5 Steps to Healing Your Dog’s ACL Injury WITHOUT Surgery
My dog’s torn ACL ligament, the main knee ligament, had me worried. I wondered if it could actually heal without surgery?
I’ve learned that there are five steps you can do at home to help your dog’s torn ACL ligament heal without resorting to surgery.
Understanding the ACL
The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is the primary ligament that stabilizes the knee. It runs from the femur (the big bone up top) down to the tibia, from the medial portion to the lateral tibial crest. This large, thick fibrous tissue is crucial for preventing the cranial motion of the tibia, which wants to slide forward. The ligament keeps the tibia stabilized so it doesn’t slide forward relative to the femur.
Diagnosing a Torn ACL
To diagnose a torn ACL, veterinarians look for a “drawer sign." This involves firmly holding the femur and tibia and checking if there’s cranial motion of the lower bone (the tibia) in relation to the femur. A substantial motion indicates a positive drawer sign, suggesting a torn ACL.
Exploring Non-Surgical Options
Not everyone can afford surgery, and not everyone wants to go through the risks associated with it. A study comparing non-surgical and surgical outcomes in large and giant breed dogs that were overweight found that two-thirds of the dogs in the non-surgical group had successful outcomes. This is especially significant for large or giant breed dogs, where surgery is often seen as the only option.
Activity Modification
The first step in healing without surgery is modifying your dog’s activity. For the first two weeks, your dog should be strictly confined, with minimal movement to allow scar tissue to form and provide stability. This activity modification extends over at least a 16-week period, with gradual increases in activity every two weeks. It’s crucial to avoid any sudden movements that could strain the knee.
Weight Management
If your dog is overweight, it’s essential to focus on diet and help them lose weight. This means switching to a higher protein, minimal carb diet, and reducing the amount of food and treats given. An easy remedy to aid weight loss is adding green tea to your dog’s diet, which can help increase their metabolic rate.
Medications and Supplements
To reduce pain and inflammation and support cartilage, consider using conventional NSAIDs initially. However, there are natural options like a good quality joint support supplement, CBD oil, and 95% curcumin. Topical treatments like DMSO combined with CBD can provide local pain relief directly to the knee.
Rehabilitation Therapy
Think of this as physiotherapy for your dog, with you being the therapist. Passive range of motion exercises, massaging the muscles around the knee, and hydrotherapy are all crucial components. These exercises help produce joint fluid, build muscle, and provide natural pain relief.
Using a Knee Brace
A knee brace can help stabilize the injured knee and support the non-injured knee, decreasing the chance of a secondary rupture. It’s essential to get a well-designed brace that can support both knees, as dogs with a torn ACL in one leg are more likely to injure the other leg.
Conclusion
By focusing on activity reduction, weight loss, medication for pain and inflammation, physical therapy, and using a knee brace, there’s a good chance of helping your dog heal without surgery. It’s essential to be patient and consistent with these steps to give your dog the best chance of recovery.
Excellent! I have found that many of these approaches to work on horses.Now I am doing this for myself. Some knowledge of Biomechanics is necessary but your explanation is really easy to follow.You Rock!
Do you have any recommendations for a cruciate tear brace for a large dog? Also, do you have a regimen of what to do and when to properly heal?
Regimen for Proper Healing of a Cruciate Tear:
Healing a cruciate ligament tear typically involves a combination of rest, controlled exercise, rehabilitation, and sometimes surgery. Here’s a basic regimen to help guide you:
1. Initial Rest Phase (1-2 Weeks):
Complete rest is crucial during the first stage of recovery. Avoid any intense physical activity, jumping, or running.
Limit movement to short potty breaks on a leash only.
Use a brace to support the injured leg during this time to reduce strain on the knee and help with pain management.
Pain management: Your vet may prescribe pain medication or anti-inflammatory drugs to help manage discomfort and reduce swelling.
2. Controlled Exercise Phase (2-4 Weeks):
After the initial rest period, your dog may gradually start to move around a bit more.
Leash walks: Short, controlled leash walks are encouraged. Start with very short walks (5-10 minutes) and gradually increase as your dog becomes more comfortable.
Physical therapy: If recommended by your vet, range-of-motion exercises and massages can help with muscle strength and flexibility. Some clinics offer canine physical therapy or hydrotherapy, which can be extremely beneficial.
Braces may still be used during walks or other activities to help protect the joint.
3. Strengthening and Rehabilitation (4-8 Weeks):
As the ligament begins to heal, you can start focusing on building strength and stability in the injured leg.
Controlled leash walks should gradually increase in time and intensity, but still avoid any sudden movements, rough terrain, or playing.
Incorporate gentle strengthening exercises like walking on soft surfaces, balance exercises, or even swimming if your dog is comfortable with it (provided your vet agrees).
Joint supplements: Ask your vet about glucosamine, chondroitin, or omega-3 supplements, which can help support the healing of the joint.
4. Long-Term Healing (3-6 Months):
Depending on the severity of the tear, full recovery can take 3 to 6 months or longer.
Gradual return to normal activity: Start incorporating more active play and exercise, but avoid high-impact activities (e.g., jumping, running) until your vet clears you to do so.
Monitor for signs of pain or discomfort: Watch for any signs of limping or discomfort that may indicate the injury hasn’t fully healed.
Surgery Option (If Necessary):
If your vet recommends surgery, there are various surgical procedures for cruciate ligament injuries, such as:
TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) – This procedure is common for larger dogs with cruciate tears and involves altering the tibia to stabilize the joint.
TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement) – Another option that may be recommended by your vet.
Extracapsular repair – A less invasive option but might not be suitable for large dogs.
Recovery post-surgery is similar, with a focus on rest, rehab, and gradually increasing activity as the joint heals.