his left hind leg. In fact, he held it dangling in the air. He’d favored it very slightly in years past. But now, Bailey wouldn’t touch the back paw to the ground. That’s why his doting dad brought him to my veterinary office.
A veterinary exam and a diagnosis of CCL
After a complete head-to-tail physical exam and listening to my client’s story, I suspected a torn cruciate ligament. When I’d examined my patient’s left rear leg, the dog’s left knee was thickened and very firm. I suspected that the sweet dog had lived with a partial tear for years, and the tear had now become complete.
Next, with Bailey on his side enjoying a tasty peanut butter distraction, I placed one hand on the dog’s stifle and the other on the bottom of his foot, flexing his hock and knee. I checked for abnormal movement.
Bailey was fairly relaxed, but when I attempted to maneuver his knee, he lifted his head to inspect my work, indicating discomfort. I was not surprised. It is challenging to assess cranial drawer in an awake dog who is painful. X-rays would be needed to confirm my physical exam findings.
I shared my suspicion of a torn cruciate ligament (commonly called a torn ACL in dogs) with my client, and gave him a detailed explanation like the one below.
What is a torn ACL in dogs?
You’re probably familiar with the term ACL from witnessing a player injured in a football or soccer game. But what is a torn ACL?
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). Even though “anterior” and “cranial” are basically synonyms, the term is different between humans and dogs. Both indicate a location closer to the head. But “anterior” is used in humans and “cranial” refers to the same direction/position in animals.
Because most people are familiar with the term ACL and they have similar meanings, ACL is often used more than CCL. With this in mind, I’ll use the terms “anterior cruciate ligament in dogs” or “ACL in dogs” and “cranial cruciate ligament in dogs” or “CCL in dogs” interchangeably throughout this article.
Understanding the cranial cruciate ligament
While you have probably heard of an ACL before, you might not fully understand what this important ligament does.
A dog’s cranial cruciate ligament has three critical functions:
- Preventing the tibia from thrusting forward in relation to the femur.
- Preventing the dog’s knee from hyperextending.
- Preventing the tibia from rotating internally.
What causes a torn ACL in dogs?
In humans, tearing an ACL is generally associated with trauma—like the sports scenario I mentioned above. This is usually not the case in our canine companions.
In dogs, the CCL tends to weaken over time. As this ligament weakens, it wears down and becomes more fragile. As this happens, the CCL becomes more susceptible to tearing. Unfortunately, we don’t fully understand why.
Current research focuses on whether early spay and neuter could predispose to this. The role of hormones in the development and health of ligaments is poorly understood in dogs, as is the risk of taking those hormones away at a young age. We do know that hormones are important for growth and regulating many parts of the body. We also suspect that hormones can play a role in human ACL tears, so it’s natural to conclude that they would for dogs, too.
A review of over one million dogs from the 1960s to 2000 showed that spaying or neutering increased the risk of suffering a torn ACL in dogs. Also, females were slightly more likely than males to tear an ACL. (The gender distribution holds true for humans, too.)
Additionally, we know that age and being overweight can be factors that contribute to the wearing of the ligament over time. This is partly due to the fact that bearing extra weight adds to the normal “wear” that the ligament encounters.
All of these factors indicate that—just like with many other injuries—the cause of a torn ACL in dogs is multifaceted. Therefore, if your dog experiences trauma to the knee (like slipping on the hardwood floor or ice), the trauma could be the final straw to cause a tear.
Which dog breeds are at increased risk for an ACL injury?
As more research is being done, we are learning that genetics play a role in CCL tears in dogs. While I’ve diagnosed a torn ACL in dogs of all sizes and shapes (and even cats), large breed dogs older than four years of age are most often affected.
The following breeds appear to be at increased risk for ACL injury:
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Newfoundland
- Akita
- St. Bernard
- Rottweiler
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- American Staffordshire Terrier
Since Labrador Retrievers are the most common breed affected, there is a new genetic test for Labradors to help detect if your dog is at risk of developing a torn ACL. Right now, this test is only available for purebred Labs. Hopefully, as research improves, it will become available for other breeds of dogs, too.
What are the symptoms of a torn ACL in dogs?
Now that we have talked about what causes a CCL tear, let’s discuss what symptoms you might observe as a pet parent of a dog with a torn CCL.
Just like in humans, an ACL tear is painful for your dog. Therefore, dogs try to protect their injured leg by not using it. Especially in dogs with a sudden acute injury, limping is the most common and easiest sign for owners to notice.
In addition to limping, other symptoms of a torn ACL in dogs include:
- Difficulty standing up from a sitting position
- Trouble jumping onto furniture or into the car
- Decreased walking/activity/play behavior
- Toe touching
- Stiffness
- Muscle loss around the knee or whole leg
- Swelling near the knee
- Increased licking of the knee/leg (can be a sign your dog is in pain)
- Decreased range of motion for the knee
- A “popping” sound or movement when walking or moving the knee
If you have noticed any of these symptoms in your dog, please schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. CCL tears are very painful and shouldn’t be ignored.
How is a torn ACL in dogs diagnosed by your veterinarian?
The diagnosis of a torn ACL in dogs is made based on several things.
First, your veterinarian will get your dog’s “history,” meaning back story. Often, dogs with complete cruciate tears will have a history of mild lameness and stiffness that comes and goes in a hind leg.
Some dogs may have previously been treated with a combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, joint supplements for dogs, physical therapy, acupuncture, and/or laser therapy. This is because chronic inflammation and cruciate degeneration often happen over time. Eventually, a complete tear occurs.
After getting a thorough history of your dog, the physical exam is next. Your vet may include a gaiting exam, so he or she can watch your dog walk. If the lameness is not super obvious, I take my patients out to the parking lot and ask the owners to pretend like they are in the ring at Westminster, so I can watch the dog travel at a walk and a trot.
Your vet will observe your dog for signs of a torn ACL
Finally, a thorough orthopedic exam of the leg(s) and pelvis will be done. The following findings increase the suspicion for a torn ACL in dogs:
- Decreased comfortable range of motion in the affected (injured) leg.
- Decreased thigh muscle circumference in the affected leg (due to disuse/favoring the leg). We call this muscle atrophy.
- An awkward sitting posture in which the painful leg is held out to the side or the dog refuses to sit squarely.
- The presence of a medial buttress, which is a thickening on the medial (inner) surface of the leg indicating long-standing inflammation. This bony remodeling occurs in a knee with a chronic cruciate problem creating inflammation over time.
- A positive cranial drawer test. This test is best accomplished with sedation because pain can make it difficult to perform with accurate results. The dog will be placed in lateral recumbency (lying on his or her side). One hand should be placed on the patella (kneecap) and the other on the tibia. With pressure, the joint should feel tight and stable. If there is significant movement of the tibia forward in relation to the patella, this is considered a positive cranial drawer sign. (It mimics a drawer opening from a dresser).
- Tibial thrust also can be checked under sedation. One hand is placed over the stifle, and the foot is flexed with the other hand. If there is strong movement of the dog’s tibia forward in relation to the patella, this is considered positive.
I mention the details of the last two signs of a torn ACL in dogs, not to teach you how to perform them or expect you to fully understand them. (Please do not try this on your own dog at home. Like I mentioned, this can be extremely painful for your dog.) Rather, the details illustrate that the best way to diagnose a torn ACL in dogs is through a hands-on exam and diagnostic manipulation by your veterinarian.
Watch the video below of a cranial drawer and tibial thrust performed by a veterinarian…
Can an X-ray show a torn ACL in a dog?
X-rays can help rule out other conditions and support the physical exam findings. If your vet is going to palpate the knee and take X-rays, he or she will probably sedate your dog for these procedures. Even in the calmest dogs, sedation is important to help relieve pain. It’s hard (and unkind) to torque a painful dog’s leg into the perfect position for an X-ray while the dog is fully conscious.
To take X-rays and palpate the dog’s knee, your vet will give your dog an IV sedative and pain reliever. Once your dog is sedated and relaxed, your vet’s assistants will position your dog. Now, your vet will be better able to palpate your dog’s leg and feel a positive cranial drawer sign.
As I’ve already mentioned, this positive test is enough to diagnose a torn ACL. However, I have personally misdiagnosed a dog with a ruptured ACL, who actually had bone cancer, and I know colleagues who have done the same.
This is why X-rays can be very helpful. While a vet might not always be able to see the torn CCL on X-rays, they can make sure that there are no other conditions (like bone cancer) causing the same symptoms.
Key point: Radiographs (X-rays) help support the torn ACL diagnosis and rule out other conditions that can cause the same symptoms.
Additionally, veterinarians often try to position both knees on at least one X-ray image. By doing so, the dog’s two legs can be compared. This makes it easier to spot abnormalities in your dog’s knees. The X-ray below is a good example of this…
Also, X-rays can also be beneficial for treatment planning, especially if your veterinarian recommends surgery for your dog.
What are the treatment options for a torn ACL in dogs?
Unfortunately, treatment for a torn ACL is not cut and dry. As you can see from the list below, the number of treatment options are through the roof. Your veterinarian will be your best guide in developing a plan based on your dog’s specific condition. He or she may talk with you about some of these treatment options:
- Five different surgery options (explained below)
- Supplements
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Acupuncture for dogs
- Laser treatment
- Dog ACL braces (In general, I don’t recommend braces).
Also, treatment options will vary depending on the size of dog and the type of tear (partial versus complete). Next, let’s discuss the differences between a partial and a complete tear.
ACL in dogs: Partial tear versus complete tear
As the cranial cruciate ligament begins to wear down and become more delicate, the ligament continues to deteriorate and the risk for a tear increases.
When your dog runs, walks, jumps, or slips on his or her back legs, weight is put on the ligament. Eventually, it will tear due to these forces. If it tears incompletely, this is called a partial tear. But over time, the tear could continue through the whole ligament. It is now a complete tear, or a rupture.
Additionally, once a dog has a CCL tear in one knee, there is a 25-50% chance that the other knee will tear in the next 12 to 16 months.
Dog ACL tear conservative treatment
In small dogs (less than 15 kg or 33 pounds) who have a comparably small amount of mass to move around, conservative treatment with rest and pain management may be an acceptable approach. Unfortunately, no studies exist that compare this option to others, so it remains up for debate.
In one older study from 1984, less than 20% of dogs over 15 kg had an acceptable outcome when employing conservative management. As a result, surgery is the treatment of choice for most larger dogs.
But which surgery? If you put 10 veterinary orthopedic surgeons in a room, you’ll likely get 11 different opinions! Let’s review five surgical treatment options.
Surgical options for repairing a dog’s ACL
There are several surgical options available for repairing a torn ACL in dogs. Despite what you may read on the internet, none of these is the perfect surgery. (If there were one perfect treatment option, we wouldn’t have several surgical options to choose from.)
Treatment should be tailored to your dog. It is dependent on breed, size, and lifestyle. A large, athletic dog that competes in agility will need a different approach than a couch potato Pug that goes on walks twice a day!
Your veterinarian may discuss one or more of the following surgical treatment options with you:
1. TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy)
As a veterinary student, I was taught about the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy procedure, which is commonly called TPLO surgery for dogs. In this common procedure, a piece of the tibia is cut, rotated to a specific angle, and reattached with a plate and screws. This changes the dynamics of the knee so that when weight is borne, the tibia doesn’t thrust forward, inherently making the knee more stable.
The X-rays below show a dog’s knee with a plate implanted during a TPLO surgery…
2. TTA (tibial tuberosity advancement)
Like TPLO surgery, TTA surgery involves removing and reattaching a piece (called the tuberosity) of the dog’s tibia in a different orientation. This increases stability in the knee joint, which is lacking the cruciate ligament.
3. aCBLO (anatomic cora-based leveling osteotomy)
As the name indicates, this is another osteotomy (bone cutting) procedure which uses another approach to reduce instability in the dog’s knee.
4. Tightrope® (lateral fabella suture)
Developed as an alternative to the TPLO and TTA, which cut and rearrange the dog’s tibia, this technique uses an implant to create stability.
5. Simitri Stable in Stride
In 2016, the Journal of Veterinary published a study on a very promising new procedure called the Simitri Stable in Stride—an implant placed in the knee that stabilizes the joint. While early results are promising, wide use of this procedure is not common.
Recovery and caring for your dog following ACL surgery
Following surgery, it’s important to follow your veterinarian’s aftercare instructions closely. Your vet may recommend six to eight weeks of strict rest post-operatively for your dog. Also, you may expect to limit your dog’s activity to short leash walks outside to use the bathroom. Your vet may also give strict orders to avoid water activities and getting your dog wet. This would include no bathing, grooming appointments, or swimming.
Post-surgical complications
There are two most common post-surgery complications of stifle repair: infection and re-injury. But the good news is that they are both avoidable.
Infection of the incision
An infection is usually due to a dog chewing and licking at the incision. To avoid this, monitor your canine companion closely and be sure to keep a cone (or E-collar) on him or her.
Re-injury due to too much activity during recovery
Repairs made via surgery can fail or be re-injured if a dog is allowed to be active too soon after surgery. One of my dearest patients had this experience. Though her intentions were pure, the dog’s parent only half-heartedly restricted her activity post TPLO surgery and the plate shifted. The dog spent the rest of her life challenged by this, but her story has a happy ending. You can read it in my article, A Foreshadowed Hope.
How to avoid re-injury
After your dog has made it through surgery and post-op recovery, it is important to avoid a re-injury of the knee. So even after surgery, follow-up visits are necessary to ensure that everything is healing appropriately.
In addition to regular checks by your veterinarian, I often recommend ToeGrips® dog nail grips as an adjunctive therapy for my CCL patients. The non-slip grips fit on a dog’s toenails to reduce slip-and-fall injuries by improving traction on hardwood floors. For one account of how ToeGrips helped a senior dog who suffered a cruciate ligament injury, read ToeGrips for Older Dogs: Bigsby’s Story.
Pain medications and supplements following surgery for a torn ACL in dogs
Another way to avoid complications, is through proper pain management. Post-operative pain medications usually include a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, like carprofen or deracoxib, as well as gabapentin for dogs and/or tramadol for dogs. It’s important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions to diligently manage pain medication.
Your vet may also discuss adjunctive modalities like laser therapy and acupuncture. Also, in my experience, joint supplements for dogs such as New Zealand deer velvet, glucosamine/chondroitin, and green lipped mussel for dogs are also valuable (although data is lacking on these therapies).
Personally, I recommend Dr. Buzby’s Encore Mobility™ hip and joint supplement for dogs to my clients. With New Zealand deer velvet and green-lipped mussel, it helps maintain and support healthy cartilage and joints. Not only is this vital to the health of the damaged joint, but also it’s vital to the joints of the other hind leg which is compensating.
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Physical therapy following CCL surgery in dogs
In human medicine, it is assumed that rehab or physical therapy will be a part of the recovery process following surgery. Veterinary rehabilitation for dogs is one of the fastest-growing aspects of veterinary medicine. It is now recommended by many veterinary orthopedic surgeons after the initial healing period.
Doggie physical therapy can speed up recovery by building muscle tone and improving strength and balance. There are many different exercises that can be used including some techniques that you can do at home or even the use of an underwater treadmill for dogs.
To learn if rehab is available in your area, you can search the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians’ list of certified rehabilitation practitioners by state.
The rest of Bailey’s story
You may be wondering what happened to my veterinary patient Bailey. X-rays of Bailey’s knees showed cloudiness in the joint space and the tibia looked displaced. In comparison, Bailey’s right knee looked normal. Everything pointed to an ACL tear.
I relayed this information to my client. We had some decisions to make. His senior dog was 13, and surgery in older dogs is no small undertaking.
But, without surgery, Bailey’s body would start to scar over the tear and stabilize the joint by laying down extra bone. He would eventually be able to use the leg again, though it would always be his “Achilles heel,” prone to reinjury. Also, eventually signs of canine arthritis would set in, causing chronic pain and lessening his quality of life.
On top of that, often when one cruciate tears, the other usually follows within a one-year period. If that happened, Bailey would have two bum hind legs. So, the best option was surgery.
My client decided to take Bailey to a board-certified orthopedic surgeon for a consultation and surgery. Bailey’s surgeon elected to repair his cruciate rupture with TPLO surgery, which was a huge success!
This was in large part due to the dedication of Randy. He followed post-op instructions to the letter, including strict rest for six weeks and constant Elizabethan collar wearing. His diligence played a critical role in his dog’s success.
Can ACL tears be prevented?
Finally, one of the hazards of being a conscientious pet parent is a propensity toward “dog parent guilt.” When I diagnosed Bailey, my client wanted to know if he’d inadvertently contributed to the injury or could have prevented it. You may have the same question.
Cranial cruciate ruptures aren’t well understood. The causes are multifactorial, as mentioned above. But one risk factor is known and within your control—obesity in dogs!
In one study, obesity quadrupled the risk of a cranial cruciate tear. Keeping dogs slim and fit is certainly helpful in not only preventing cruciate tears but also in preventing many other disease processes. To learn more about keeping your dog fit, please learn how to assess your dog’s canine body condition score.
Speak with your veterinarian about treatment options for ACL injuries in dogs
As a veterinarian who has practiced for over 25 years, I have seen hundreds upon hundreds of partial and complete ACL tears in dogs. If your dog has been diagnosed with a torn ACL, I want you to know you’re not alone. This is a very common condition in dogs. Thankfully, it’s one for which excellent treatment options exist. Your dog can recover from this injury and go on to lead a happy, active life —running on all four paws.
What questions do you have about a torn ACL in dogs?
Please comment below. We can all learn from each other.
Hi. My 7 rear old lab, Cooper, was just tentatively diagnosed with an ACl rear. We are scheduling x rays to confirm. I have a Bemer at home. Wondering if it’s ok to pre treat Cooper with PEMF as recommended in the article above. He has anti inflammatory and pain meds but would love to increase blood flow and reduce his pain if it’s safe for him to use it. I know they use it on horses. Thanks.
Hi Julia,
I am sorry your Lab is facing this worrisome knee injury. I think using PEMF is a great idea. There are only a few instances where I would shy away from utilizing this therapy. I encourage you to discuss it with your vet just to make sure there are no contraindications. Wishing you all the best of luck and praying your boy can make a full recovery!
I would add MMT (Modified Maquet technique) to this list. It’s common in Europe, and much less so in the US, but it was worth it to me as the bone cut it fitted with a titanium foam wedge that the bone can grow through, and requires only a pin and staple (or two) depending on the size of the dog. I traveled from Western Washington to Canada for the first, and then Oregon for the second one. My 150 lb Newfoundland has had both knees done with this procedure. He walked out to the car on the second one (better anesthesia) and was lifting his other leg within a day or so. Our vet at home was so impressed with the surgery that she decided to learn the procedure and get the equipment. 4 years after the second surgery, our vet says his knees don’t even feel like he’s had a surgery, they just feel like slightly older knees. Worth a look!
Hi Amy,
Thank you for mentioning this surgical procedure and sharing your experience with us. There are so many different surgical techniques out there it makes it hard to include them all. We try and provide information about the most common procedures, but it may be a good idea to add this one to the list as well. I will bring it up with the blog team and see if we need to update the article. I appreciate your feedback and willingness to offer guidance and advice to others! Bless you. ♥
My 13 y/o Labrador retriever had left leg TPLO (8 mm rotation) surgery 5 weeks ago and the damaged meniscus was removed, but she has been deteriorating ever since. We’ve followed the vets advice 100%. Her leg now juts out at an obtuse angle like a pit bull and pivots/wobbles when she tries to walk. It’s painful to watch. Her hips are fine, no dysplasia per X-rays. Now, they’re recommending lateral suture surgery. It looks like another ordeal. Her right leg was compromised by a break 12 years ago that never set properly so it’s slightly bowed. Should they have compensated for this and done only 6 mm or even 10 mm rotation instead of the 8 mm TPLO that they did? Is Extracapsular Lateral Suture Stabilization surgery the way to go? I’m at a loss and resources are scarce in my remote area. Help?
Hi Janice,
I am sorry your senior girl is having these strange complications since her TPLO surgery was performed. Honestly, most orthopedic procedures of this type are done by specialists, and I would not be able to offer a critique or suggestions as to how the surgery could be done differently. I would have to defer to the surgeon and have them give you their expert opinion and advice. I hope you can find the answers you need to feel confident moving forward with treatment. Wishing you all the best and praying for a positive outcome.
I have a small breed dog (8 lb Maltese) who tore both ACLs 3 months ago.
Now is walking relatively well without obvious limp on carpet, and appears comfortable, off meds. His stifle is still very unstable on exam and he has clicks, but doesn’t seem too bothered by it.
If managed conservatively, how long does it take to start seeing stability in the joints due to scar tissue?
Hi Jenny,
I am sorry your little pup has endured injuries to both knees! Most of the scar tissue will form in the first 8-12 weeks after the injury. This is why strict rest is recommended during this period of time. No matter how much scar tissue is deposited, the joint will never be 100% stable without an intact cruciate ligament. It concerns me that you mentioned you are hearing clicks. This has me suspicious that there is a meniscal tear present. While there are many dogs that do well with conservative management of a CCL rupture, your pup may be one that needs surgical intervention. Here is an article with more information:
Dog Torn ACL Treatment Without Surgery: A Rehab Vet’s Approach
I recommend you think about a consultation with a specialist to make sure you are aware of all the risks and benefits that go along with each option. Hoping you can find the answers you need to make the best choice for your sweet boy.
My Akbash female 2 years and i months suddenly became lame and painful on her hind left leg. I could not get an appointment for a week.
Previously she had a chiropractic adjustment 4 days before her injury.
She was diagnosed with a worn out hip! Hip surgery is set for April which is several months out. I believe it is her acl and not her hip. What is my course of action here?
My veterinarian wants to do an FHO surgery. I truly believe it is her cruciate. Xrays were taken.
I am desperate for help. She is a very large breed dog. 120 pounds. I have put her on a Science diet and drastically cut her food back to get her weight down by 10 to 15 pounds.
Is a second opinion in order here?
Any help is appreciated as my girl is miserable. Thank you!
Hi Pati,
I am sorry your big girl is having such a hard time. Yes, a second opinion is always an option, especially if you are not satisfied with the diagnosis that has already been made. To get the answers you are looking for it may require a visit to an orthopedic specialist. Your vet can help with a referral if one is needed. Hoping you can find the information you are looking for to feel confident with the treatment plan moving forward. Wishing you all the best!
My 6 yo Bichon Frise was diagnosed with torn ACL. I’ve been researching on torn ACL in dog and it seems it is more common in big breeds. He has never favored any of his legs or limped at all, does not sit ackwardly. Just all of the sudden started to have decreased activity and trouble jumping. When I examined him legs, to me it seems like his front legs were the problem not the hind legs. I’m thinking of getting a second opinion.
Hi Cecilia,
I understand your concern for your pup and think it is great you are searching for answers. A second opinion is always an option, and you should never feel ashamed for wanting to be certain about how to proceed with your dog’s medical care. Hoping you find the information you need to make the best choice for your sweet boy. Best wishes to you both!
Is there an ag limit on have surgery?
Hi Jessica,
There are many factors that play a role in whether a dog is a good candidate for surgery and anesthesia. Age alone is not a reason to avoid a surgical procedure. Here are links to other articles with more information:
1. Is My Dog Too Old for Surgery?
2. Is My Dog Too Old For Anesthesia?
I hope this helps a bit!
Hi….how do you help your furbaby when you can’t afford either the surgery or the braces? The medications make her vomit….I gave our previous dogs, Rottweilers and English Mastiff Ibuprofen and Tylenol, they had no problems with taking them as one lived to be 13 yrs old and the other lived to be 12! It’s sad to know that unless a person is wealthy it is almost impossible to have a family pet for companionship!
Hi Debra,
I am sorry your dog is struggling with knee issues and the medications are upsetting her stomach. I understand everyone has financial limits and these can sometimes prevent us from doing all we would like for our dogs. Have you discussed your concerns with your vet? I know I personally always present my first choice of treatment to clients and if that is not an option, we move on to option B, C, or D. I would imagine your vet is probably the same way. I am sure there must be alternatives to the current treatment that could be explored. Also, it may be too late for your current pup, but in the future, it might be worthwhile to look into pet insurance. Please make sure your vet is aware of your dog’s situation and if needed you can always seek out a second opinion. I am hopeful you will find a way to restore your sweet girl’s quality of life. Wishing you both the best.
The vet believes my grand dog has a CCL tear. He did bloodwork to rule out other things, gave a liquid medication and prescribed crating for healing as well as weight loss. The first 2 weeks was not too bad so we got another bottle of meds but then she began to vomit. She also began to just pee where she is laying. My daughter withheld the medication and the vomiting stopped but the peeing continues. The recommended surgery would be about $5000 of which neither of us can come up with. If she has bone cancer would the blood work not indicate that? I love my grand dog as if she were my own and I have taken her to the vet and charged the $450 to my VISA and now they want her back again because she can’t seem to tolerate the meds so I guess now the peeing issue will be investigated. I am sure this will be another $400 or $500 on my ViSA . I cannot do the surgery amount so what we do to help Stevie if we cannot afford surgery?
Thank you
Kim
Hi Kim,
I am sorry you are in such a difficult situation with your grand dog. I understand your concern and know that financial limitations can play a big role in what treatments are available to pursue. If surgery is out of reach, I highly recommend you have your pup evaluated by a veterinary rehabilitation specialist. They can teach you different exercises to do at home to help increase mobility while reducing inflammation and pain. They also have many other therapies to offer such as laser, underwater treadmill, E-stim, possibly acupuncture, and PEMF. Here is a link that discusses some of these therapies in more detail: Natural Pain Relief for Dogs: 13 Methods
As for your question about bloodwork, sometimes bone cancer can alter lab work enough to make us suspicious, but an x-ray is usually needed to make a definitive diagnosis. You can also ask your vet about the possibility of using a brace on your dog’s knee for support. I don’t usually recommend these devices, but your dog may be a good candidate. Here is an article with more information on braces: The Dog ACL Brace: 5 Surprising Answers to the Question “To Brace or Not to Brace”
I hope this helps a bit. Wishing you and Stevie the best of luck for a happy future.
My 2 1/2 year old 38-lb mini Aussie/Waterdog was licking her left foot daily for a week and a half, and then limped a little after getting up twice. So I took her to the vet, who played with her knee for about 20 seconds and then said that we need an X-Ray and immediately wanted to put her on anti-inflammatories. After reading your article, I sort of feel like the physical exam was a little lacking. Should I be concerned? Or should I just go ahead and do the X-ray?
Hi Ana,
I understand your concern with these symptoms of pain in your dog. Without examining your girl myself, it is hard to make specific recommendations. Your vet may have felt something during the exam that gave them a good indication of what the problems might be, and x-rays may be the best way to get a diagnosis. If you have any hesitation about the exam, make sure to speak up and be honest with your vet. It could be that they evaluated more then you realize. After doing exams for many years, most vets get pretty good at being efficient and fast. This can look like a less than thorough exam to many owners. With that being said, as long as the x-rays are in your budget, I would proceed with the recommendation of your vet based on the exam findings. Wishing you the best of luck!
My 2 year old chocolate lab had acl surgery 12 weeks ago. It was a big tear.. she also injured her other knee at 1 but healed on her own with lots of rest.
She is only leash walked but . I’m starting to gradually lengthen her walks. I’m hearing a popping sound in her knee but she is not limping. Is is possible that the surgery failed? I’m afraid to let her play or be off leash because I’m afraid she’s going to reinjure. It. Poor girl has not been able to run and play for 7 months.
Hi Amie,
You are right to be concerned about this new popping sound. Since I haven’t personally examined your pup, I can’t say for sure if there is a problem. A popping sound from the knee joint can be an indication of a meniscal tear. My best advice is to have your vet recheck your dog sooner rather than later. I hope you receive positive news, and this will not be a setback to your girl’s recovery process. Best wishes to you both.
Hi , my dog Valentina was diagnosed with. An acl year in both legs. She is taking carprofen and and anti inflammatory pill as well. Last night she kept licking her private area. She has not pooped in over 24 hrs. Could I give her pumpkin for a lub to help the area to make her poop. She does have a Dr appt tomorrow just in case .
Hi Marissa,
I am sorry your girl is struggling with knee issues and possible constipation. I am glad you are taking her to your vet but think it would be fine to try the pumpkin if needed. Just make sure it is only pumpkin and not pie filling with the added sugars. What did you find out? I hope you received positive results from your vet and Valentina is resting comfortably at home. Best wishes and good luck making decisions about whether to proceed with cruciate surgery in the future.
My 7yr old (200lb) English mastiff has torn both ACL’s months ago. With an 8-10 week non weight bearing recovery for each leg, I feel like he is not a candidate for surgery. I am not able to pick him up die to his size. He has been on pain meds, anti inflammatory , cbd oil, glucosamine etc. but he is getting worse – due partially to continuing to play with our Newfoundland . The past few days, he has collapsed (going down the 3 steps to go outside and playing with our other dog) and we have had to help him get his back legs up to standing position. I am struggling to know what else to do for him. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.
Hi Kim,
This is such a tough situation. I understand your concern and the complex issues you will face should you decide to pursue surgery for your Mastiff. I highly recommend you talk to an orthopedic surgery specialist and get their expert advice. Also, it would be good to have your bug guy evaluated by a veterinary rehabilitation professional. Together you can form a plan for how to best help your dog before surgery and after. The rehab vet may have options for allowing your dog to stay in the clinic for intensive therapy for several days in a row. This could help minimize what you would be required to do at home. I hope you can find the right ways to restore your sweet boy’s quality of life. Feel free to update us when you have a chance. Wishing you all the best.
My dog a golden retriever who will be 2 in December had TPLO surgery for her knee and a partial bone removal for readjustment. 3 months later, she now has a partial ACL tear. He advised it will eventually be a full tear and she will have the same issue eventually in the other knee. The ortho vet recommended more exercise and fish oil. For a conservative heal I’m curious to what your recommendation would be? He advised surgery as an option but due to the cost of the surgery we just did surgery is not an option. We want her to have the best life possible.
Hi Stacy,
I am sorry you are dealing with these knee issues in your young pup. Your vet is correct that there is a high probability the partial tear will become a full tear and need surgical intervention. If you want to extend the time between now and the next surgery, physical therapy is your best bet. I highly recommend you contact a rehabilitation vet in your area and have your dog evaluated. They can offer in-clinic and at-home exercises and therapies to reduce inflammation and increase the health of the knee joint. Here are links to other articles with more information:
1. Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Dogs: The Partial Tear
2. The Dog ACL Brace: 5 Surprising Answers to the Question “To Brace or Not to Brace”
…How is this article/blog post dated AUGUST 3, 2022, yet all of the 39 comments (below) show dates BEFORE this blog post? In other words, the comments were made in the PAST, all with context that would indicate they were indeed left and refer to this post, yet the blog/post wouldn’t exist for another 3 months (:
Hi W D,
This article in its previous form was originally posted in October of 2019. Since then, it has been updated with the most current information and recommendations. The publication date of August 3, 2022, reflects the most recent revision. 🙂
Our 12yr old blue nose pittie had to have ACL replacement due to her completely tearing her ACL. She had the surgery just about one year ago. She was doing pretty good after her surgery and recovery time but now she will hardly put any wait on it again. At times she won’t even let her foot touch the ground. Could she have turn her replaced acl? She is on gabapentin again for the new pain. I’ve even noticed that she trembles and shakes quite a bit. I’m wondering if that’s due to pain. Her surgery cost us 2500.00! We are still posting that off and unfortunately we can’t afford another surgery if that has to be done . Do you have any recommendations?
Hi Diana,
I am sorry to hear your senior pup is struggling with pain in her rear leg again. It is possible that the repair has failed, but I am also concerned that something else completely unrelated could be happening. I recommend you talk to your vet and discuss your concerns and your dog’s symptoms. They may want to at least take some x-rays to make sure there aren’t any signs of bone cancer or a stress fracture. I hope you can find some answers and start a treatment that will help your sweet girl get some relief. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance. Best wishes.
Hello,
My nine year old Chocolate Labrador has had both rear legs acl repairs done. The last leg was in 2018.
Today he’s favoring his back right leg. Is it possible to tear a surgical repair ?
Hi Kelly,
While uncommon, it is possible for a surgical repair to fail or become compromised. I highly recommend you call your vet and discuss your concerns. They may want to do an exam or x-rays to rule out other issues (neurological, tumor, muscle strain, etc.) I hope you get some answers and can help your boy get back to living his best life. Best wishes!
My elderly (73) boyfriend’s ABD, Hooch, has torn both CCLs (partially). We haven’t had the money to get his surgery, for we live on $900/month, then, with the pandemic, even if we did have the money, to there isn’t a vet in the area, will to do surgery, if it isn’t for a life threatening emergency.
Hooch is 6yrs old and has been waddling with torn CCLs, for almost 2yrs..
My question is, how long after injury is too late to perform surgery and we I’ll braces work as an option to surgery.
I cry everyday, that we can’t do anything to provide him a better quality of life and battle with whether we should put him down and end his pain and suffering.
All he does is sleep,all day. I have a water bowl by his bed and he gets up twice a day, to eat and go potty,then he goes back to bed.
Our dogs have their own room, (that is opened to our room), with a queen size mattress, a couch, with a ramp up to both, for Hooch, a view of the TV and 2 milk crates of toys. He used to love chewing up shoes and stuffiest, but lately he doesn’t even want to do that. I’m really concerned that he’s giving up on life.
Hi Darlene,
Sorry to hear that Hooch partially tore both of his ACLs. After two years, I would imagine that some scar tissue has probably formed around the knees. This should help stabilize the joint. In answer to your question, usually there isn’t a time period when it is too late to do surgery per se but the better outcomes (i.e. less arthritis) tend to occur when the surgery is performed ASAP after the injury. Having him examined by an orthopedic surgeon would probably be the best way to get a good idea of how much improvement to expect with surgery now. In general I don’t recommend knee braces because it seems like many of them don’t work as well as we would like or expect due to the differences in how a dog stands and how a human stands. My article The Dog ACL Brace: 5 Surprising Answers to the Question “To Brace or Not to Brace” explains some of the pros and cons of braces a bit more, so I would urge you to check it out if you haven’t already.
It sounds like he has a very nice life with his own room, mattress, toys, etc and lots of love! So please don’t feel bad that surgery isn’t financially possible for you and your boyfriend. If you have noticed that he recently seems to sleep more and has less interest in the things he used to enjoy, I do think it would be a good idea to have him evaluated by your vet (or a low-cost clinic in your area). It is possible that either something else is going on with him (other than the ACL tears) or that he is starting to experience some more arthritis pain that is taking away from his enjoyment of life. The good news is that there are so many ways to manage arthritis (if that is the problem) and many dogs really perk up once their pain is controlled. These articles might also give you some ideas and help if he is having trouble with arthritis:
1)Is It Canine Arthritis or Aging? Learn 7 Signs of Arthritis in Dogs
2) How to Relieve Arthritis Pain in Dogs: The Ultimate Guide
3)8 Ways to Help a Senior Dog with Arthritis at Home
I hope that you are able to find some solutions that can get him back to his old self! ❤
My P. W. Corgi had TPLO surgery performed on both legs and to his mom & I, it does not seem to have helped in the least bit. Its been 2 years, he’s been xray’d and examined a few times but since there’s a pandemic, its been extremely difficult to get him seen cause he’s not deemed an emergency. He has been in recently but we can’t be sure the vet did anything since they won’t allow us to accompany him & we’ve not been shown any xrays that we paid over 600$ to have done, each time. Its extremely disappointing to follow all the guidlines only to be left with a corgi that is still lame after so much money has been spent. Its well over 15,000$ and he’s no better now than before. He is not overweight, and he wasn’t overly taxed physically.
Hi Johnny,
It can definitely be disappointing and frustrating to try to do everything you can for your dog and have it not turn out the way you were hoping. The TPLO is a good solution for for many dogs (and is the surgery I often recommend) so I am sorry to hear that he was one of the ones who didn’t have as good of success with it as was expected. Were the examinations done by your regular vet or the surgeon who did the TPLO? If the surgeon hasn’t seen him recently, you may wish to try to get on his/her schedule for an evaluation as well. You could also consider having your dog seen by a vet who specializes in rehabilitation to create a rehab plan. I hope you have success finding something that helps him!
My 17lb 12 year old Morkie was diagnoised 6 weeks ago with a CCL tear.
The surgeon says that he believes she is a candidate for surgery. My concern is that she has heart disease and is on medication which he is aware of. I also suspect that she may have a mild tracheal collapse which he does not think she does. She does wheeze at times when sleeping and I have noticed that sometimes upon waking she coughs. Not sure if this is because she is a couple of pounds overweight.
The reason nearly 2 months have gone by, is because she has been to a couple of veterinarians and we have been waiting on their schedules to get her in.
I am so worried about the anesthesia even though the surgeon says that she will be fine. Her cardiologist also works at this facility and he believes she will be fine too. She is my child and I very concerned about her getting through this procedure. Do you think she is a candidate for surgery?
They want to do a TPLO, they think it would be the best route to go.
Hi Sally,
It can be so difficult to be faced with making these sorts of decisions for our doggie children. I can definitely understand your concerns, and they are valid. Thinking about your pet undergoing anesthesia and surgery can be nerve-wracking no matter their age or health status. Based on your post, it sounds like you are thinking about having the TPLO done at a specialty hospital where I am guessing they would have an anesthesia department. If so, this adds another layer of safety because the vet and vet nurses are extensively trained in anesthesia and have lots of experience managing more complicated cases like your dog’s heart disease and possible collapsing trachea. Since I can’t examine your dog, I will have to defer the advice your veterinarians about whether or not she is a good candidate for surgery. I do also have two blogs about the topics of surgery and anesthesia in senior dogs (Is My Dog Too Old for Surgery?Is My Dog Too Old For Anesthesia?). Perhaps reading them, and the associated comments, may help you feel more confident about whatever path you choose. I wish you and your Morkie all the best as you wrestle with making this decision.
My 15 month old shepherd mix has a slight ACL tear. My vet said for him to rest: No leash walks, medication for pain, and a sedative is given to keep him calm. He still occasionally limps and I’m concerned that he’s walking too much through the house. What does “bed rest” actually mean in this case? Thank you in advance for your advice.
Hi Mary,
Sorry to hear about your dog’s ACL tear. I certainly understand that it is hard to keep a young, active dog calm and figure out how to rest them. I will ultimately defer to your veterinarian as to how much activity your dog can have since he/she is the one who examined your dog, but I am happy to explain what I generally mean when I say strict rest for my own patients. I tell my clients that their dogs should be on a 4-6 foot leash when they go out to to go potty so that I know they won’t suddenly sprint across the entire yard in pursuit of a squirrel, and that they should bring them right back in once they have urinated and/or defecated. The rest of the time should be spent resting in a crate (ideally) or resting on a comfy bed right beside them with no chances to jump up or down off furniture, roughhouse with other pets, run through the house, etc. Hope this helps some. If you have concerns about how your dog is recovering, I would recommend checking in with your veterinarian to be safe.
Hello, my 2 year old German Shepard mix had surgery for a torn ACL about 2 months ago but is still limping on her leg and sometimes doesn’t want to put weight on her injured leg. Is this normal or something we should be concerned about? I know we need to be patient with her recovery but it just seems like she should be getting better and it seems like she just is not.
Hi Taylor,
I’m sorry to hear that your dog needed ACL surgery and understand how difficult the recovery period can be. I think this is a good question, but unfortunately not one with a straightforward answer. Many factors go into determining how quickly a pet regains use of the leg – how much arthritis was present in the joint, was there a meniscus tear, which surgical procedure was performed, how active the dog is, etc – so it can be difficult to establish a standard recovery timeline. You know your dog, so if you think recovery isn’t progressing as well as it should, it is good to follow your gut. I would urge you to contact the veterinarian who performed the surgery and express your valid concerns about how your dog’s recovery is going since they know the specifics of your dog’s case. This way they can schedule a recheck examination if they think that is warranted, advise you further on helpful rehab activities and help put your mind at ease.
Hello Dr. Buzby,
I have a 4 year old Queensland German Shorthair Pointer who is limping. We took her to the vet at the end of November and he felt it might be a tear of her CCL based on the history I shared. She has limped on and off the leg for at least year, it would go away, then come back, go away then come back, specially it would appear after chasing ball or after an animal or dog sound on the other side of the fence. The final straw was one day when she took off out of the house and I heard her yelp! She came back limping and hasn’t put a whole lot of her weight on it since this time. She has been seen by two vets, her normal vet who gave her some meds to take edge off the first 10 days then a orthopedic surgeon 4 wears later. He did the drawer test (out of my sight since I couldn’t go in the vet office) and said she has the drawer movement. He has quoted me $5800 for the TPLO surgery. I am contemplating going to a foundation organization for their evaluation, the cost of XCap surgery is $1600. Can you give me some insight on either surgery? My dog is very active, athletic and loves to run fast and chase animals.
Hi Debbie,
It can definitely be challenging to be entrusted with the responsibility of deciding what is best for our pets when faced with several options with different price points and pros and cons. I think it is great that you are thinking about getting a second opinion to better compare your options, and I will throw my perspective into the mix as well. If I had a young, active, athletic large breed dog like yours, I would probably opt for the TPLO because I think it would provide a better functional outcome over the course of what would be expected to be a long, active lifespan. I can tell that you care greatly about your dog and are committed to carefully weighting the options, so I have no doubt that you will know in your heart what you should do. I hope that she has a smooth recovery from whichever procedure you choose and is back to racing around chasing animals in no time!
Hi, my 4yr old American PitBull terrior was recently diagnosed with a torn ccl. X rays didn’t reveal but the physical manipulation revealed the tibia moving forward. Our dog unfortunately had been suffering off and on for over a year. Our vet previously failed to diagnose him when in a check up and he wasn’t limping at the time. Our dog is getting more wary of the vet and people he don’t see often as he gets older. He is very active and energetic. Hard to stop him running and jumping. He loves to play rough with the neighbors dog. So we are trying to keep his activity low with meds etc. We have appointment with an orthopedic vet next month. But with covid they take the dog from the parking lot. I don’t know how thats going to work out. And if we do the operation (which we can’t afford) I don’t know if we can keep him off furniture, running to the door and windows, etc. Do you think we should consider a custom brace? I think it might be more manageable for my wife as I’m away at work weekly and she stays home. The dog is quite a handful. 60lbs of pure energetic muscle. Really don’t know what to do because there is so much pros and cons on all treatment options
Hi Thomas, You bring up a lot of great points. I can tell you for sure that I think surgery is the best treatment option for long term success–maximum healing with minimal lameness, but I understand that it’s expensive and may not be possible. With your dog being so active, it’s certainly reasonable to ask the surgeon about oral medications which will help relax him so that he can recover without anxiety or crazy activity. I would also recommend calling your regular vet before the appointment with the specialist. It’s possible that they can prescribe something “to take the edge off” for the appointment with the specialist so that it will go better for all involved. If you do go the brace route, I’d recommend making sure you are working with a vet-recommended, reputable company.
My mini Aussie just had a totally torn CCL on the left rear. I had surgery. She was just 2 weeks out when Vet Tech dropped her and she tore the other CCL in right leg? I have a sling as technically she has no back legs. Is there anything I can do , I am so afraid the unhealed leg will have issues. I take her out on leash with the sling to help support the back legs. I hope she will get use to this, but even this scares me. My dog is super intelligent and loving and its just the two of us.. Please give me your best advice???
Hello Cindy, I’m so sorry to hear that you and your dog have been through all of this! My best advice is to go back to your veterinarian (or ideally, veterinary surgeon) to discuss what you can do, and what you can expect. The sling is a great idea! I love the GingerLead harness and/or the Help Em Up Harness. Please talk to your vet/surgeon about the best way to handle her, the need for future surgery, and appropriate amount of exercise. All my best, Dr. Julie
Dr. Buzby,
I have a 15 year old yorkie that tore her CCL over the weekend. Not really sure how as she doesn’t move around much. Guessing it’s due to her age. She is in CHF and Kidney failure so surgery is not an option, nor NSAIDs. Currently giving pain medication but I was wondering if you had any other suggestions? I just ordered the toe grips for her. She has a lot of arthritis in her back already and has trouble standing. She’s also blind. Shes still a fiesty old gal with lots of life left in her spirit. I’m open to any recommendations you have.
Thanks,
Ashley
Hi Ashley,
So sorry to hear about your Yorkie’s health problems and recent CCL tear. It sounds like she is quite the overcomer and still loving life despite some setbacks, which is fantastic. I am so glad that you are trying out ToeGrips for her and would love to hear how she does with them. We have noticed that many blind dogs become much more confident once they are wearing their ToeGrips so I am hopeful that they will not only help her be more mobile but also more sure of herself. I would also encourage you to put her on Encore Mobility, my deer velvet and green-lipped mussel supplement, because it is safe for dogs with chronic kidney failure and CHF, and could potentially further improve her comfort and mobility. Give your sweet old gal a snuggle for us and let us know if there is anything else we can do to help!
Hello, I’ve read your entire website and am so confused on what to do. I have an 8-year-old mix, we think St. Bernard and boxer, Finn is a big boy weighing in at 82 lbs, but he is lean and quick. He loves to run and I have 2 other dogs. I am most worried about how I will keep him from running (I live on 4 acres) and inside while his brother and sister are allowed outside free. I just don’t know if I can keep him down, he has 3 big cousins as well who visit almost every weekend and we have 6 dogs on the farm. But your website has basically made me feel that a brace is not the answer. My vet told me I have 2 choices, surgery or no surgery but after what I’ve read, I don’t know how I could not have the surgery. But the recovery seems impossible, I also work full time so throw that into the mix. This is hard and gut-wrenching.
Hi Carol,
Being the caretaker and decision maker can be very difficult and you bring up some valid concerns about managing Finn’s recovery. It is clear that you care very much for him and want to do whatever is best for him. He sounds like a great dog, and with 4 acres to run on and lots of doggie friends, he is living the good life! There are no perfect or clear-cut answers to this dilemma, but I do agree with you that surgery would be ideal if there was a way to ensure he was able to remain calm and quiet in the recovery period. Could he go on a “doggie vacation” to a friend or family member’s house where there are not other dogs to play with or land to run on? If he likes food or treats, puzzle toys can be a great way to wear him out mentally while he is recovering physically. Your veterinarian may also be able to recommend some calming medications or supplements and can help you with other practical aspects of his recovery if you do decide to go forward with surgery. Hugs to you and Finn as you struggle with this difficult decision.
Hello!
We have a 22 month old Cattle dog-Shepard mix ( 45 pound) with a partial CCL tear since last week. She is dramatically improved with only a slight limp already….Is this possible with CCL tears? I asked the vet if they would do an arthroscopic eval prior to the actual osteotomy and he said more likely the surgeon would just confirm the diagnosis when he opens the knee in surgery… We do not have an appointment with the surgeon; he is hired by our vet to come to his office to do the procedure. Just worried that she may not actually have a tear!
Thank you very much
Angela
She is scheduled for a TPLO in 3 days.
Hello Angela,
Is her dramatic improvement associated with drugs? Ie. Is she on medications? If so, it may just be “masking” the lameness. I think it’s worth allaying your fears before the day of surgery. I’d suggest reaching out to your veterinarian to ask about a recheck exam. Most likely it’s still the CCL and she’s doing well because it’s just a partial tear, but I don’t know without an exam. However, IF the diagnosis is correct (which I’m guessing it is) then I do think the TPLO surgery is the ideal plan! My best to you both!
My dog had surgery for a torn acl. The surgeon, as part of her treatment, has recommended a post surgery X-Ray. I am concerned since it requires her to be put under anastesia again. What would be the purpose of doing another X-Ray and if there is something that doesn’t look right what would be the done.
Thank you
Hello Jane, are you sure it requires anesthesia for the post-op x-ray? I would ask for clarification on that. But, in general, my advice would be to follow the recommendations of the surgeon. Hopefully it’s all good news! 🙂
Can a injured ACL heal on its own with rest and limited \ controlled activity ?
Hi Janice,
This is a good question and one that we commonly get asked. The answer depends a bit on how you would define “heal”. The ligament cannot repair itself once torn, but scar tissue will form around the joint over time and lend stability to the joint. Thus dogs who have a torn ACL but do not have ACL surgery may be able to use the leg again in time, but that leg will always be weaker and prone to reinjury. These dogs will also have more arthritis in that joint compared to those who had a surgical repair, so surgery is still the preferred option for the best chance at long term functionality and comfort.
Dr. Buzby,
Our 3 yr old GSD has been limping for at least a couple of months on her rt. back leg. She is not bearing weight on it when she is standing, but if she sees a rabbit or other little creature in her yard, she runs out the back door like it isn’t bothering her at all. In the evening, you can really see the limping worsen. Our vet pushed on her knee area and she whimpered a little during the visit and thus the vet said that she suspected a torn meniscus. She also gave us the names of 2 orthopedic vets that do that type of surgery. She said to contact them about what XRay views they needed. I’m confused because all the articles that I have read online mention Xrays and the “drawer test” to diagnosis these serious ligament injuries, but those have not been done yet by our vet. What Xray views do you recommend for diagnosis?
Hi Janine, A torn meniscus and a torn ACL are in the same area anatomically but they are 2 different things. I’m guessing your vet has already done the drawer test and just didn’t mention it. Because this has been going on for months, I would strongly recommend getting to the orthopedic specialist asap. The longer it goes, the more severe the secondary arthritic changes will be to that knee (and the more risk of injury to the other knee) . There are 2 routine views we do of knees, but the evaluation by the specialist will be the critical piece and I’m sure they can just do the xrays there, if they need them, during your appointment. Hope this helps! Please get to the specialist asap. ♥️
Hello my dog is 11 years old the vet took xrays and said that she tore her ACL and to wait two weeks and see if she improves. He recommended surgery but another vet told me to wait 2 to 3 months but I dont want her to damage the other leg instead. I have read your blog about dog braces and I was wondering if you feel like that would be a better option?
Hello Jocelyn, I think it’s important to note that if you get 100 vets in a room and ask their opinion on how to treat something, you may get 105 opinions! 🙂 So here’s mine: IF we are sure there is an ACL tear (which I would diagnose more from manual manipulation than xrays), then 100% I recommend surgery as the treatment of choice. I would not wait around for weeks to see how it goes UNLESS we weren’t sure of the diagnosis…because if it were a less serious soft tissue injury, it would likely heal or begin healing in that time. I think waiting 2-3 months is not responsible if we know it’s an ACL tear. Your dog will be doing much much better in 2-3 months, don’t get me wrong, but there will be permanent damage done to that knee in that time AND, you’re right, major stress placed on the opposite knee. I’d get a 3rd opinion with an orthopedic surgeon at this point. ♥️
Our 1w5 lb 9 year old vet did not recommend surgery die to her age and size and that her ATL is stretched and not torn
We have 13 stairs to our primary living area in our home and are looking for a platform/chair lift, a brace, and long term rest. Sh is used to walking, but we’ve limited for the past 3 months to 20 minutes (not now, just potty trips) She is of course the love of our life and want to do the right option, but we love on a small Oceanside community on WA and do not have therapy choices. She’s on supplements, vitamins, I make her food, Rimadyl 2 x’s day, but her first does it Gabapentin made her vomit
Do agree to not have surgery? She’s a laid back quiet girl, so she’s easy to rest.
Hi Alison,
These decisions are always so difficult to make, especially with a dog that is clearly so dear to your heart. The good news is that if I am reading the first part of your post correctly, your dog is small (15 lbs?), which should work in her favor. CCL damage is much easier to manage in a small dog than a large one because the CCL doesn’t have to support nearly as much weight. It also helps that she is naturally laid back and quiet so she can tolerate rest well and hopefully allow some scar tissue to stabilize her knee without surgery. You could consider ordering some ToeGrips to give her some added traction. I also highly recommend Encore Mobility, a green-lipped mussel and deer velvet supplement, which has worked wonders with many of my patients with orthopedic problems. If you feel like she is not getting around well or is in pain, I urge you to make a follow-up appointment with your veterinarian so the plan can be modified or surgery can be considered.
My vet has examined our 6yo lab Golden mix and determined she had a soft tissue injury, not related to the knee. She prescribed limited movement and ice on the fore hock. How soon can we expect her to get relief from her discomfort?
Hello Pamela, I’m certainly happy it’s just a soft tissue injury and not a ligament tear. HUGELY different healing times and prognosis. I would expect, if the diagnosis is correct, that she’d be doing much better in 1-2 weeks, depending on the severity of the injury. Hopefully by now you’re already seeing that you’re moving in the right direction.