Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Rupture in Dogs

A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a common injury in dogs’ knee joint. Although rare, it may also happen in cats. The ACL is a crucial ligament that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia) and helps to stabilize the knee joint. When the ACL is torn, it causes instability in the knee joint, leading to pain, swelling, and lameness.

If your dog has a torn ACL, you may notice that they are limping or favoring the affected leg. They may also show discomfort or pain when moving the affected leg or may hold the leg in an unusual position. In some cases, the knee joint may appear swollen or enlarged and be warm to the touch.

Dogs can tear their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in various ways. The most common cause of a torn ACL in dogs is sudden trauma or injury to the knee. This can occur if the dog twists or turns abruptly or if they jump or land awkwardly. In these cases, the sudden force on the knee joint can cause the ACL to stretch or tear.

Underlying conditions, such as osteoarthritis or obesity, are another common cause of a torn cruciate ligament in dogs. Osteoarthritis and obesity weaken the ligament, making it more susceptible to tearing. In these cases, even everyday activities, such as walking or running, can put enough strain on the knee joint to cause the ACL to tear.

In some cases, a torn ACL may also be caused by congenital or developmental abnormalities, such as a deformity of the knee joint or a misalignment of the bones in the leg. These abnormalities can put extra stress on the ACL, making it more likely to tear.

I Think My Dog Tore Their ACL – How Can I Help Them?

Suppose you suspect your dog has torn their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). A torn ACL is a serious injury that requires medical attention to diagnose and treat appropriately. In that case, it is essential to have your pet evaluated by a surgeon as soon as possible.
In the meantime, there are several things that you can do to help your dog while they are waiting to see the veterinary orthopedic surgeon. These include:

• Keep your dog calm and quiet: Avoid letting your dog engage in any strenuous activity, such as running or jumping, as this can cause further damage to the knee joint. Instead, please keep your dog calm and quiet, and provide them with a comfortable place to rest.
• Apply ice to the affected knee: Applying ice to the affected knee can help to reduce swelling and inflammation. To do this, wrap a bag of ice in a towel and apply it to the knee for 15-20 minutes several times a day.
• Keep the knee elevated: Elevating the affected knee can also help to reduce swelling and discomfort. To do this, place a small pillow or cushion under the knee when your dog is resting or sleeping.
• Administer any prescribed medications: If your family veterinarian has prescribed medications to manage your dog’s pain or inflammation, administer them as directed. This will help to control your dog’s symptoms and improve its comfort.

And while the above measures will help your pet’s discomfort, dogs with ACL ruptures do much better with any surgery than without surgery, so make sure your pet is evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible.

Why is it important for a veterinary orthopedic surgeon to evaluate a dog with a suspected torn ACL?

For several reasons, a veterinary orthopedic surgeon needs to evaluate a dog with a suspected torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

First, a veterinary orthopedic surgeon is a specialist who is highly trained and experienced in diagnosing and treating injuries and conditions of the bones and joints. This expert knowledge and experience can help to ensure that your pet receives an accurate diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment for their condition.

Second, a veterinary orthopedic surgeon can develop a comprehensive treatment plan to manage your dog’s condition and improve their long-term outlook. This includes helping you choose the optimal surgical technique for the torn cruciate ligament and creating a postoperative plan to ensure smooth and complete recovery.

Working with a veterinary orthopedic surgeon can help ensure that your dog receives the best possible care for their condition.

Surgical Options for Dogs With Torn Cruciate Ligament (ACL Tear)

There are several surgical options for treating a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in dogs. The most common and effective option is a technique called a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO).

During the TPLO surgery, the orthopedic surgeon makes an incision in the skin over the knee joint and carefully exposes the bones of the leg. They then use specialized instruments to cut the tibia (shin bone) and reposition it to a more natural angle. This helps to stabilize the knee joint and prevent the forces that caused the ACL tear from continuing to damage the joint.

In some cases, our orthopedic surgeon may also recommend other surgical options, such as a tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) or a lateral suture stabilization (LSS). These techniques involve using specialized implants or sutures to stabilize the knee joint and support the damaged ligament.  

What is lateral suture stabilization (LSS) to treat ACL tear in dogs?

In dogs, lateral suture stabilization (LSS) is one of the oldest surgical techniques used to treat a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). During an LSS procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the skin over the knee joint and carefully exposes the bones of the leg. They then use specialized sutures to create a new ligament outside the knee joint. This new ligament supports the damaged ACL and helps stabilize the knee joint.

LSS is a less invasive surgical option than other techniques, such as a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) or a tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA). It is typically used for smaller dogs (weighing 20 pounds or less) or dogs with underlying medical conditions that make them less suitable for more invasive surgery.

However, LSS is associated with a poor long-term prognosis in dogs that weigh more than 20 pounds (around 10kg). This is because the new ligament created during the LSS procedure may not be strong enough to support the weight and forces working on the knee of a larger dog. As a result, the knee joint may become unstable again over time, leading to a recurrence of the dog’s symptoms.

In summary, LSS is a surgical technique that can be used to treat torn ACL in dogs. However, in dogs that weigh more than 20 pounds (around 10 kg), it is associated with a poor long-term prognosis and may not provide sufficient support.

Comparing TPLO surgery and lateral suture stabilization (LSS) to treat torn ACL in dogs

Lateral suture stabilization (LSS) and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) are both surgical techniques used to treat a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in dogs.

LSS is a less invasive surgical option compared to TPLO. During an LSS procedure, the veterinary surgeon makes an incision in the skin over the knee joint and carefully exposes the bones of the leg. They then use specialized sutures to create a new ligament outside the knee joint. This new ligament supports the damaged ACL and helps stabilize the knee joint.

TPLO, on the other hand, involves making a larger incision in the skin over the knee joint and exposing the bones of the leg. The surgeon then uses specialized instruments to cut the tibia (shin bone) and reposition it to a more natural angle. This helps to stabilize the knee joint and prevent the forces that caused the ACL tear from continuing to damage the joint.

Although more invasive, TPLO is considered a superior surgical technique compared to LSS for treating a torn ACL in dogs. This is because TPLO provides more stability to the knee joint and is less likely to fail over time. TPLO is also suitable for dogs of all sizes, whereas LSS is associated with a poor long-term prognosis in dogs that weigh more than 20 pounds (10 kg). If your dog has a torn ACL, it is essential to discuss the different surgical options with our surgeon and choose the one best suited to your dog’s individual needs.

Does My Dog Really Need Surgery for Their Torn ACL?

If your dog has a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), they must undergo surgery. Without surgery, your dog’s knee joint will remain unstable, and they will continue to experience intermittent pain, swelling, and lameness. There are several reasons why surgery is the best option for a torn ACL in dogs.

First, surgery can repair or replace the damaged ligament, restoring stability to the knee joint and allowing your dog to move more comfortably. This can help to relieve your pet’s symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Second, surgery can prevent further damage to the knee joint. Without surgery, the forces that caused the ACL tear will continue to damage the knee joint, leading to osteoarthritis and other complications. After surgery, your dog can receive the necessary support and stability to protect their knee joint from further damage.

Third, surgery can improve your dog’s long-term outlook. With surgery, your dog can regain mobility and return to normal activities like walking, running, and playing. This can help to prevent your dog from becoming overweight or sedentary, which can further compromise their joint health.

Overall, it is genuinely beneficial for your dog to undergo surgery if they have a torn ACL. Dogs with torn cruciate ligament do much better with any surgery than without, especially long-term. Our surgeon will be happy to discuss the benefits of different surgical options during your pet’s surgical consultation.

Knee Braces For Dogs With Torn Cruciate Ligament Provide Only Short-term benefits.

ACL knee braces are orthopedic devices sometimes used to treat a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in dogs.

ACL knee braces are designed to provide support and stability to the knee joint, helping to relieve the dog’s symptoms and improve their mobility. The braces are made of lightweight, breathable materials and are adjusted to fit the dog’s leg securely and comfortably.
While ACL knee braces can be used temporarily to manage a dog’s symptoms while waiting to undergo surgery, they are generally considered a poor long-term solution for a torn ACL. This is because the knee joint is still unstable, even with the supportive brace in place, leading to further knee joint damage and degeneration over time.
Furthermore, long-term use of ACL knee braces can cause the knee joint to become stiff and inflexible, leading to more severe osteoarthritis.

So while ACL knee braces can be used as a temporary measure, for most dogs, surgery will always be recommended for the best possible outcome for your pet.

My Dog Needs ACL Surgery – Now What?

If your pet needs dog ACL surgery, call or email us. Our veterinary surgeon will work with you and your family veterinarian to understand your dog’s overall health. Our team will advise whether surgery is the best option for your pet. If you decide ACL surgery is the best approach to restoring your pet’s health, the Surgipet team will promptly schedule the surgery.
Before, during, and after the surgery, you’ll be updated with all the information you need for a safe and speedy recovery. We also offer a wealth of resources right here on our website to help you care for your pet when we’re not there.