Torn ACL/CCL Treatment for Dogs
In Celebration, FL

You don’t need any formal training or expertise in dog health to watch for signs of a CCL tear.
There are many potential signs that could point to this issue, including the following –

• Limping. This would be one of the most obvious signs that something is wrong – if your dog is limping while just trying to walk around, you’ll want to investigate further to get to the bottom of the problem. While limping can stem from many other issues, such as a problem with a paw, it’s possible that a CCL injury is to blame.
• Swelling. You might not notice this one as readily, unless you are specifically looking for swelling around a knee that you suspect might be injured. Depending on the dog, it can be hard to visually spot swelling, so you might need to gently feel the area around the joint to determine if it is swollen.
• Difficulty getting up. Another way you may be able to determine that your dog has suffered a leg injury is by watching how he or she gets up from laying down. This is a smooth and effortless motion for a healthy dog, so any notable struggle here is a sign of a problem that should be explored further.

This is not an exhaustive list, of course, as there are many other potential signs that could point to a CCL injury. In general, if you notice something is off about your dog’s gait or their general ability to move around, don’t ignore it. Look for answers and help your pet get back on track.

If a CCL tear is diagnosed, one of the options on the table is likely to be surgery. And, indeed, that will be the necessary path in some cases. But don’t assume that is the only option. There are non-surgical treatments available to rehabilitate dogs who have suffered CCL injuries, so they can avoid going under the knife while still recovering nicely.

The treatment plan for each dog will be unique when working with Happy Paws to recover from a CCL injury. There will likely be some activity modification assigned for a period of time and possible natural supplements, while rehabilitation, which may consist of laser therapy, manual therapy, controlled exercises, bracing, and more can be performed to help restore your dog's function. We will work closely with you to determine the needs of your dog and the best path to regain function and reduce or eliminate pain. If you have been considering surgery for your dog in response to this injury, at least reach out to us first to discuss the situation and what we can offer.  And if surgery is the way to go for your dog, we will be there before, during, and after to ensure optimal recovery.

While it might be a little surprising, there are actually some dog breeds that are more likely to experience CCL injuries than others. That doesn’t mean that dogs from other breeds won’t be affected, but it’s worth keeping a closer eye on this possible injury if your dog is from one of the breeds commonly impacted. Specifically, if you own a German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Labrador Retriever, or Newfoundland, be sure to pay careful attention.

Also, it should be noted that dogs who suddenly engage in vigorous, aggressive exercise only periodically – while laying low at home most of the time from day to day – could be at greater risk. And, as you might imagine, dogs who carry too much weight for their size and breed are also at an increased risk of knee injuries.

It’s common for dog owners to have some confusion when talking about CCL and ACL injuries. Both of these terms will be used, and it can be hard to sort it all out if you don’t have any experience in this area. So, we can clear it up for you here and now – in dogs, CCL and ACL refer to the same thing.

CCL stands for Cranial Cruciate Ligament. In people, the ACL is the anterior cruciate ligament, which plays an important role in the knee and is sometimes injured during athletic endeavors.

Basically, you can think of the CCL as the dog’s version of the ACL.

The only reason it is sometimes referred to as an ACL in a dog is to help dog owners get a better understanding of the situation, since that is the human equivalent. But rest assured, no matter which term is used, we are talking about the same thing.

Whether it’s a CCL injury or another issue that you would like to address, you are always welcome to reach out to Happy Paws for help. We will answer your questions and help you understand the treatment options we provide. Rest assured that you will be working with someone who cares as much about the health of your dog as you do, and we’ll work hard to help guide your pet back to optimum health. Thank you for visiting!