Dogs, like humans, are susceptible to 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 anatomical distinctions, the CCL in a dog is always carrying weight, making it more prone to wear and tear 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 vital function in maintaining 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 harm the meniscus, contributing to the joint’s ability to take in stress, sense position, and carry weight.
Canine cruciate ligament ruptures are a common source of lameness, discomfort, and arthritis in the back limbs. The excruciating likelihood of a cranial cruciate ligament exists in most 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 much as it does humans. Therefore, injured dogs prevent using the impacted limb. The most obvious sign to the owner is a limp when a dog suffers an intense injury unexpectedly. Signs of a ruptured ACL in dogs exceed discomfort and include the following.
Clicking Sound
Walking on an unstable knee puts further pressure on the joint’s supporting tissues. Injuries to the shock-absorbing meniscus cartilage pad are expected when the knee moves abnormally. It can trigger a “clicking” sound from the knee as they walk.
Injuries to the meniscus create a lot of pain; for that reason, the affected joint will be visibly limp and click. Pay attention to the clicking sound if you hear it. If not addressed, the injury might proceed to a point where pet surgery is needed. That said, a regular vet visit is essential to prevent this situation. You can check here if you are looking for a vet to look after your pet.
Lameness
The weakening ligament can suddenly give way as the dog runs or plays, creating this problem. They may feel so anxious at any given moment that they will not stand their ground. Occasionally a dog’s lameness will deteriorate over a couple of weeks or months, or it might be intermittent. They may appear to recover after some downtime, only to regress once they get moving again.
If you intend on leaving your pet in a boarding for dogs facility, it is in everyone’s best interest to have their ACL addressed first. Additionally, ensure the chosen facility can fit your pet’s specific needs. For more information concerning various facilities’ services, it is better to check them out.
What causes torn ACL in dogs?
Most ACL tears in humans result from trauma (typically suffered while skiing, playing football, or soccer). There have been isolated situations of a “traumatic” tear in dogs. Aging of the ligament (degeneration), weight problems, bad physical problems, lousy conformation, and breed all play a role in developing CCL.
In other words, the damage to the ligament is the effect of gradual wear and tear over months or years rather than an isolated traumatic event. Surgery for dogs is your ideal choice if your dog suffers an ACL tear. The reality is that for the knee to perform, it must be supported by surgical procedures.
Bottomline
Tearing an ACL is a typical canine injury, although many dogs completely recover. Your dog will make a complete and rapid recovery if you take the initiative to inform yourself concerning the injury they suffered and how you may aid in their healing process.
