How to Care For A Dog With A Torn ACL Injury

It can be devastating to watch your puppy hobble around on three legs due to a torn ligament in the fourth leg. The dog won't apply pressure to the leg, and will look lame. The knee might appear swollen. Then your dog could have a torn ACL. ACL stands for anterior cruciate ligament, and it is a tissue in the knee joint that prevents the tibia and femur from rubbing against each other when you walk or run. A ruptured ACL in dogs is fairly common, especially for overweight dogs. These steps are to help you care for your dog with a torn ACL.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Take the dog to the veterinarian for diagnosis of a torn ACL. While visual observation will allow you to make a guess at what is wrong with your canine friend, the vet doctor will be able to perform a test of the joint movement to confirm the injury. Then you will better be able to move forward with treatment.

2. Limit mobility that may exacerbate the tear. Carry your dog up stairs or purchase a pet ramp that will make the climb easier for the dog. Don't allow the dog to jump up on the couch or bed. These are activities that force the dog to put weight and pressure on the injured leg, and are therefore activities that could further rupture the ligament. Come to the dog with treats and toys instead of making the dog come to you.

3. Put your dog in a cage at night and when you are out of the house. Since you can't watch your furry friend at all times of the day, it is better to restrict the amount of space the dog can travel with its torn ACL.

4. Exercise. With the last two steps you may have imagined Spot turning into a lazy couch potato, but regular mild exercise, like a relaxing walk, is good for the muscles. The veterinarian can help you decide how much exercise is right for your dog, and you can vary the routine depending on how the dog's leg is holding up.

5. Place your dog on a diet. Because overweight and obese dogs are more at risk to have these knee joint problems, limiting the amount of calories your dog ingests per day can only make him or her healthier, speed up rehabilitation and decrease the chance of the dog tearing the ACLs in its other limbs.

6. Look into surgery. You will hear and read a lot of competing information about whether animal surgery is needed for a torn ACL, or whether a dog can heal on its own. Generally, the ACLs of larger dogs are repaired surgically, while smaller pets (under 15 to 20 pounds) can learn to live with a partial tear after physical therapy and other treatments. Educate yourself and read online testimonials to find out whether surgery is right for your pet.

7. Purchase an anti-inflammatory drug like meloxicam or carprofen to reduce swelling and inflammation in the knee joint and soothe pain your dog may experience while living with its torn cruciate ligament. Anti-inflammatory medication is helpful for your dogs with arthritis, too.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't dilly dally in caring for your dog! When a dog tears an ACL, he or she is normally then favoring the opposite leg, putting more weight on it and risking tearing another ligament. Don't make the problem worse by ignoring it. Get him or her to a veterinarian or animal surgeon right away.