Can a dog live with a torn ACL – Feature Tips and Remedies

Pets are considered more loyal than humans. Sometimes, the fact that dogs can’t even speak our language but still understand the expressions of the people they live with amazes me to the core. This article will cover the top concerning topic: Can a dog live with a torn ACL? Let allow me discuss this in detail.

Diseases and injuries are unpredictable. They don’t send an invitation before coming. ACL stands for “anterior cruciate ligament,” and it is a connective tissue in a knee. This tissue connects the upper thigh bone to the lower part of the knee. At times, this tissue can tear apart due to some reasons, and most people don’t even notice the symptoms in their dogs as they are not aware of this disease. However, in animals, it is referred to as CCL. But the question is, “can a dog live with a torn ACL?”.

If you ever had a pet, you would know that both the pet and the people who keep it develop feelings of affection and kindness towards each other with time. They both get used to each other. But personally, I think before keeping a pet, you should do complete research about them.

Some dogs are susceptible to this disease more than others. So, whenever you buy a dog, please keep in mind and do research if the dog is more susceptible or not, so you can do extra care.

MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO TORN ACL

1. Heavier dogs are more susceptible than the smaller lightweight dogs.
2. Some dog breeds are more susceptible, including Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Newfoundland, and Rottweiler.
3. Lack of exercise could also be why it leads to obesity, and as I have mentioned before, the heavier ones are more susceptible.
4. Older dogs have softer and weaker bones, so they are also more likely to experience ACL than the younger ones.

When you find out that your dog is suffering from ACL:

First of all, if someone finds it in the earlier stages that their dog is suffering from torn ACL, there is a high chance that the dog can survive.

Dog torn ACL heals on its own in smaller, lightweight dogs(30 lbs). They require about 4-6 weeks to recover. You can take them to a veterinary doctor.  To avoid surgery, ACL should be detected in the early stages. The chance of injury is higher for larger dogs. Smaller ones should be given rest and taken to a veterinary doctor.

Larger dogs have a longer recovery period as they put more weight on their knees. In worse conditions, if the ACL is completely damaged then, surgery is recommended by doctors. Surgery is costly, and a lot of care is required.

There are a few other options available to recover from ACL.

OPTIONS ARE THERE TO RECOVER FROM ACL:

• A knee brace: It can help a dog recover naturally from ACL.
• Exercise will help control the weight.
• Anti-inflammatory medicines
• Vitamins
• Supplements, e.g., glucosamine

Surgery Options For ACL:

1. Tibial Tuberosity Advancement: A cut is made along the length, and a bone spacer is used. A steel plate can make the bone secure.
2. Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy: It also involves a cut. Then, the tibia is rotated so that it is in a horizontal position.
3. Lateral Suture Technique: This technique replaces the ligament.

All of these three options are expensive, and prices range from $1100 to $ 4500.

How will you find out that  your dog is suffering from ACL:

• .X ray
• .Swelling 
• .Dog limps

Sometimes surgeries are not successful, and the dog is in extreme pain, one should always talk to their veterinary doctor for consultation. A veterinary doctor can better guide you, but sometimes, they tell you when to put a dog down with torn ACL  as the dog is already in pain. I know it is the most difficult and painful thing ever, but sometimes there is no other option available to relieve the pain the dog is suffering from.

One should never lose hope and try their best to help them. The question is, “can a dog walk with torn ACL?” then yes, it can, but by putting the whole weight on the other knee and at times, it is uncomfortable for them. I think one should never euthanize a dog with torn ACL unless it’s an extreme condition and no option is available.

If the dog can walk on one leg, their activity should be reduced, and pain injections could be used. But with time, as the dogs get older, there is more chance that the dog would suffer from arthritis.

Living without an ACL is pretty much possible, but one cannot do a lot of physical activity. But for first aid, you can put Dog ACL Brace to make your pet mobilize.

Conclude:

In the end, one more important injury so you can have a better idea of ACL that Can a dog live with a torn ACL. Another tissue is called MCL, and it is located inside the knee. MCL controls the inward movement of the knee, whereas ACL connects two parts of the knee. Recovery from MCL is shorter and easier than the ACL, which requires a longer period of time.

I hope this article will help you live without an ACL u all by providing information about some serious issues your dogs can face.