ACL Surgery in Dogs – Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common orthopedic issues in dogs, particularly in active breeds or aging pets. Similarly to humans, the ACL in dogs plays an important role in balancing the knee joint. When this ligament is ruptured or torn, it may result in a great deal of pain, lameness, and chronic joint issues if left untreated. Surgery is one of the most effective treatments for a damaged CCL. This blog discusses the most significant aspects of ACL Surgery in Dogs, ranging from its types to its advantages, recovery time, and some questions asked by anxious pet parents.
What is an ACL injury in Dogs?
Similar to humans, the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in canines serves as the ACL in humans and stabilizes the stifle joint (knee). CCL injuries can be caused by trauma, age, or degenerative joint disease. Canines with a ruptured CCL may present with the following symptoms –
- Sudden limping or lameness in a hind leg
- Difficulty standing, jumping, or climbing stairs.
- Swelling over the knee joint
- Clicking sound when walking and running
- Agitation when the leg is touched or moved.
Torn CCL can result in progressive damage to the joint, arthritis, and loss of limb function if not treated.
Types of ACL Surgery in Dogs
Several surgical techniques to repair a torn CCL exist in dogs, and the selection depends on the size, activity level, and health of the dog. The most common methods include –
TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy)
This is one of the widely used and effective surgeries for ACL injuries in dogs, specifically for larger breeds. The TPLO procedure changes the biomechanics of the knee by leveling the tibial plateau, removing the requirement for the CCL to balance the joint.
Pros – Very good success rate, Good for active and large breeds, Good return to normal activity.
Cons – More invasive, more expensive, requires surgical skills.
TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement)
TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement) similar to the TPLO surgery, TTA changes the dynamics at the knee joint. Instead of leveling the tibial plateau, TTA advances the tibial tuberosity, altering the forces acting on the joint and balancing it without depending on the ligament.
Pros – Less bone cutting than TPLO, high success in medium to big breeds, shorter recovery in some conditions.
Cons – Also a complex orthopedic surgery, not ideal for all breeds or joint angles.
Extracapsular Repair (Lateral Suture Technique)
This is often advised for less active or smaller dogs. It involves putting a secure suture on the outside of the knee joint to replace the function of the damaged ligament and stabilize the joint.
Pros – Less costly, shorter surgical time, perfect for small breeds.
Cons – Less success rate in large or active dogs, risk of suture breakage, longer time for full recovery.
Recovery and Healing
Post-surgical recovery is an important part of a dog’s return to mobility. Mainly, recovery time spans eight to twelve weeks, with progress dependent on the type of surgery and adherence to post-surgery care. Main elements of recovery include –
- Strict rest and crate confinement in the first few weeks
- Controlled leash walks to gradually build strength
- Pain management with prescribed medicines
- Physical therapy and hydrotherapy, specifically for TPLO and TTA cases
- Regular checkups, visits, and X-rays to monitor healing
Most dogs regain notable use of the leg in 3 months, with continued improvement over 6 months. While some mild arthritis may develop over time, surgery greatly lowers the risk of serious degeneration and enhances the dog’s quality of life.
Preventing ACL Injuries in Dogs
While some CCL injuries are unavoidable, some steps can reduce the risk –
- Maintain a healthy weight to lower the joint stress
- Daily low-impact exercise to strengthen muscles
- Avoid sudden bursts of activity in older or predisposed dogs
- Give joint supplements such as glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids
- Schedule regular vet check-ups for early detection of joint issues
Conclusion
ACL surgery in dogs is a major but highly successful solution to a painful and impairing injury. While it needs financial investment and a dedication to recovery, the rewards are wide, restoring mobility, reducing pain, and improving your dog’s entire quality of life. Consulting with an experienced veterinary surgeon will help you select the best surgical option customized to your pet’s activity level, size, and health. If your dog is showing symptoms of lameness or knee pain, do not hesitate to seek the opinion of a veterinarian. Early treatment and diagnosis can be crucial.
FAQs
How can I tell whether my dog needs ACL surgery or not?
Symptoms such as sudden limping, reluctance to put weight on a hind leg, or ongoing stiffness after rest may indicate a CCL tear. Your vet will do a physical exam and may suggest X-rays or diagnostic imaging to confirm the injury. If the tear is complete or the dog is large or active, surgery is sometimes the best treatment.
Can a dog heal a torn ACL without surgery?
In small or sedentary dogs, conservative treatment including rest, anti-inflammatory medicines, weight management, and physical therapy may help improve symptoms. However, without surgery, the knee remains unstable, which can lead to chronic pain and arthritis. Surgery gives a better long-term outcome is most cases.
What are the chances of success for ACL surgery in dogs?
Success rates may be different and dog but are mainly high. TPLO and TTA have success rates of more than 90% in returning dogs to near-normal activity. Extracapsular repairs may have slightly lower success in large dogs. Early treatment, full post-surgery care, and recovery significantly affect outcomes.
How long does it take a dog to walk normally after ACL surgery?
Many dogs begin walking on the operated leg a few days to weeks following surgery. By six to eight weeks, different dogs can walk nicely on a leash. Full recovery, including running and off-leash exercise, primarily occurs between three to six months, depending on the technique and recovery.
