ACL is a serious injury in pets, but it can be resolved with the right treatment. Keep reading to find out more.
What is ACL injury?
An ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) tear is a common injury in dogs and cats, as well as people. Vets estimate that 85% of all orthopedic injuries in dogs are, in fact, some form of ACL injury. ACL is a ligament that stabilizes the canine knee joint and attaches the thigh bone to the shin bone.
In humans, this injury often occurs after a single traumatic incident (it is common in football, where players easily suffer hyper-extension of the knee). However, in dogs, it usually results from accumulated wear and tear, which weakens the fibers of the ACL ligament through a process of degeneration. Then, even a simple everyday activity like running or jumping can result in a partial or even complete rupture of the ACL.
Science doesn't know the exact cause of the degenerative process, but it is assumed that age plays a part. Once a rupture has happened, it usually requires surgery for the dog to regain full use of their knee, especially in larger and heavier breeds.
This injury tends to be very painful because every time the dog tries to stand or put weight on the injured leg, the two bones rub together. This causes pain and inflammation and, over time, can contribute to the development of arthritis in your dog.
What does ACL surgery involve?
The good news is that ACL surgery in dogs is usually a straightforward and successful treatment. There are different ways to do it, but the most common one involves making a small cut at the top of the thigh bone and rotating the cut portion. This acts as a small, forced break that helps to reposition the bone, which is then stabilized with a plate and screws while it heals. It may sound scary, but in the hands of an experienced surgeon, it is quite safe and very effective.
The bad news is the cost. The typical cost of an ACL surgery is between $2000-$6000 per knee. However, if your pooch is covered by dog pet insurance, you can be reimbursed so that this treatment remains affordable. Premiums start from as little as $10 per month, which is a small amount for peace of mind and ensuring that you're not suddenly faced with an unplanned vet bill. Once your insurance is active, you can take your dog to any licensed vet and no longer have to worry about the stress of unexpected expenses.
Risk Factors and Prevention
As explained above, the exact reasons for this injury aren't completely known, but they involve a degenerative process that weakens the fibers of the ligament. Typical risk factors include genetic predisposition, dog obesity, which puts additional pressure on the joints, bacteria within the joint, and possibly even early neutering. There are things you can do to prevent and minimize the chances of this injury occurring in your pet.
- Daily exercise for your dog helps to keep their ligaments, joints, and surrounding muscles strong and supple. This can help to keep injuries to a minimum. For the overall well-being of your dog, you should ensure that he receives exercise every day.
- But avoid what is sometimes called 'the weekend warrior symptom,' where a dog that gets no exercise in the week is pushed hard on the weekends. This is a recipe for an ACL injury.
- Supplements: Nutrition isn't only important for humans; our pets benefit from the right mix of vitamins and minerals too. A specialized supplement for joint health can make a big difference.
- Keeping your dog at a healthy weight: It may be tempting to treat your dog every time you're eating a delicious snack, but canines have different food requirements than humans, and it is an unfortunate fact that nowadays, many dogs are overweight. Ensuring that your dog has a healthy body composition can go a long way towards reducing injuries, as excess weight puts pressure on her joints.
If your dog sustains an ACL injury that must be addressed by surgery, it is important to follow it up with appropriate physiotherapy and good conditioning to help prevent further injuries to other legs. After all, our pets deserve a healthy and pain-free life.
