The dog anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a thin connective tissue in the middle of our knees which connects the lower leg bone to the upper leg bone.
In dogs we call this connective tissue is called the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL). As with a person's ACL, the CCL connects the dog's tibia (bone below the knee) to their femur (bone above the knee).
When people find out their dog has a torn ACL, many ask the question – can a dog recover from a torn ACL without surgery? The answer, as with many things in life, is it depends. There are certainly cases where dogs have healed naturally from torn ACLs, but there’s a right way to go about it and a wrong way.
Here's something you need to know about whether it’s possible for a dog to heal naturally after a torn ACL.
Can Heal a Dog's ACL without Surgery?
Yes, it’s possible for a dog to recover from an ACL tear without surgery. Dogs without treatment or surgical intervention will adapt over time. Over the next few months after the injury, their body will begin to heal and adjust on its own. Without surgery, the lameness caused by a partially torn or ruptured ACL will improve or go away completely in many dogs, especially small ones.
Treating an ACL injury with a knee brace is a non-surgical option that may help to stabilize the knee joint, and give the ligament time to scar over and repair itself.
LOVEPLUSPET brace has different design to satisfies your needs.
Hinged Dog Leg Brace
- With hinged metal splint for dogs to provide support.
- Adjustable Velcro.
- High-quality Neoprene material keeps knees warm
Dog Torn Acl Brace
- Keep mobility
- The special design of the hinge, providing strong support
- speed up the muscles healing process
Dog Knee Support Brace
- Soft and durable material
- Elastic fixing strap connects the collar from the rear leg brace.
- Protect the wound after surgery
5 Tips To Help a Dog Recover from a Torn ACL Without Surgery
1. Weight control
Weight control is extremely important because it will help take pressure off their knee. While it’s important to give them time to heal without putting excessive strain on their knee, once they’ve healed and mobility has started to come back, it’s important to keep them at a healthy weight.
2. Less stair climbing and jumping
While it’s important for them to get some exercise, too much jumping and climbing stairs can put a lot of strain on their knee which will delay healing and cause them further pain. You’ll want to limit the amount of stair climbing and jumping (on people as well as on and off of furniture) your dog does to ensure they don’t further injure themselves.
3. Knee brace
As previously mentioned, a custom-fit knee brace is a good way to help support their injured knee and give it stability while they’re healing. Knee braces help keep their knee and surrounding joints in place while their body does the ‘heavy lifting’ and heals itself.
4. Joint relief supplements
There are also joint supplements available that contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help to lubricate and protect their joints as they age. These supplements can be added to their food or given to them in pill form
5. Pain killers
Pain killers can also be given if you notice your dog is in a great deal of discomfort/pain. As with any medication, you’ll want to talk to your vet first and make sure it’s okay for your dog to take and that they don’t have any allergies.
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