Healing A Dog's Acl: Can Surgery Be Avoided?

Dogs can sometimes heal from a torn ACL without surgery, but it depends on the severity of the tear. Conservative treatments such as knee braces, supplements, and weight loss can help the ACL heal, but surgery is often the best option for long-term recovery.

Weight management

High body weight is a leading cause of ACL injury, due to the extra stress placed on the ligament by an overweight body. You can accelerate your dog's healing process by reducing their body weight through a combination of diet and exercise.

Decrease your dog's calorie intake by at least 60%. Feed your dog smaller portions more frequently throughout the day. To minimise digestive upset, ease your dog into the new diet gradually. Monitor the outcome of your weight-reducing program regularly.

Avoid giving your dog processed food, which may cause infection in the joint. Instead, feed them superfoods such as oysters, fish oil, and bone broth.

Make sure your dog gets regular, non-vigorous exercise. This may include walking or running. In the case of a severe ACL injury with inflammation, exercise should be postponed until your dog has been given NSAIDs to reduce pain. If your dog has a severely torn ACL, specialised hydrotherapy (walking/swimming in water) is recommended. Consult your vet to get an appropriate exercise list based on your dog's clinical condition.

Medication

NSAIDs should be used with caution, as they can cause stomach issues in rare cases. If vomiting, diarrhea, or discolored feces occur, it is important to consult the veterinarian immediately. Additionally, NSAIDs formulated for humans should be avoided, as they can be harmful to dogs.

Other medications that may be prescribed by a veterinarian include amantadine, gabapentin, and tramadol. These drugs can help manage pain and improve comfort during the healing process. However, it is important to note that the use of these medications may vary depending on the dog's specific needs and the veterinarian's recommendations.

In addition to pain management, obesity has been identified as a significant risk factor for ACL tears in dogs. Therefore, weight management through diet and exercise plays a crucial role in the treatment and prevention of ACL injuries. A veterinarian can provide guidance on appropriate weight loss strategies for dogs, including recommended food portions and exercise routines.

Rehabilitation therapy

Aquatic walking or swimming will increase your dog's muscle strength. Some veterinary hospitals have special tanks and whirlpools for hydrotherapy.

Other physiotherapy practices can be beneficial, including cryotherapy, laser therapy, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation.

Week 1-2:

• Cold therapy: Apply ice or frozen vegetables directly to the skin or in a pillowcase to soothe pain and reduce inflammation.
• Passive range of motion (PROM): Move the entire leg in a pedalling motion 15-20 times, 2-3 times daily.
• Massage: Apply deep pressure to the quadriceps and hamstring muscles for 2-3 minutes before and after PROM.
• Walking: Slow and controlled walking on a leash for 5-10 minutes, twice a day.

Week 3-4:

• Continue PROM and massage.
• Increase the length of walks gradually to 15-20 minutes, twice daily.
• Ice after PROM and walks.

Week 5-8:

• Continue slow, controlled leash walks.
• Gradually increase walks to 20-30 minutes.
• Incorporate figure-8 walks, sit-to-stand exercises, uphill walks, and stair climbing.
• Add balance exercises, such as walking over couch cushions.
• Use leg weights for 2-3 minutes at a time.

After two months, your dog may be allowed short periods of off-leash activity under supervision. It is recommended that these exercises become a part of your dog's normal routine to maintain strength and flexibility.

Joint injections

A torn ACL in dogs is a common injury that requires rest, immobilization, and sometimes surgery. However, it is possible for a dog to recover from a torn ACL without surgery. Dog owners often opt for surgery alternatives such as orthopedic knee braces and supplements. The effectiveness of these alternatives depends on the dog's age, health, activity levels, and the severity of the tear.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

This therapy uses the dog's own blood to isolate platelets, which contain growth factors and proteins that control inflammation and support healing. The procedure requires specialized equipment and sedation for the dog. Results are typically noticeable within one to three months, and the injections may need to be repeated every six to 12 months.

Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy collects adult stem cells from the dog's fat or bone marrow, requiring a minor surgical procedure under anesthesia. While not yet proven to be regenerative, stem cell therapy is believed to provide pain relief by influencing the immune system's role in pain and disease progression.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

HA is a natural component of cartilage and joint fluid that provides lubrication. Injecting synthetic HA is thought to improve the metabolism of natural HA and reduce arthritis symptoms. However, there are debates about its effectiveness in both human and veterinary sports medicine.

Steroids (Triamcinolone)

Steroid injections are a common treatment for arthritis in people and animals, but repeated use can be detrimental to cartilage. They are typically recommended as a last resort for end-stage disease when cartilage is severely damaged. Steroids can effectively reduce inflammation and joint pain, usually in combination with HA. Improvements can be seen within one week and can last for at least 12 weeks.

Overall, joint injections can be a valuable tool in managing a dog's ACL tear and associated pain. These injections should be administered by a licensed veterinarian, who can advise on the most appropriate treatment plan for the dog's specific needs.

Knee brace

A dog's knee brace, also known as a stifle brace, is a non-surgical option to help stabilise the knee joint and give the ligament time to scar over and repair itself. The knee brace limits flexion and extension so that scar tissue can form a callus over the tear for healing. It is also useful in preventing further injury to the other knee, as in 60% of cases, a tear in one knee will lead to an injury in the other.

There are various types of knee braces available for dogs, including soft braces, non-rigid braces, and custom-made braces. Some braces are designed to be used before and after surgery, while others are meant to be used as an alternative to surgery. It is important to consult with a licensed veterinarian to determine if a knee brace is suitable for your dog, as the effectiveness of this treatment depends on several factors such as the severity of the tear, your dog's age, general health, and activity levels.

When choosing a knee brace for your dog, it is important to ensure that it is sized to fit your dog exactly. The brace should be comfortable and allow for limited mobility while stabilising the knee. Some braces have features such as flexible metal stays on either side of the knee to aid in keeping the knee in its natural position, foam padding at the knee for added support, and adjustable straps to ensure a secure fit.

In addition to wearing a knee brace, your dog's activity levels should be reduced to aid in the healing process. Swimming is often recommended as a low-impact form of exercise that can aid in recovery. It is also important to monitor your dog's weight, as obesity can increase the risk of ACL tears and slow down the healing process.

Frequently asked questions