![]() ![]() Some of the most common symptoms of a torn ACL in dogs include: Symptoms Of A Torn ACL In DogsĪ torn ACL or CCL in dogs is an extremely painful condition.ĭue to this, dogs with this injury will display various signs of lameness or discomfort.ĬCL injuries in dogs can also vary in severity, meaning the symptoms can range from pup to pup. ![]() No matter the cause of your dog’s CCL rupture, it is incredibly painful. Just like the human ACL, the CCL in dogs can easily tear or become strained when compromised in any way.ĭogs can injure their CCL through sudden twisting injuries, as a result of stress to the joint over time, or even due to improper breeding. When learning about this injury in our furry friends, you may see the two terms used interchangeably. This cranial cruciate ligament in dogs has a similar role as the human ACL, as it runs through the front of the tibia and the femur, offering support to the knee. While veterinary professionals may use this abbreviation when explaining a dog’s knee injury, the ligament in dogs is actually the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL). While we often refer to this condition as a torn ACL in dogs, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a term only used when referring to the human knee. Always consult your surgeon and physical therapist before discontinuing use of crutches or brace.Before we discuss whether or not a dog with a torn ACL should be put to sleep, it’s important to understand the details of the condition. **Please remember that your timeline can vary based on your recovery and the specifics of your surgery. Again, this is usually dependent on appropriate quad control and gait mechanics. – You may be instructed to begin weaning off crutches in 4 weeks. – Or you may get the okay from your surgeon between 2-4 weeks, to unlock the brace from 0-90° of knee bend (flexion) but maintain use of crutches. – It’s common to be restricted to walking with brace locked in extension, crutches and partial weight bearing for 6 weeks following surgery. – Protocols vary in their instruction based on surgeon preference and your progression through your recovery. – Similar to if you solely underwent an ACL repair, you will initially walk with crutches, partial weight bearing restrictions and your brace locked in extension. Naturally, concurrent injury to the ACL and meniscus means that your recovery is more conservative. Menisci are cartilaginous crescent-shaped rings between your femur and tibia that absorb shock, distribute force, increase stability of the knee joint, and provide lubrication to promote long-term joint health. But what if I had my ACL & meniscus repaired? – Regardless of graft type, your MD may clear you walk without the brace slightly earlier if you demonstrate good quad control and can walk without asymmetry and abnormalities (like limping). – Individuals are often cleared to stop wearing their brace while walking around the house 6 weeks after surgery if they’ve achieved appropriate quad control. When the quads are weak, you’ll see a compensatory bend in your knee as you lift (aka extensor lag) which may straighten out at the end of the movement. That is, laying on your back and lifting your leg towards the ceiling while keeping the knee in full extension throughout the entire movement. – Performing a straight leg raise without a knee lag ( shown below ) is usually a good indicator that you’re ready to unlock your brace (from 0-90° knee bend). According to NHS website, your physiotherapist will advise you about what exercises to do. In order to ditch the crutches, you’ll need to demonstrate proper gait mechanics and quad control. – For those with a hamstring graft or allograft (harvested from a cadaver), your surgeon may prefer you to keep walking with crutches and partial weight-bearing progressing to weight bearing as tolerated for 4-6 weeks after surgery. For many, this milestone is met in 7-10 days post-op – using crutches after ACL surgery. – A bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) graft is considered more stable than other options, so your surgeon may clear you to walk without crutches as long as you don’t experience an increase in pain. Your knee lacks stability and strength as your new graft is healing, so one of the main goals for the first phase following surgery is to protect the graft. – You can expect to initially walk with the crutches and your knee brace locked in extension. If you had only the ACL repaired with crutches: Initially use crutches & brace: The following should give you an idea of what to expect whether you had your ACL repaired or your ACL and meniscus repaired. ![]() if/what other tissues were repaired), and your overall healing capacity are factors that help determine your timeline. The graft type, the complexity of your surgery (i.e. Following ACL reconstruction, athletes are always curious when they can ditch the crutches and brace and start working towards their previous activities. ![]()
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