Dogs, like humans, are at risk of tearing their anterior cruciate ligaments (ACLs). CCL refers to the cranial cruciate ligament, a narrow band of connective tissue in dogs’ knees (CCL). Due to physiological differences, the CCL in a dog is always carrying weight, making it much more prone to deterioration damage than the ACL in a human.
What is a torn ACL in dogs?
The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), the canine counterpart of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans, plays a critical role in keeping stability at the knee of the dog’s back limb (referred to as a knee or stifle joint). Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament can damage the meniscus, which plays a role in the joint’s ability to soak up stress, sense position, and carry weight.
Canine cruciate ligament tears are a typical source of lameness, discomfort, and arthritis in the back limbs. The excruciating chance of a cranial cruciate ligament exists in the vast majority of breeds, if not all of them, with some breeds having an increased chance.
Signs of Torn ACL in Dogs
An ACL injury harms your dog just like it does with humans. For that reason, injured dogs prevent utilizing the impaired limb. When a dog experiences an intense injury suddenly, the most noticeable sign and symptom to the owner is a limp. Signs of a torn ACL in dogs exceed discomfort and include the following.
Clicking Sound
Walking on an unstable knee puts additional strain on the joint’s supporting tissues. Injuries to the shock-absorbing meniscus cartilage pad are expected when the knee moves abnormally. It can cause a “clicking” sound to be heard from the knee as they walk.
Injuries to the meniscus cause much pain; therefore, the impaired joint will be visibly limp and click. Pay attention to the clicking sound if you hear it. If not addressed, the injury might progress where pet surgery at an animal clinic in Danbury is needed.
Lameness
The weakening ligament can suddenly give way as the dog runs or plays, causing this condition. They might feel so anxious at any given moment that they will not stand their ground. Occasionally a dog’s lameness will weaken over a few weeks or months, or it might be intermittent. They might show up to recover after some downtime, only to regress once they get moving again.
If you intend on leaving your dog in a pet boarding facility, it is in everyone’s best interest to have their ACL resolved first. Additionally, ensure the facility you pick can suit your pet’s specific needs. For additional information concerning various facilities’ dog and cat boarding services, it is best to check them out.
What causes torn ACL in dogs?
Many ACL tears in humans result from trauma (typically experienced while skiing, playing football, or football). There have been isolated situations of a “traumatic” rupture in dogs. Aging of the ligament (degeneration), obesity, poor physical condition, poor conformation, and breed all contribute to developing CCL.
In other words, the damage to the ligament is the repercussion of gradual wear and tear over months or years rather than an isolated traumatic event. If your dog experiences an ACL tear, surgery from a veterinary surgeon is your finest choice. The reality is that for the knee to perform, it must be supported by surgical procedures.
Bottomline
Tearing an ACL is a common canine injury, although most dogs recover. Your dog will make a complete and quick recovery if you try to enlighten yourself regarding their injury and how you may aid in their recovery process.
