The dog equivalent of a human ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear is a Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) tear or rupture, also called Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease (CCLD). Like the human ACL, the CCL stabilizes the knee, but in dogs, it's often a slow, degenerative process leading to instability, pain, limping, and arthritis, rather than sudden trauma.

What can mimic an ACL tear?

Some other things that could mimic an ACL injury could be a fracture (broken bone), dislocation, meniscus tear, cartilage injury, or another ligament injury. If this type of injury occurs, you should seek immediate medical attention for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

How do I tell if my dog tore his 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.
 

Can a dog walk on a partially 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.

How do you tell the difference between a dog's ACL tear and a sprain?

Q2: How can I tell if my dog tore their ACL or just sprained it? A: ACL tears cause immediate non-weight bearing lameness with significant swelling and a positive drawer sign. Sprains show gradual onset, partial weight bearing, and improvement within 48 hours of rest.

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

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.

What test confirms an ACL tear?

The Lachman test is a specific clinical exam technique used to evaluate patients with a suspected anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The test relies on proper positioning and technique and is regarded as the most sensitive and specific test for diagnosing acute ACL injuries.

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.

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 much does ACL surgery cost for dogs?

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?

True traumatic ACL rupture is rare in dogs. We know when it happens because affected dogs display overt signs of pain. The commonest form of canine ACL injury is gradual degeneration. Affected dogs rarely scream, yelp or whine.

How to check a dog's ACL at home?

A quick and easy test you can perform at home is asking your dog to sit as squarely as possible. A healthy dog should be able to bend both knees equally and sit square, while a dog with a stifle injury will often extend the affected leg out to the side because it hurts to bend the knee.

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.

Can an ACL tear be misdiagnosed?

However, it's common for physicians unfamiliar with ACL injuries to misdiagnose them. This can result in overdiagnosis, where the patient receives unnecessary treatment that can actually cause more harm, or a missed diagnosis, where the ACL is left torn, making it prone to further damage.

How to tell if an ACL is torn without MRI?

Common symptoms of a torn ACL include a popping sound at the time of injury, knee pain, swelling and knee instability, especially during weight-bearing activity.

Can a dog live comfortably with a torn ACL?

Brumett said dogs who have a cruciate ligament rupture but don't have surgery, rehab, or bracing can develop some level of stability on their own in 6 to 12 months—and these dogs are typically comfortable walking, running, or jumping. With a brace, a dog can be back out playing in just a few weeks.

What is the alternative treatment for a torn ACL in a dog?

Dog ACL Surgery Alternatives

In addition to the Ortho Dog dog ACL brace, there is a range of other conservative treatment modalities. Acupuncture, supplements (fish oil, turmeric, and glucosamine), swimming, and massage can also aid in your dog's recovery from a CCL tear.

How to tell if a dog hurts its 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.
 

What are the alternatives to surgery for ACL tears?

Whereas Grade 1 and 2 tears usually don't require surgery, surgery is more common for Grade 3 tears. Alternatives to ACL surgery can include physical therapy, using a brace, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and stem cell therapy.

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.

What is the ant drawer test for knee?

What is the anterior drawer test? The anterior drawer test is a set of knee and lower leg movements healthcare providers use to diagnose ACL tears. You'll lie on your back and your provider will move your lower leg to check how far your knee moves. The test is part of an in-office physical exam.

What happens if an ACL tear is untreated?

If an ACL tear is left untreated, it can cause future injuries such as: Meniscal injury. Knee instability. Damage to surrounding cartilage.

---