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 go lame. The knee might appear swollen. 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 or dogs that are only active on the weekends.
Instructions
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German shepherd dogs are also at high risk for ACL injuries. Take your 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, the doctor will be able to perform a test of the joint movement, examine your dog's radiography and make a diagnosis based on clinical observation to confirm the injury. Your vet may want to perform surgery to repair the torn ACL. This is the recommended treatment method for most injuries.
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Bichon frises and dogs that are only active on the weekend are at risk for ACL injuries. 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 can further rupture the ligament. Go to your dog with treats and toys instead of making the dog come to you.
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Trust your vet and follow his advice. Get a second opinion if you are unsure. Follow your veterinarian's post-op care after ACL surgery. Keep your dog confined, in a crate if necessary, so as to limit his mobility. After a week, your vet will instruct you on gentle range-of-motion exercises. After two weeks, your dog should engage in low-impact exercises. Swimming is ideal for recovery. Give pain and anti-inflammatory medications, as well as prophylactic antibiotics as prescribed.
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Dogs that are sedentary all week but then active on the weekends are at risk for knee injuries. 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.
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Tips & Warnings
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.
Failure to render veterinary care when your pet needs it is a crime in some areas. If your dog is in pain and in need of veterinary care, see to it that he gets it. If money is an issue, check with your local humane society or discuss payment options with your vet.
References
Resources
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