Should i get my dog acl surgery? (2023)

FAQs

Does my dog really need ACL surgery? ›

A torn ACL in dogs is one of the most common dog injuries. A torn ACL requires rest, immobilization, and sometimes surgery. It is entirely possible for a dog to recover from an ACL tear without surgery. Many dogs heal through surgery alternatives like orthopedic braces and supplements.

Without surgery, the body tries to stabilize the wobbly knee with scar tissue. Unfortunately, this is hardly ever strong enough to keep the knee stable. tissue limits range of motion. The more scar tissue, the stiffer the joint — the dog or cat cannot bend or extend the knee all the way.

The success rate with surgery is about 90% (meaning that most dogs return to good or excellent function following surgery and proper post-operative care).

Sometimes surgery isn't necessary and it's a much better option than leaving their leg to heal on its own. With the right care and treatment, your dog can live a happy, healthy life even after an ACL tear.

Without surgery, the lameness caused by a partially torn or ruptured ACL will improve or go away completely in many dogs, especially small ones. You can expect this to happen within three to six weeks. That doesn't mean sit around and let your dog suffer for a month and a half. They still need special care from you.

The sooner surgery is performed after injury the better. Waiting only allows the progression of arthritis. I have seen owners wait six months after the injury before requesting surgery. Many dogs have recovered uneventfully.

The Trusted Alternative to ACL Surgery – the Perc-ACLR

The Perc-ACLR is a highly precise, x-ray guided injection of both bundles of the damaged ACL with the patient's own bone marrow concentrate.

The bottom line is, yes, a dog can walk with a torn ACL. However, they should never walk on it if it's unsupported, even if it's just a sprain.

The anatomy of a dog's knee is much different than a human's, so much more damage can be done if TPLO surgery isn't performed on a dog. A severe case of osteoarthritis could develop, additional meniscal tearing could occur and other side effects may be present if TPLO surgery is avoided.

Approximately 200,000 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures occur in the United States annually. Primary ACL reconstruction is recognized as a successful procedure, but failure has been shown to occur in approximately 10% of patients.

Is knee surgery worth it for dogs? ›

When the cranial cruciate ligament is torn, surgical stabilization of the knee joint is often required, especially in larger or more active dogs. Surgery is generally recommended as quickly as possible to reduce permanent, irreversible joint damage and relieve pain.

You may think that your dog's TPLO surgery is a tedious process and that recovery takes time. But there's no need for you to worry because a dog ACL injury is similar to what happens when humans get a knee injury. As long as they receive the proper care, they can recover and get back to their normal routine.

If nothing is done, the ACL injury may turn into chronic ACL deficiency. Your knee may become more and more unstable and may give out more often. The abnormal sliding within the knee also can hurt cartilage. It can trap and damage the menisci in the knee and can also lead to early osteoarthritis.

At the moment when the ACL tears, a dog will experience sudden pain and often hold their leg up. Depending on the severity of the tear, they may then avoid putting any weight on the leg for a day or so, and when they do use it again will have a limp that often continues for several weeks.

When your dog comes home after their ACL surgery, restrict their activity according to your vet's recommendations. Your vet will likely suggest no running, jumping, or stair-climbing for several weeks. Usually, the veterinarian will recommend strict crate rest for the first 10-14 days for incision healing.

Other researchers who have looked at this issue have concluded from their studies that reconstruction should take place between three and 12 months after the injury.

If your knee is unstable, surgery is usually recommended. If your knee is stable, nonsurgical options may suffice. Other determining factors include: Return to activities: If you must return to sports or other activities that require pivoting or sharp movements, ACL reconstruction surgery is usually recommended.

ACL reconstruction is generally recommended if: You're an athlete and want to continue in your sport, especially if the sport involves jumping, cutting or pivoting. More than one ligament is injured. You have a torn meniscus that requires repair.

Because ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure, it carries certain risks, including: bleeding and blood clots. continued knee pain. disease transmission if the graft comes from a cadaver.

Can dogs use stairs with torn ACL? ›

Even something as small as running to the front door to greet visitors can cause more damage to their ACL. The only activity they should have is leashed trips outside to go to the bathroom. Don't let your dog climb stairs or jump on any furniture during their recovery period. They are on strict bed rest.

Surgery is not urgent. However, the longer surgery is delayed, the longer your dog is in pain (remember, limping = pain), the worse arthritis gets etc. As time goes by, the ACL of the opposite leg can tear, and then you have a much bigger problem on your hands.

Why Is a TPLO Necessary? Because the TPLO procedure is a major orthopedic surgery, surgeons recommend it for dogs where not having the surgery will be worse for the pet's health than having the surgery. In general, the TPLO has an excellent success rate.

Alternatives to TPLO: TTA and other techniques

Alternative surgical approaches to CCL rupture include tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA), extracapsular repair, and the Tightrope® method.

And while modern, minimally invasive surgical repairs of the ACL do a good job restoring control of these movements, the risk of re-tear remains higher than we would like, Dr. Gardner explains. In research studies, the risk of re-tear ranges from about 2% to 20%, depending on the patients studied.

Every surgically reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament can retear. The risk ranges from one or two percent to more than 20 percent. The replacement ligament (graft) chosen for your surgery can significantly increase or decrease your chance of a retear.

Life immediately after an ACL tear can be uncomfortable. But, with proper treatment, dedication to recovery, and time, you should be able to return to your normal activities and resume your life mostly as it was before your injury.

Your knee is less stable with a torn ACL, and it will affect your gait as well as how your knee moves and bears the weight of your body. Walking on a torn ACL can cause additional damage to your knee, such as tears to the cartilage of the knee and worsening the ACL tear.

Various authors suggest that ACLR be performed at least 3 weeks after injury in order to avoid arthrofibrosis. More important than time alone, objective criteria including perioperative swelling, edema, hyperthermia, and ROM are important indicators of when surgery should be performed.

When you experience an ACL tear, you may be tempted to skip the doctor as long as you aren't in too much pain. However, an ACL tear that is left untreated can cause future injuries. The ACL stabilizes the knee. It plays a crucial role in our movements like changing direction, jumping, pivoting, or making sudden stops.

How can I help my dogs ACL heal without surgery? ›

Leaving your dog alone after surgery can be hard on you, however, you may not know that giving them space will allow them to rest easier. You don't need to feel bad about leaving them alone, as long as otherwise stated by your vet, leaving them alone is perfectly okay.

The anatomy of a dog's knee is much different than a human's, so much more damage can be done if TPLO surgery isn't performed on a dog. A severe case of osteoarthritis could develop, additional meniscal tearing could occur and other side effects may be present if TPLO surgery is avoided.

knee pain – affects some people who have ACL surgery and is more likely to occur when the patellar tendon is used as graft tissue; you may have pain behind your kneecap or when kneeling down or crouching. knee weakness and stiffness – some people experience long-term weakness or stiffness in their knee.