Like humans, dogs can have problems with their knees, as surprising as that may seem. But dogs having an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is not only possible, but it does happen more frequently than you may think. It is important to recognize it and get veterinary treatment when it does happen.

An ACL tear in a dog happens when the bones in the knee, the femur and tibia, move back and forth across one another, following a rupture. The ACL tear usually happens as a result of the dog twisting when on the hind legs. The twisting puts pressure on the ligament, resulting in a torn ACL. If you have ever watched your dog having difficulty on a slippery service, you can get an idea of how this can happen.

When a dog has a torn ACL, you will notice that they will immediately begin keeping the foot of their impacted leg up off the ground. They won’t put pressure on that leg, and it may even become swollen. After some time, the dog may begin to use the leg some again, but there is usually lameness that remains.

Some dogs have degenerative ACL, which can also cause swelling in the joint and cause pain. How well your dog can recover from an ACL tear is impacted by their age, breed, and the veterinary care they receive.

If your dog has a torn ACL, the veterinarians at Pet Doctors of America can help. If your dog’s ACL is completely torn, a veterinarian can perform surgery to correct the issue. There are also measures that can be taken to help keep your dog more comfortable during the healing process. If you live in the Jacksonville or Jacksonville Beach area, contact us today; we have the experience and expertise to help your dog every step of the way!?