A healthy dog is a happy dog. Unfortunately, sometimes our pups can suffer an injury that could lead to a torn ACL. While dogs can live with a torn ACL, their quality of life is affected. Getting your pup to the vet immediately is important, as a torn ACL without treatment can require surgery.
To understand more about this injury and how it can affect your dog, we'll explain what a torn ACL is, how it's diagnosed and treated, and how to help your dog live a comfortable life.
Table of Contents
- Dogs ACL Injury
- Diagnosis
- Treatment Options
- Living With a Torn CCL
- The Importance of Treating a Torn CCL
Dogs ACL Injury
First, the good news: a torn ACL is not necessarily life-threatening. However, it can stop your pooch from enjoying their everyday activities. Dogs with a torn ACL will display signs such as limping and pain, reluctance to exercise or play, and decreased appetite.
The dog's cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), commonly known as the dog's ACL, functions similarly to the human ACL and aids in proper knee function. Unlike humans' ACLs, dogs' cruciate ligaments are load-bearing because a dog's leg is bent while standing. As a result, the injury is more severe in dogs.
Your dog's knee will become unstable if the cruciate ligament is damaged or torn, making it difficult for your dog to run and walk normally and causing pain.
Diagnosis
Just because your dog is limping, it doesn't necessarily mean they have a torn CCL. The vet will carry out an examination and might even take x-rays to rule out other conditions like hip dysplasia and arthritis.
Treatment Options
The vet will recommend the best treatment depending on your dog's age, lifestyle, and the severity of their injury. In severe cases, surgery is needed to repair the torn CCL. Other treatments, such as physical therapy, orthopedic braces, and medications, can be used to manage the pain and help with recovery.
Living With a Torn CCL
The road to recovery will require patience, dedication, and lots of love for your pup. To help make their life more comfortable, there are a few things you can do:
- Keep them on a leash while outdoors: This will reduce the risk of further injury and decrease their desire to run too hard.
- Provide plenty of exercise: Walks are great exercise and will help your pup stay mobile.
- Provide a comfortable place to sleep: If your dog is having difficulty getting up and down, you can provide them with a comfortable place to sleep. This will help reduce stress on their joints.
- Encourage healthy foods: Eating a healthy diet will help your pup keep their energy levels up and aid in their recovery.
Living with a torn CCL is doable, and there are treatments available. With the help of your vet and a few adjustments to their lifestyle, you can ensure your dog has the best life possible.
The Importance of Treating a Torn CCL
Treating a torn CCL is an important step in helping your pup live their best life. With the help of Bionic Pets, we can give our furry friends the mobility they need to stay active and enjoy their lives. We provide orthotic and prosthetic devices that are designed to help pets with mobility difficulties get back on track.
From braces to carts, Bionic Pets has everything you need to keep your pet mobile after a torn CCL injury. Our products are made with high-quality materials so that your pup can feel comfortable while getting around without struggling or feeling pain.
Don't let a torn CCL stop your pet from living life! Visit Bionic Pets today for all your canine mobility needs.
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