Cruciate ligament rupture in dogs: possible triggers and treatment methods
It is quite common for dogs to suffer a torn cruciate ligament. In most cases, the anterior cruciate ligament is affected by the injury.
The following section explains how a torn cruciate ligament occurs in dogs, what symptoms it causes, and what treatment methods are available. We will also explain how you can reduce the risk of your dog tearing a cruciate ligament.
What is the function of the cruciate ligaments?
Just like humans, dogs' knee joints are hinged joints that only allow bending and stretching movements.
The dog's knee joints each contain a rear and a front cruciate ligament. They are called cruciate ligaments, by the way, because both ligaments cross in the centre of the knee joint.
The task of the cruciate ligaments is to provide stability and support for the knee joints. Among other things, this prevents the joint from twisting during movement.
How does a torn cruciate ligament occur in dogs?
In humans, the cruciate ligaments tear mainly as a result of incorrect loading during sport. In dogs, on the other hand, cruciate ligament ruptures occur comparatively seldom, usually due to jumps that are too wide, or due to accidents.
Instead, in most cases, it is a degenerative rupture, after the cruciate ligaments of the quadruped have first become increasingly frayed through normal movements. If a dog finally suffers a torn cruciate ligament, the anterior ligaments are almost always affected. The rear cruciate ligaments of dogs, on the other hand, only tear very rarely.
Which dogs are frequently affected by torn cruciate ligaments?
In theory, the cruciate ligaments can tear in any dog. However, the risk is particularly high in heavy and large breeds, while small dogs are only occasionally affected by torn cruciate ligaments.
Irrespective of this, the following dogs, among others, have an increased risk of suffering a torn cruciate ligament:
- Rottweiler
- Staffordshire Terrier
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Newfoundland
- Labrador
- Golden Retriever
- Boxer
How do you recognise a torn cruciate ligament in a dog?
A torn cruciate ligament is usually easily recognised by lameness in dogs. Affected animals will bend the leg, in which the cruciate ligament is torn, and try not to put any weight on it.
It is very common for the dog's cruciate ligament not to tear completely at once. It is, therefore, possible that the discomfort will subside in-between times. Dogs normally only make themselves heard with audible pain sounds when the cruciate ligament has just torn a little again.
What consequences does the torn cruciate ligament have for the dog?
It goes without saying, that a torn cruciate ligament is very painful for dogs. Also, it inevitably leads to the mobility of the affected leg being severely restricted.
The much greater problem, however, is that an untreated torn cruciate ligament will, sooner or later, result in further damage. First of all, the gentle positioning of the leg leads to a reduction of the musculature.
Later, the overall joint health suffers from the consequences of the torn cruciate ligament. You must therefore expect that your dog will soon be suffering from osteoarthritis and meniscus injuries may occur.
How is a torn cruciate ligament diagnosed in dogs?
If you notice a noticeable limping in your four-legged friend over several days, a visit to the vet is essential. If your dog is experiencing severe symptoms, you may even need to see the vet the very next day.
It is important to avoid romping around together and having long walks until the vet has examined your dog.
If your dog's knees have not been causing problems for a long time, a torn cruciate ligament is usually quite easy to diagnose. This is because a torn cruciate ligament allows the lower leg to be pushed forward while the upper leg is fixed in place.
In this context, the veterinarian speaks of a so-called drawer test. If this test is positive, the dog has indeed torn its cruciate ligament. Nevertheless, the veterinarian will still take x-rays of the joint. These serve to rule out other joint diseases and to prepare for the operation.
How is torn cruciate ligament in dogs treated?
Since a torn cruciate ligament does not heal on its own, the only treatment option is to operate on the dog. There are various methods available for this purpose.
The following surgical techniques are common, for example:
- Replacement of the torn ligament
- TTA (Tuberositas Tibiae Advancement)
- TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy)
One possibility is to replace the dog's cruciate ligament with suitable replacement materials, such as artificial threads, or muscle bundles. However, this technique is an outdated method.
It is also more suitable for smaller dogs at best, as the stitches of large dogs can tear quite often and become loose very easily.
The two surgical methods TTA and TPLO are now the norm and are far more promising, especially for large dogs with torn cruciate ligaments. Instead of replacing the torn cruciate ligament, the biomechanics of the knee joint are modified so that the cruciate ligament will hardly be put under stress in the future.
What is important after surgery for torn cruciate ligaments in dogs?
After the operation, regardless of the surgical technique used, it is necessary for recovery that the dog's knee is spared. Physical activity should therefore be limited, as much as possible for the first three weeks.
A normal load on the knee joint is usually possible again after about six weeks. However, the intensity should only be increased slowly, in order to prevent a new injury.
As you can assume that your dog will not like to be immobilised for weeks on end, you should allow enough time to look after your four-legged friend after the operation.
How can I avoid a torn cruciate ligament in my dog?
Especially, in naturally susceptible breeds, a torn cruciate ligament can of course never be completely ruled out. Nevertheless, there are several things you can do to reduce the risk of a torn cruciate ligament in your dog.
In this context it is important, among other things, to avoid excessive strain on the musculoskeletal system, which is associated with dynamic dog sports, such as agility in heavy and large dogs, for example.
It is also advisable to keep an eye on the dog's weight. To avoid being overweight, it is essential to feed your dog a diet based on his needs, natural dog food.
If your dog is already too fat, you can counteract their overweight by reducing the amount of food and supplementing with our diet powder Shiimun Slim. Shiimun Slim contains selected ingredients that help your dog to lose weight in a digestible way.
Many dog owners also use special food supplements to support their dog's joints with certain nutrients, such as hyaluronic acid and collagen.
Our conclusion on the subject of cruciate ligament rupture in dogs
A torn cruciate ligament is painful for dogs. It not only leads to restricted mobility but also various consequential damages.
You should, therefore, do everything you can to prevent your dog's cruciate ligament from tearing and contact a vet immediately if you notice any symptoms indicating a torn cruciate ligament.
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