A dog with a torn ACL typically walks with a noticeable limp, often holding the affected hind leg up or just touching the toes to the ground (toe-touching), avoiding full weight-bearing due to pain and instability, exhibiting awkwardness, stiffness, swelling around the knee, and difficulty with stairs or jumping, with the severity depending on whether the tear is partial or complete.

Can a dog walk normally with a torn ACL?

Ans: Yes, many dogs can still walk with a torn ACL, but they often limp or avoid putting full weight on the leg. Walking does not mean the injury is mild. Q2: What does a torn ACL limp look like? Ans: Dogs often toe-touch, favor one leg, or shift weight to the opposite side.

How do I tell if my dog has a torn ACL?

Symptoms of a torn ACL (or CCL, cranial cruciate ligament) in dogs include sudden or gradual limping, refusing to bear weight on a hind leg, holding the leg up, "toe-touching," stiffness, swelling around the knee, difficulty jumping or rising, and sitting with the leg extended sideways. An audible "pop" or "click" during activity can also signal a tear, with severe cases involving constant lameness.
 

How long will a dog limp with a torn ACL?

Without surgery, the lameness caused by a partially torn or ruptured ACL will improve or go away completely in many dogs, especially small ones. You can expect this to happen within three to six weeks. That doesn't mean sit around and let your dog suffer for a month and a half. They still need special care from you.

Does a dog's ACL hurt if it is torn all the way through?

The CCL is the canine equivalent of the human ACL. It stabilizes the knee by preventing the tibia (shin bone) from sliding forward beneath the femur (thigh bone). When the ligament tears—whether partially or completely—your dog will experience pain, inflammation, and instability in the affected leg.

5 Steps to Healing Your Dog's ACL Injury WITHOUT Surgery

What can be mistaken for an ACL tear in dogs?

The dog equivalent of a human ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear is a Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) tear, also known as Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease (CCLD) or Rupture (CCLR), which is a very common injury in dogs, causing hind leg lameness, pain, and long-term arthritis, often resulting from degeneration rather than acute trauma like in humans.

Can a dog's torn ACL heal without surgery?

Yes, a dog's torn ACL can heal without surgery, especially for small dogs or partial tears, through conservative management like strict rest, activity modification, physical therapy, bracing, anti-inflammatory meds, and weight control; however, surgery often provides better long-term stability and function, particularly for larger, active dogs, as non-surgical recovery might lead to chronic issues like arthritis. A vet must diagnose the tear and determine the best approach based on your dog's size, age, and activity level.
 

How to tell if a dog has a sprained or broken leg?

You can suspect a broken leg if there's severe swelling, an abnormal bend, an open wound, or the dog can't put any weight on it, while a sprain often involves limping but allows some weight-bearing; however, only a vet can accurately diagnose a fracture with X-rays, so see a veterinarian immediately for any significant leg injury to prevent further damage.

What breeds are prone to ACL tears?

The dog breeds on the following list are some of the most prone to ACL tears:

• Bichon Frises — This breed's playful demeanor can lead to a luxating patella, also known as a slipped kneecap. ...
• German Shepards — These dogs are very active, have large frames, and are prone to hip dysplasia.

How does a vet check for a torn ACL?

This includes checking for lameness, stiffness, and difficulty in bearing weight on the affected leg, which are clear indicators of an ACL tear in dogs. To confirm the diagnosis, we may recommend diagnostic tests such as X-rays to rule out other conditions, although X-rays might not always show a torn ACL clearly.

How much does dog ACL surgery cost?

Dog ACL (CCL) surgery costs typically range from $1,500 to $7,000+, depending heavily on the surgical method (Lateral Suture is cheaper, while TPLO or TTA are more costly), your dog's size, location, and added expenses like diagnostics, medication, and rehab, with advanced procedures costing $3,000-$6,000+ for better long-term results.
 

Would my dog be crying if he tore his ACL?

Classic Signs of ACL Rupture

ACL tears present distinctive symptoms that differentiate them from minor injuries: Sudden lameness – Dogs typically cry out during the injury, immediately refusing to bear weight on the affected leg.

What happens if I don't fix my dog's ACL tear?

Your dog will begin favoring the non-injured leg. While the injured knee is becoming less and less used because of the partial tearing, additional pressure is put on the other knee. This is one reason why in 60% of cases, a cruciate ligament tear in one knee will later lead to an injury of the other knee.

How does a dog act with a sprained leg?

Symptoms of Sprains in Dogs

Signs of pain and sensitivity like yelping, whimpering, or sensitivity to touch. A sudden decrease in your dog's activity level. Stiffness or difficulty moving.

Can a dog still walk with a pulled muscle?

The first thing to do is lessen their activity to allow your dog time to heal and prevent further injury. For example, keep them leashed when walking outside and ensure they walk slowly. If they are the type to jump from couches, chairs, and beds, it's best to fully prevent them from this high impact activity.

What are the signs of a dog ACL sprain?

Symptoms of CL injuries in dogs include stiffness, difficulty rising from the floor, struggling to jump onto furniture or climb stairs, hind less lameness, and limping. Continued activity on a mildly injured leg will cause the injury to worsen and symptoms to become more pronounced.

Will a brace help a dog with a torn ACL?

A torn anterior cruciate ligament can severely impact your dog's mobility and quality of life. Fortunately, a dog stifle or knee brace can be an effective solution to support your pet during the healing process.

Did my dog tear his ACL?

ACL Tear: Dogs may refuse to put weight on the affected leg entirely or shift weight awkwardly. The limp is usually sudden and severe. Sprain: Limping may be mild, and dogs may still walk or even run, albeit cautiously.

What are three signs of an ACL tear?

Common ACL tear symptoms include:

• Feeling or hearing a pop in the knee.
• Severe pain, instability, and swelling in your knee.
• Being unable to bend and move your knee either fully or partially.
• Inability to stand up and hold your weight.

How long does a dog leg sprain last?

The good news is that most sprains heal within a few days to a few weeks, depending on how serious the problem is. Focusing on your dog's sprained leg recovery time is important, but so is making them feel comfortable during the healing process. With the right care, your pup will be back on their feet in no time.

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