What is an ACL/CCL Injury?
In humans, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four ligaments that connect the thigh bone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia) and stabilise the knee, preventing excessive bending or rotation of the knee. For dogs, the equivalent of the ACL is the cranial cruciate ligament, or CCL, which connects your dog’s femur to the tibia.
CCL injuries are among the most common orthopaedic issues affecting dogs. It may occur gradually due to various factors that cause incremental damage to the ligament, or suddenly when the ligament is acutely torn or ruptured during activities. Some dog breeds may be at higher risk of CCL injuries than others, warranting frequent check-ups to maintain their well-being.
What Causes a CCL Injury?
There are two primary causes of CCL injury: gradual degeneration of the CCL itself or trauma due to a fall, accident, or other injury.
Degeneration
Age-related wear and tear can cause micro-tears in the CCL, which accumulate over time and may progress to a complete CCL tear. There are also degenerative conditions, such as arthritis, that may silently accelerate this gradual wear and tear. As a result, it can adversely affect your dog’s walking gait, limb flexibility, and overall stability over time, with a risk of ligament rupture if left untreated.
Injury
Trauma can come from significant force exerted on your dog’s legs as they jump, run, or fall, which can strain their knee joint and the surrounding ligaments. There is a risk that the CCL could rupture under such stress, resulting in lameness, limb weakness, and other complications.
Weight
Large breeds (such as Labradors and Rottweilers) may be at risk of CCL injuries due to the extra weight, which places constant pressure on their joints. Poor weight management can also pose a problem, as it contributes to obesity and further increases the risk of higher strain placed on your dog’s joints. Over time, this pressure can wear down the joints and weaken the ligaments, ultimately leading to rupture.
Symptoms of Paralysis in Dogs
If your dog has a CCL injury, you may notice the following signs and symptoms:
- Sudden limping or lameness in the hind limb(s)
- Swelling around the knee
- Stiffness, especially after resting
- Clicking or cracking noises while your dog walks
- Abnormal sitting position
- Loss of interest in their favourite activities
Some dogs with CCL injury may not exhibit any concerning signs until the CCL suddenly tears or ruptures. It is always recommended to see a veterinarian immediately if you are worried about your dog’s condition.
Diagnosing a CCL Injury
When you take your dog to see a vet, the vet will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your dog’s current condition, preferred activities, and other relevant queries to help them make an accurate diagnosis. The vet may need to manipulate the affected limb to determine if there is any laxity or instability in your dog’s knee joint. Imaging tests may also be performed to allow the vet to determine the extent of the CCL injury and whether nearby structures require treatment.
If necessary, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may help visualise ligaments, bones, and other tissues around the knee joint, providing the vet with a clearer view to confirm their diagnosis.
Treating a CCL Injury
Your dog’s treatment plan will depend on the cause of the CCL injury, and your vet will outline what you can expect from the treatment. The primary aim is to restore the knee joint’s stability and function through either nonsurgical or surgical procedures. Your dog will be closely monitored to ensure their comfort and well-being are carefully maintained.
Medications
Your dog may be given various medications to support their recovery and minimise symptoms. Anti-inflammatories and pain relievers are common prescriptions to help ease your dog’s pain and discomfort.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points on a pet’s body. Performed by a qualified, licensed veterinarian, acupuncture sessions aim to provide pain relief and keep your dog calm and relaxed, ensuring their recovery progresses with minimal difficulty. This treatment is sometimes employed as a complementary therapy to support other treatment methods.
Knee Brace
A knee brace is a support device that helps stabilise the knee joint and support the CCL’s gradual recovery, alongside other treatment procedures (if applicable). It limits the knee’s flexion and extension, restricting mobility to facilitate the ligament’s gradual healing.
Canine Rehabilitation
Canine rehabilitation can support your dog’s gradual recovery by managing symptoms, slowing the progression of the injury, and enhancing your dog’s overall strength. Your veterinarian will recommend modalities and gentle exercises tailored to your dog’s current condition and make gradual adjustments as your dog’s CCL heals.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy sessions aim to provide a low-impact environment that supports your dog’s muscle and joint strength and flexibility, thereby reducing the strain on the CCL. Whether hydrotherapy is suitable for your dog’s recovery will depend on their current condition. The intensity and types of hydrotherapy exercises will be tailored according to your dog’s progress to ensure steady, sustainable improvement in managing symptoms related to the CCL injury.
Surgery
For more severe cases, surgery may be considered, or when nonsurgical therapies are unable to treat the CCL injury. Depending on your dog’s condition, the vet may opt to perform a surgical replacement using an artificial implant or to remove the tibial plateau (weight-bearing bone) and rotate it to help stabilise the knee joint. Your veterinarian will provide the relevant information you need to make an informed decision about the surgical treatment your dog requires.
CCL injuries can gradually impact your dog’s overall quality of life without you realising it. Contact Bluewater Vet Acupuncture & Rehabilitation today to schedule regular health assessments for your dog and stay on top of their well-being.