X-ray of a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in a dog. Anterior cruciate ligament rupture in a dog. Review of Treatment Methods

A common injury, especially among young and active dogs, is muscle, ligament, and tendon strain. Exercises on the training ground and games with relatives force the pet to show “miracles of plasticity,” which often leads to joint injuries. A sprain in a dog occurs if the pet overestimated its strength and “overloaded” the joint, which was in the most “open” state.

Note! Muscle strain is not accompanied constant pain. The paws hurt when the dog tries to get up after sleep, “dispersing”, the animal behaves normally.

A joint is a part of the skeleton that is responsible for flexion and extension of the limbs and shock absorption. The elastic fibrous tissue of the ligaments consists of many thin fibers and nerve endings that protect the bones from the “shock wave”, for example, when jumping. According to their functional purpose, ligaments are divided into:

Fixing- fastening internal organs in the body cavity.

Guides– set the possible degree and direction of joint movement.

Strengthening and inhibiting– fix the joint, limit the maximum amplitude of flexion and extension, and absorb shock.

Note! Each step of the dog is a body impact on the ground, accompanied by vibration. By shock absorption we mean that the joint and ligaments take on most of the load, protecting internal organs and muscles from vibration.

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When considering limb sprains, the injury is divided into 3 degrees of severity:

Lung– overstrain of the joint, which is accompanied by pain, but does not imply serious injury, maximum – microtear of a few connective tissue fibers.

Average– the integrity of the ligament is not compromised, but numerous fiber breaks are observed.

Heavy– complete rupture of the ligament. It stands out as a separate type of injury and requires specific treatment.

Note! If the limb is very swollen, the dog experiences acute pain; most likely, it is not a sprain.

Types, causes and signs of sprains in dogs

Normally, ligaments and joints must withstand the weight of the dog, jumps, falls, rolls and other active loads. In young puppies, during active growth, the connective tissues do not have time to strengthen and adapt to the weight of the dog. The phenomenon is observed in large puppies with massive joints - Caucasian and Central Asian shepherds, St. Bernards, Great Danes; German shepherds and hunting breeds are also at particular risk. In addition to the abnormally rapid growth rate, possible causes of “weakness” of the ligaments include:

Lack of calcium and other microelements responsible for the regeneration of connective tissues.

Complex trauma – , .

Congenital disorders of bone development. For example, at decorative dogs ligaments are injured due to improper formation of vertebrae cervical spine. Sprained ligaments of the spine are perhaps the most dangerous case, requiring long rehabilitation, wearing a corset and drug treatment.

The most vulnerable places for sprains are the paws, or more precisely, the joints that take part in shock absorption.

Sprained hind leg Most often, the jumping or hip joint suffers. The dog tucks in the injured paw or stands only on its toes.

Cruciate ligament injury (knee)– consists of two crossed flaps of connective tissue. The dog does not rest on its paw; a slight sprain cannot be detected without an x-ray.

Ankle sprain, sometimes described as an elbow injury hind paw. The main symptom is the incorrect placement of the joints of the paws - the hind ones are shifted inward (X-shaped), the front ones, on the contrary, are placed apart.

Metatarsal sprain (wrist)– “favorite” injury of “jumping” dogs. However, a four-legged animal does not have to jump; the pet stumbled, twisted its paw, turned sharply while running and began to limp - this is a sprain.

As for the main causes of dislocations, sprains and ruptures of ligaments, they are for the most part the following:

injury to one of the paws. Such conditions can be accompanied not only by sprains, but also by fractures of the limb;
unbalanced dog diet. This deficit useful substances can cause not only general weakness of the body, but also weakening of the ligamentous system of the limbs;
genetic predisposition or any pathology. This problem especially relevant for those breeds that are distinguished by fairly miniature size indicators;
very sharp weight gain. This problem is typical for those breeds that are distinguished by their large dimensions. As a rule, the pet begins to grow very actively, and the ligamentous system does not have time to get used to such very drastic changes;
obesity;
exorbitant physical exercise on your pet's knee joints. This can happen when a dog begins to play sports very actively, so an unprepared animal can easily either stretch the ligament or tear it.

The duration of the illness may take a certain period of time. Therefore, the most important thing is love and care. The dog senses the mood of its owner and if it feels his support, the recovery process will occur much faster.

The operation of a joint can be compared to a mechanism of two gears, and dislocation is the absence of several “teeth” or a breakage. Joint dislocation is a violation of the conformity and integrity of the articular surfaces of bones.

Classification of dislocations

By etiology:

Congenital - the disorder occurs in the womb and the puppy is born with the pathology. If the puppy is viable, maintenance therapy is carried out, but unfortunately, the chances of recovery are minimal.

Paralytic - occurs due to atrophy of the muscle group that supports the joint.

Pathological – possible due to diseases of the musculoskeletal system, thinning of bone and cartilage tissues.

Traumatic – resulting from a blow, fall, difficulties during childbirth (in puppies).

“Habitual” - once stretched ligaments and muscles can poorly support the joint, which causes repeated dislocations under load.

Complicated - bone displacement affects vital vessels or nerve endings.

Unreducible - all types of old dislocations or in the case of the formation of new tissue between the articular heads.

By recency:

Fresh – less than 3 days passed from the moment of injury to discovery.

Stale – the dislocation is detected after 3–14 days.

Old – the period of injury is more than 14–21 days.

Open - accompanied by rupture of muscles and skin, without fracture.

Closed – the skin and external tissues are not damaged.

By degree:

Complete – divergence of the joint, rupture of the joint “bag”, displacement of the bone.

Incomplete (subluxation)– articular tissues are partially torn, the articular capsule is not damaged, movements are painful, but possible.

Ignoring treatment is dangerous negative consequences for several reasons:

An injured dog experiences pain, which may be accompanied by disobedience or aggression.

The joint will recover in any case, however, an unfixed limb may heal incorrectly, which will disrupt the pace of life of the animal.

In parallel with the dislocation, if left untreated, swelling and inflammation occur, which can subsequently lead to gangrene and loss of the limb.

A severe dislocation is accompanied by rupture of the ligaments, the animal ceases to use the limb, and the muscles atrophy—in fact, paralysis.

Causes of sprains and ligament tears in dogs

Sprains are most often caused by increased activity and mobility of the dog. Adult representatives of the canine family suffer from ligament injuries much less frequently than small fragile puppies. However, not a single animal, even the most experienced and old, is immune from tears and sprains. There may be several reasons for this:

If we talk about small, very young dogs, their bodies grow quite quickly. Weight gain occurs rapidly. At the same time, the puppies are very mobile and clumsy, and their ligaments are still too weak to have time to adapt to the speed changes in the animal’s parameters. Therefore, ligament injuries often occur during vigorous jumping and running, which may be accompanied by falls. Excess weight is also dangerous for mature pets. The first thing that suffers from excess kilograms is the knee tendons;
The cause of sprains in dogs of any age is a lack of vital microelements in the body, in particular calcium;
Ligaments can also stretch after serious damage to a pet’s limbs, fractures or dislocations;
The basis for the breakdown is the dog’s motor activity when overcoming any obstacle by jumping over or when climbing high steps of a ladder;
Also, damage to the ligaments can be a congenital pathology of the puppy.

The greatest danger to the health and life of dogs is dysfunction of the ligamentous elements of the spine. The fibrous tissues connecting the vertebral joints are damaged due to serious injuries spinal column or fractures. In this case, the dog may completely lose mobility, or the body may simply stop performing certain functions.

But most often the paws suffer, and the most common canine ailment is a knee injury. If such a disease is not treated, it can become chronic and lead to a sad consequence - the development of osteoarthritis.

Most often, the first symptom that the owner of a four-legged dog pays attention to is lameness. The paw is intact, there are no cuts or splinters, but the pet reacts sharply to an attempt to feel or change the position of the joint. Possible causes of ligament injuries are:

Excess weight an adult dog, the active growth of a puppy - the connective tissues cannot support the weight of the pet, as a result of which even a light load can cause fiber ruptures.

Age-related degenerative diseases.

Breed characteristics - dogs with an unnatural body constitution are more susceptible to joint problems. For example, new-format German shepherds, dachshunds, and basset hounds have problems with the spine, hip joint and paw ligaments - ailments that accompany pets throughout their lives.

Skeletal deformities due to trauma or congenital abnormalities – miniature dogs, in the stage of active growth, often suffer from sprains or ruptures of vertebral ligaments.

Active loads, without proper preparation, especially jumping. Rupture of the hock joint ligaments is a professional disease of “jumpers”; loads should be increased gradually, even if the dog can clear a 2-meter barrier; training begins with small obstacles. Particular attention must be paid to the loads of a puppy with “not strengthened” wrist joints; rupture of the plantar ligaments leads to sagging of the paw relative to the hand (tarsus drop).

Ligaments strengthen and stabilize joints, and damage to them leads to the development of osteoarthritis - a concept that includes diseases of the joints with their subsequent deformation or destruction.

The severity depends on:

Type of rupture - global or partial, immediate or sequential (re-injury).

Possible abrasion or change in the shape of the joint heads, destruction of the joint capsule, dislocations. A rupture of the cruciate ligament of the knee joint is accompanied by deformation of the meniscus.

The presence of an inflammatory process.

In case of partial rupture, “closed” treatment (without surgery) is used. Despite the severity of the injury, fibrous tissues are characterized by rapid regeneration, provided that the joint is fixed and the dog does not step on the limb.

In veterinary practice, it is customary to take into account the following factors that lead to severe damage to the ligamentous apparatus in dogs:

Injuries of various kinds. A pet falling from a height (especially important for miniature and toy breeds), broken limbs, being hit by a car, unsuccessful jumps are common causes of sprained and ruptured tendons.

Developmental anomalies. Improper formation of the bone structure during the prenatal period leads to excessive load on the fascia as the pet grows.
Obesity. Excess weight of a four-legged friend is fraught not only with problems with the normal functioning of internal organs, but also negatively affects the condition of the musculoskeletal system. Obese animals are more likely to suffer a variety of limb injuries, including sprains and torn ligaments.
Breed predisposition. In recent years, veterinary specialists and experienced breeders have noted a negative trend of increasing pathology of the ligamentous apparatus in representatives of a number of breeds.

Violation of mineral metabolism during the puppy's growth period. Intensive set muscle mass, especially in representatives of large breeds, should be accompanied by the inclusion in the diet of vitamins and minerals that are responsible for the strength and elasticity of muscle and connective fibers. Their absence leads to an imbalance between the development of muscle mass and fascia.

Tendon weakness is caused by a lack of calcium, vitamin D and some microelements.

Degenerative changes in the musculoskeletal system. Diseases such as rickets in at a young age, osteodystrophy in elderly pets is accompanied by destructive changes in the joints. Changes in the anatomical configuration of the vertebrae and large articular formations of the upper and lower extremities due to arthrosis lead to deformation of the structure of the ligaments, loss of their elasticity and rupture.

A common cause of hock tendon rupture in young animals is intense training without preliminary preparation pet. Muscles and tendons that are not warmed up before intense physical activity are subject to constant microtrauma, which is accompanied by stretching and rupture of the fascia.

Older animals are predisposed to the disease, because age-related changes there is a change in the structure of connective tissue. Veterinary experts include metabolic disorders in animals and decreased immunity as provoking factors.

Types of dislocations

Dislocation kneecap in dogs – the most popular injury for active pets. The kneecap has fairly strong protection, the only “ weakness» for impact – side. The injury occurs due to damage to the part of the joint that is responsible for extending the knee - straightening the paw, “pushing out” its own weight.

To alleviate the condition and prevent complications, it is necessary to fix the paw in a relaxed “pose”. If the front paw is injured, use a soft splint; the hind paw is fixed with a long piece of elastic bandage. A dislocated knee joint in dogs is accompanied by severe pain and swelling; try to move the animal as carefully as possible and do not allow the dog to stand on the injured limb.

Dislocation of the hip joint in a dog is the most common “road accident injury.” It can also be caused by a strong blow to the pelvic area, a fall or an unsuccessful jump from a height (especially in small breeds), or a sharp pull on the hind legs (breaking up a fight). The joints of the hind legs are connected to each other by the “round ligament”, which is in constant tension. When a dislocation occurs, the ligament breaks and the leg “falls out” of the hip joint.

In practice, hip dislocation is not easy to determine, so treatment depends on how long ago the injury was:

If a dislocation without complications is “no older than” 5 days, the veterinarian realigns the joint and secures the dog’s pelvis with a special bandage.

If the injury lasts for more than 5 days or fixation does not produce results, surgery is performed. During surgery, two strategies are possible:
- Removal of the femoral head, fixation of the joint and rehabilitation until the “false joint” grows.
- Installation of clamps that hold the head of the joint in the correct position.

A dislocated jaw is not a very common, but dangerous injury, as it can be combined with an extremely painful jaw fracture. Possible causes are a blow or excessive opening of the mouth, most often when chewing moslaks - the chewing teeth get stuck, and the dog, trying to free itself, makes a jerk and injures the joints. Jaw dislocation is divided into:

One-sided - the mouth is slightly open or unnaturally “skewed”, there is a pronounced malocclusion.

Double-sided - the mouth does not close.

The dog must be calmed and taken to the veterinarian. After the joint returns to normal, the dog’s lower jaw is fixed within the acceptable range of mouth opening. The bandage is not removed until the joints are completely fixed; during rehabilitation, the pet will have difficulties with nutrition.

A dislocated tail is a dangerous and painful injury. The tail is not an “appendage” or “process”, but a full-fledged part of the spine - draw your own conclusions. Most often, dislocations and fractures of the tail occur from “great love” - the pet waves its tail so much with joy that it hits it against furniture or a wall. The second option is injury, blow, being pinched by a door and similar troubles.

Do not splint or try to straighten the tail yourself! Also, make sure that the veterinarian is competent; the dog must have an x-ray before making a decision. If blood circulation is not impaired and the pet feels well, the owner is advised to monitor the dog, but no “drastic” measures are taken - intervention in the event of a spinal injury is much more dangerous than a full life with a “crooked” tail. Poor circulation leads to the death of part of the tail; the most reasonable measure is docking to a healthy “section”.

In terms of popularity, extremity injuries “lead”, with 70% of them being ruptures and sprains of the cruciate ligaments of the knee joints. The dog rests on only three paws, and holds the injured limb suspended, slightly bent at the knee. There are several treatment methods, but almost all involve surgery.

Cruciate ligaments (CL) consist of two intertwined flaps fibrous tissue, and one is located from the front of the joint, and the second from the back. If one or both ligaments are damaged, the knee joint actually separates, the bone heads dislodge, rub, become deformed and tear the joint capsule. Prolonged injury leads to deformation of the meniscus, hemorrhage into soft tissues and extensive inflammatory process.

Diagnosis of a knee joint rupture is based on anamnesis, examination of the joint and x-rays, which are prescribed without fail. With a complete rupture, the picture is clear even without a picture, but the veterinarian must make sure that the injury is not complicated by a dislocation.

In veterinary practice, it is customary to distinguish tendon ruptures by their anatomical location. The hip and knee joints are most often affected due to the complexity of their anatomical structure. Depending on the degree of damage, a complete or partial rupture of the fascia is distinguished. The injury can be immediate or gradual. Veterinary specialists also note the presence of damage to the menisci of the joint and an inflammatory reaction.

Anterior cruciate fascia injury

The largest and most complex joint in a dog's body is the knee. It is formed by the femur, tibia and patella. Being a uniaxial structure, the main type of movement of the joint is flexion-extension. It is stabilized by several external and internal fascia. These include the anterior and posterior cruciate, tibial and fibular collateral.

One of the most common surgical ailments in dogs is a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee joint. This tendon is the main stabilizing structure. Anterior cruciate ligament rupture accounts for up to 70% of all knee injuries.

The most common cause of the disease is degenerative processes of the ligamentous apparatus, leading to thinning of the fascia and loss of elasticity. Hip dysplasia and congenital deformities lead to microtraumas, tendon tears, and over time to its complete rupture. In this case, damage to the ligamentous apparatus on both limbs is diagnosed.

A collision with a vehicle can also lead to this pathology. In this case, only one hind limb may be injured.

Hip injury

Veterinarians most often deal with concomitant injuries of the hip joint. In addition to dislocation, the animal is diagnosed with a sprain or rupture of the ligamentous apparatus. A complex joint is formed by external, internal and annular ligaments.

The cause of structural destruction of the fascia of the hip joint is most often the development of dysplasia, ill-chosen intensity of physical activity, and congenital anomalies. Veterinary specialists have traced the breed's predisposition to the disease.

Causes and signs of ligament tears in dogs

Young beautiful dog is a mixture of strength, cheerfulness and energy. This is a hurricane that cannot be stopped. An animal full of freedom is always on the move, but the modern landscape can disrupt the mobility of the pet's ligaments. Learn how to recognize a sprain and help your pet get back on his feet quickly.

What is stretching

A dog sprain is the most common injury in young animals when the puppy overloads a limb.

The pet's paw joint protects the bones from damage, envelops them in elastic fibrous tissue, and is responsible for shock absorption when walking and jumping.

And sudden tension in the ligaments can sometimes cause several fibers to rupture. This is very painful for the animal and is associated with swelling of the ligaments.

The main causes of sprains in dogs:

Limb injury. IN serious cases accompanied by fractures and dislocations of the paws.
Poor nutrition. A lack of calcium and other microelements causes malnutrition of the connective tissue and, as a consequence, weakness of the ligaments.
Genetic abnormalities. Toy breeds of dogs are susceptible to genetic diseases, accompanied by anomalies in the development of the ligamentous apparatus.
Sharp increase in mass. In this case, the ligaments do not have time to adapt to the increasing load. This often occurs during periods of active growth of large dog breeds.
Overweight .
Certain types of loads during the period of active growth. More often, sprains occur when performing exercises to overcome high obstacles and lift an animal up stairs.

A dog's paw sprain is a very unpleasant situation for both the animal and the owner. The pet will need affection and attention. You will also have to slightly remove the dog from intensive training.

Signs and symptoms of a sprain

A sprained ligament in a dog has characteristic symptoms. As a result of injury, fibrous tissue fibers rupture and inflammation begins. Depending on the severity of the damage, there are 3 degrees of rupture:

Easy. It occurs when several fibers are torn and is accompanied by slight pain in the joint.
Average. The integrity of the joint is preserved, but the gaps are significant.
Heavy. Complete ligament rupture. It is often accompanied by dislocations and fractures, and is classified as a separate type of injury.

The main signs of a sprained joint in a dog include:

Lameness. It is difficult for the animal to stand on the injured limb.
Tissue swelling. Swelling appears at the site of injury.
Pain . Upon palpation, the animal twitches and tries to pull out its paw.
Characteristic position of the limb. When a dog sprains, a characteristic symptom will be a suspended position of the damaged paw in a half-bent state. The animal is afraid to step on a limb. In rare cases, you can feel where the fibers are torn.
Temperature increase at the site of damage.
Damage to skin and coat.
Hematoma.

Treating sprains in dogs

When treating sprains in dogs, there are two main points: first aid and primary treatment.

With mild and medium degree severity, treatment of the injury can be carried out at home. But severe injuries will require surgery.

The back legs of dogs are often susceptible to sprains, since they bear the bulk of the load when jumping and running.

Place ice in a bag and apply to the injured limb to relieve swelling.
After 15-20 minutes, remove the cold and apply a tight bandage, securing the limb.
If the animal is suffering greatly, then show it to a specialist. Most likely, his injuries are more serious than they seem.

Now let's look at how to treat a sprain in a dog in the following days:

On the second day after injury, alcohol and warm compresses are desirable.
On the third day, light massage, thermal wraps and paraffin applications are recommended.
On the fourth, use ointments and gels with troxevasin. Phytoelite and Hydrocortisone ointments accelerate healing.

In the first days, monitor the animal’s well-being, pay attention to temperature and injury. The appearance of an abscess or temperature may indicate the presence of an infection.

Another question that worries dog breeders is how long does it take for an injury to go away? Without complications, a dog's sprain completely disappears in 3-5 days.

Muscle strains in dogs are a common pathology of young animals when the joints cannot withstand the stress of training. Choose your training regimen wisely, watch your diet, monitor your dog’s health regularly and you can be proud of your pet.

In the event of a violation of the integrity of the ligaments, the clinical picture of the disease may vary depending on the type of rupture and the degree of inflammation in the joint. Symptoms of the disease also depend on how damaged the menisci are knee joint.

An injured dog with a cruciate ligament rupture experiences severe pain in the knee joint with any movement. In the case of a partial rupture, the animal does not feel severe pain and only limps slightly on the injured limb. Due to the absence of a small number of signs, pet owners confuse a partial tear with a sprain and do not contact a veterinary clinic. But over time, the seemingly smallest gap often leads to disastrous consequences.

If we are talking about a complete rupture of the ligaments, the pet limps heavily or is constantly in a lying position with the paw bent under the body. There may also be a lot of whining from severe pain. A complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in dogs is characterized by acute pain, swelling in the knee joint, and a gradual increase in body temperature. Heat may indicate a progressive infection in the diseased joint.

Cruciate sprain of the ligament fibers is a pathology that has characteristic symptoms. Thus, the condition can be divided into three main types, according to the severity of its course:

Light flow. This condition is characterized by a violation fibrous fabric just in some places. The pain syndrome is very pronounced in the joint area.
Middle current. The ruptures cover almost the entire area of the ligament, but nevertheless the joint retains its integrity.
Severe course. This condition can be localized in both the front and hind limbs. Here there is a complete rupture of the ligament, which can in most cases be accompanied by significant fractures.

As for the main symptoms of these conditions, they are mostly as follows:

the pet begins to limp very intensely due to pain in the ligament and joint area;
there is significant swelling of the limb in the area of the rupture;
upon examination, a very sharp pain is observed, which is why the pet tries to free itself and pull out the diseased limb;
inability to stand on one's paw;
the local temperature at the site of tissue rupture may increase significantly;
a significant hematoma forms;
skin can either remain intact or be significantly disrupted.

One of the telltale signs of fascial injury is weight-bearing lameness in your pet. In this case, the dog tries to transfer the weight of the body to a healthy limb. In severe cases, the animal completely excludes the limb from motor function and holds it suspended. The pet moves in small steps, the gait becomes mincing.

In a sitting position, the owner can observe that the animal puts the affected limb aside. If the dog is forced to stand, then the sore paw rests on the toes, and not on the entire foot.

A rupture of the anterior cruciate fascia due to a knee joint injury is often accompanied by swelling, edema of the damaged area, and an increase in local temperature.

Instability in the joint can manifest itself in the form of a characteristic click when flexing and extending the injured mobile joint. The owner may experience severe pain. The pet does not allow you to touch the sore area, whines, and worries.

Sprain in a dog: signs, symptoms, joint treatment. How long does it take?

What is stretching

It is quite easy to notice a tendon strain. However, the dog may not react immediately after the rupture, and pronounced symptoms of injury will appear much later. About joint injuries, sprains and ligament ruptures in pet indicates the following:

The dog became melancholy, sad, uncommunicative, and less active. Usually in such cases the animal holds the injured limb suspended, tries not to use the affected paw when moving, and limps;
Swelling in the area of the damaged joint, swelling, and pain when touched are detected. Such symptoms may appear only 2 to 3 hours after the injury. If you pay attention to the dog before swelling appears, the presence of ligament rupture can be determined by touch.
There are bruises in the area of injury. Blood during an injury may appear due to the fact that with a strong rupture, nearby blood vessels are damaged along with the ligaments. For this reason, hemorrhage can be observed in the tissues protecting the joints.

If the owners missed the moment of injury to the pet, then the first sign that may indicate this is lameness, the dog becomes in an unusual position.
When a hind leg is dislocated, the animal cannot rise normally from the litter, or it hurts to lie down. At the same time, the dog whines and howls.
Pulls his paw inward and refuses food.
The temperature may rise.
If at least one of the listed signs is present, immediately contact a specialist.

First aid and treatment

Carefully examine the sick animal, make sure that the tissue is not torn and motor function the dog is only slightly limited, but not eliminated. If the hind limbs are damaged, under no circumstances should the dog be allowed to stand on its paws. You should call a doctor and try to calm the patient.
Provide precautions to prevent the dog from biting the doctor - wear a muzzle. It is forbidden to try to do the adjustment yourself. This may provoke internal bleeding or ruptures of tissues and ligaments. If the paw is fixed with an elastic bandage, do not pull it tightly. A soft splint can be applied and secured above the injury.
It is possible to wrap the damaged area with film, then apply several layers of cloth and apply ice.. This will prevent hemorrhage, relieve swelling a little, and eliminate pain. Next, wait for the doctor or take the dog to the clinic. It is necessary to monitor the paw temperature at all times. If it is too cold, loosen the fixation.

Diagnosis of ligament rupture in dogs

A ligament rupture is diagnosed in a clinical setting by a qualified veterinarian. At the first appointment, an anamnesis is taken to determine the clinical picture and an examination of the injured pet is performed. To make an accurate diagnosis, the following diagnostic measures are used:

Calf compression test. The dog is wearing a muzzle. The pet is placed on the couch on its side so that the injured limb is in an extended state. The knee joint is fixed in the desired position and the hock joint is carefully flexed/extended. If the shin moves forward, this indicates a complete rupture of the ligament. Anesthesia is administered before the procedure to relax the muscles.
Cranial tension test. The dog is laid on its side so that the injured paw is on top. The femur and tibia are fixed with the help of hands, and then the tibia is slowly shifted in the cranial direction. Cranial displacement of the tibia relative to the femoral condyles indicates a severe ACL tear. The test is most often performed using sedatives.
X-ray examination. In most cases, the two tests described above are sufficient to determine a ligament rupture. But in order to avoid consequences in the form of inflammatory processes and the development of pathological conditions, x-rays are prescribed. X-ray images can determine the presence of defects on the articular surface of the knee. As a rule, with a complete rupture of the ligaments, pathological changes on the surface of the sesamoid bones, patellas and joint cavities can be seen in the image.
CT scan. If the ligament is severely torn, a CT scan is appropriate. Diagnostic test allows you to study certain changes in the bone structure of the knee joint and identify the presence/absence of osteophytes. Computed tomography, like x-rays, cannot be used as a basis for diagnosis. For an accurate picture, an arthroscopic examination is performed.
Arthroscopy of the knee area. Partial anterior cruciate ligament rupture in large dogs is determined by arthroscopic examination. Diagnostics consists of introducing a device equipped with a microvideo camera into the joint cavity. This method allows you to most effectively and quickly determine the pathological condition of the meniscus and other structures of the knee joint.

All of the methods described above allow you to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.

A qualified doctor may suspect a fascial tear in a dog during a clinical examination. The manipulation is carried out under local anesthesia; in large breeds, general anesthesia. After anesthesia, the doctor performs a series of tests (calf compression test, cranial tension test) to determine the severity of the injury.

Calf Compression TestCranial Tension Test

X-ray examination is prescribed as an additional diagnostic method. It is used to detect the presence of defects in the joint, pathological changes in bone structures, and determine the angular characteristics of the joint. A computed tomography scan can be performed for the same purpose.

Most informative method Diagnosis of fascial damage in an animal is joint arthroscopy. A high-tech study comes down to the introduction of a microvideo camera and visual recording of the pathology.

What is stretching

Young healthy dogs are extremely mobile and this mobility sometimes causes various injuries, in particular, a dislocated paw. A dog’s dislocation occurs as a result of excessive stress on the bones and joints or, for example, due to an unsuccessful “landing” during a jump.

A complete dislocation in a dog occurs when the ends of the bones in the joint are completely separated, and an incomplete dislocation (also called a subluxation) occurs when they partially touch. There are also simple dislocations, which have no associated complications, and complicated dislocations in dogs. With a complicated dislocation, ruptures of the skin, ligaments and blood vessels, as well as fractures inside the joint, are possible.

Symptoms of a dislocation in a dog

Signs of a dislocation in a dog are the animal's squealing, refusal to step on the injured paw, change normal shape joint and unnatural position or different lengths of the limbs. A sprained paw may be longer or, conversely, shorter than a healthy one.

If the dog does not have a dislocation, but only a sprain, then the paw joint does not change its shape, but swells and becomes very painful.

Treatment for a simple dislocation is also simple - you need to put the bones of the joint in place, but for this you need to know how the joint works and be able to do it. The reduced joint is strengthened with a splint for two weeks to avoid repeated dislocations.

It is best to entrust this matter to a veterinarian, and ease the dog’s suffering with the help of painkillers and a cold compress applied to the site of the dislocation.

And, of course, you cannot do without the help of a doctor if the dog’s dislocation is complicated, since in this case sutures and an anti-shock blockade will be required.

If a dog sprains a ligament, apply a wet bandage to the injured area, give it pain relief and provide rest.

Consequences of a dislocation in a dog

A simple dislocation that is corrected correctly has no consequences, but if it is not corrected, the dog’s dislocation becomes chronic and incurable. The same thing can happen if the bones of a joint are put back in place but not secured with a splint or bandage.

A dislocation in a dog is a fairly common injury, but in order to ensure that the animal is spared its consequences, it is strongly recommended that you entrust the treatment of a dislocation in a dog to a veterinarian.

Other TIPS FOR DOG OWNERS and simply USEFUL TIPS

Dogs are cheerful pets. During active play outside or when colliding with an object at home, they are at risk of injury. As a result of a fall from a height, a car accident, or a birth injury, the integrity and conformity of the articular surface of the bones may be disrupted in the dog, in other words, the joint may dislocate.

When to seek help from a veterinarian?

A dislocation in a dog is characterized by an abnormal location of the damaged organ or its separate part in relation to physiological norm. The most common areas that are affected by dislocation are the kneecaps, hip joint, jaw and tail. In each case, the animal behaves differently and different symptoms are observed, indicating damage to one or another organ.

Signs of hip dislocation:

tucking the paw under the body;
swelling on the articular surface;
change in joint shape;
increasing howl;
disobedience.

Symptoms of unilateral jaw dislocation:

a slightly open or unnaturally “skewed” mouth;
malocclusion;
painful sensations in the mouth area;
disobedience.

Signs of bilateral jaw dislocation:

non-closing mouth;
throwing the animal from side to side;
quiet whining;
aggressive behavior.

Symptoms of a luxated kneecap:

swelling and swelling of the knee;
the appearance of a “hanging” paw effect;
the dog constantly lies in one place;
severe pain in the knee area;
aggression.

Signs of a dislocated tail:

curvature of the tail;
dislocation of the tail is characterized by its unnatural position;
unpleasant sensations accompanied by quiet whining;
weakness;
manifestation of aggression towards others.

How to help a dog with a dislocation?

If you discover an injury and the slightest suspicion of a dislocation of a particular joint, first of all, do not panic and calm down. Carefully examine your pet: make sure there are no tissue tears. Give him a drink of clean water - this will help him calm down and show less aggression towards you.

If your dog has injured its knee or hip joint, do everything possible to keep the animal from moving and lying on its side. For your own safety, first put on a muzzle (if it is not a dislocated jaw). In case of severe dislocation, the pet must be transported only on a well-stretched thick blanket or a rigid stretcher.

Do not self-medicate under any circumstances, much less adjust the joint on your own. Call a veterinary surgeon to your home or take the animal to the nearest veterinary clinic.

How are dislocations in dogs diagnosed?

At the clinic, an anamnesis is collected, the animal is examined, the damaged joint is palpated and X-ray examination. Diagnostic measures can determine the presence or absence of a dislocation, as well as exclude or confirm a fracture in a finger, leg or tail.

The results of the x-ray will help determine the degree of violation of the integrity of the articular surface of the bones and prescribe appropriate treatment. In some cases, magnetic resonance or computed tomography may be necessary. This will allow you to more accurately see the clinical picture of the disease.

How are dislocations in dogs treated?

The procedure for treating dislocations is carried out exclusively under general anesthesia. An anesthetic injection is given to completely relax the pet's muscles.

The dislocation is then reduced to return the damaged ligament to its anatomically correct position. After which a special plaster bandage is applied to firmly fix the joint.

The fixing bandage is left in place for up to 3 weeks, depending on the type and degree of dislocation.

After removing the fixing bandage, a course of physiotherapy is carried out, which lasts up to 5 weeks, depending on the speed of the animal’s rehabilitation. For quick recovery, regular walks in the forest, active swimming, physiotherapeutic warming and professional massage are recommended.

What methods of treating dislocations in dogs are more effective?

Today, there are various methods for treating injuries in animals. The method, scheme and how to treat directly depend on the type, type and duration of the violation of the integrity of the joint. Non-surgical treatment is acceptable if less than 24 hours have passed since the dislocation. In other cases, the following methods are used.

Suturing injured ligaments

This method involves open reduction of the damaged joint. The dislocated ligament is subsequently sutured. After the operation, the animal is given rest for up to 2-3 weeks. Properly organized rehabilitation is of great importance. The recovery period lasts on average from a month and depends on various factors (breed, degree of injury, etc.).

Prosthetics

The surgical method involves inserting an implant instead of the injured ligament. The method is most effective for medial luxation of the patella in a dog.

Surgical treatment consists of anatomically correct fixation of the dislocated joint using a special surgical needle.

The pet is at complete rest with a surgical pin in the joint for 2-3 weeks. After complete healing, the wire is removed, and the resulting fibrous tissue provides support for the joint.

Arthroplasty

This complex surgical method can only be performed by a qualified and experienced veterinary surgeon. Its essence lies in the complete destruction of the dislocated bone joint.

On the fifth day after surgery, x-rays and additional diagnostic methods are performed to assess the healing of the joint. The rehabilitation period depends on the weight of the pet.

Thus, dogs with low weight recover faster than large and heavy ones.

Treatment of a sprain in a dog is best done on an outpatient basis under the supervision of an experienced veterinarian, but before you take your animal to the doctor, you should give him first aid.

The owner's first action when a pet's ligaments are sprained or torn should be to apply a cold compress. You need to apply ice to the damaged joint for a while (15–20 minutes), and then secure the injury site tightly with an elastic bandage.

Before applying a bandage, you can apply ointment to the intended site of the tear, but do not rub in the medicine.

After carrying out the above manipulations, you can take your furry pet to the veterinarian. A visit to the doctor is a mandatory procedure. The doctor will be able to determine the degree of damage to the ligaments and prescribe the necessary set of measures to restore the dog’s health.

Specialists at the Profivet clinic will conduct a thorough examination of the pet and, if necessary, perform an x-ray, ultrasound and other types of examinations. The veterinarian will determine the severity of the injury and prescribe appropriate treatment.

With your care, love and compliance with all doctor's instructions, the recovery period will pass unnoticed. Your four-legged friend will quickly recover and will once again stand firmly on all four paws!

Treatment involves a number of therapeutic and health measures: anti-inflammatory therapy, restriction of the pet’s mobility and the use of special dog knee pads.

Anti-inflammatory therapy

Surgical treatment of ligament rupture in dogs

It is not recommended to offer non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to an animal without the advice of a veterinarian. Their incorrect use leads in most cases to severe irritation mucous membrane of the intestines and stomach, and in case of overdose and frequent use - to ulcers and erosions. Use medications only as prescribed by your veterinarian.

Limiting your pet's movements for up to 1 month

If the knee ligament is torn, it will be necessary to take strict measures to limit the movement of the pet. In case of a partial break, walking on a short leash for short distances is allowed. If the ligament is completely torn, the sick pet is kept in a small enclosure to avoid increased activity. The dog is strictly forbidden to make sudden movements, jumps, and even more so, forget about active games for a while.

Using knee pads for pets

This measure is effective only in complex therapy. Properly fixed therapeutic knee pads allow you to provide additional support to the joint during active activities and movements of your pet. It is important to remember that improper fixation can lead to deformation of the knee joint and the development of pathological conditions. Therefore, it is so important to entrust this procedure to professional veterinarians.

Intracapsular method

The use of intracapsular technique allows you to restore the functionality of the knee joint. The essence of the method is to replace the anterior cruciate ligament with a reliable graft. The rehabilitation period lasts differently for all dogs, from 1 month or more. Over time, the graft takes root in the knee joint and represents a healthy ligament.

Extracapsular method

If a dog is diagnosed with a cranial ligament tear on the hind leg, an extracapsular treatment method may be used. Its use allows the knee joint to be stabilized using soft tissue or lateral sutures. The effectiveness of the method has been proven for dogs weighing from 12 to 15 kg. The animal calmly steps on the damaged paw 14 days after the operation.

Osteotomy

The use of this treatment method allows you to correct the anatomical structure of the knee joint and completely restore the functionality of damaged paws. Surgical intervention shown for all types of dogs, from dwarf breeds to the largest pets. The advantage of the method is its high speed and rapid rehabilitation. After the operation, the limb is not fixed with a bandage. The recovery period lasts no more than 1 week.

If your dog is injured, do not delay visiting a veterinarian. Assess the situation soberly, provide first aid if possible, but under no circumstances attempt treatment yourself. Only a veterinarian can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe correct treatment! Remember, the future health of your pet depends only on you!

First aid

To fix the front paw, a flexible base (thin foam rubber or similar material) is used and elastic bandage. It is more problematic to fix a ligament rupture in a dog’s hind leg; the best way is to make sure that the pet is lying in a comfortable position, provide a bowl of water and food, stroke, scratch the side, but ensure complete rest.

Be sure to apply ice wrapped in cellophane and thin non-synthetic fabric (cotton, flannel) to the injured joint; if in a hurry, stuff frozen foods (meat, minced meat, mixed vegetables) into a bag and sock. Cold will stop swelling and relieve pain, but do not overdo it for 15-20 minutes and break for half an hour, then as needed.

Do not give your dog blood thinners (aspirin, analgin) or paracetamol as painkillers. Firstly, paracetamol is poisonous for dogs, and aspirin can cause bleeding, and secondly, by numbing a joint injury, you will be doing your pet a disservice. A dog that is not restrained by pain will lean on the injured limb.

And lastly, do not renounce the operation, relying on your own selfishness, if intervention is really necessary. By “protecting” the dog from the evil surgeon and the scalpel, you are, with a 90% guarantee, dooming the dog to lifelong pain in injured joints. Surgery for a “fresh” injury always gives good prognosis treatment, but if you “pull”, the prospects cease to be “rosy”.

It is almost impossible for the owner to distinguish a sprain from a complete rupture of the ligament. If you suspect that the animal has suffered an injury or a tendon has been affected, it is necessary to competently provide first aid to it. The further prognosis and recovery time of the four-legged friend will depend on the actions of the owner in the first hours of the injury.

Using available materials (a narrow board, thick cardboard), secure the dog’s sore limb in the position in which she holds it.
It is strictly forbidden to straighten, bend or unbend a limb on your own.
If the front paw is injured, foam rubber, a rolled towel or an elastic bandage are used for immobilization.

In the first hours after injury, ice can be applied to the sore spot. The cold can remain on the affected joint for no more than 20 minutes, then a half-hour break should be taken.
Under no circumstances should you give the injured pet any medications, much less painkillers. Feeling better, the animal can cause even more harm to itself.

Consequences of dislocations

By degree:

If no help is taken, the animal experiences severe pain.
The pet is aggressive and stops obeying.
As a result of improper fusion of the articular bones, lameness and abnormal gait develop.
Swelling and development of an inflammatory process are possible, which can lead to gangrene and contribute to amputation of the limb.
If qualified assistance is not provided for a ligament rupture, the functionality of the limb is impaired, the dog cannot rely on it, and experiences constant discomfort or pain.
If the paw is not used for a long time, an atrophic process occurs in the muscles and paralysis occurs.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in dogs is one of the most common pathologies of the knee joint, which inevitably leads to the development of osteoarthritis and lameness in the hind limb.
The main function of the ACL is to provide stability to the knee joint. This ligament has important biomechanical functions: it prevents excessive rotation and forward displacement of the tibia, and also protects the joint from hyperextension.

A little anatomy.

The knee joint is the most complex both anatomically and functionally. Its formation in dogs involves: the lower part, the upper parts of the tibia and fibula, the patella and three sesamoid bones. The knee joint consists of three interconnected joints: the femorofibular joint, the femorofibular joint, and the tibiofibular joint.

Basically, the knee joint is supported by the internal and external collateral ligaments, as well as the anterior and posterior intra-articular cruciate ligaments. The cruciate ligaments are located between the femur and tibia bones, and together they prevent abnormal movement in the joint. When walking, the anterior ligament prevents the lower leg from moving too far forward, and the posterior ligament limits the backward movement of the lower leg.
On the surface of the epiphysis of the tibia (in the cavity of the knee joint) there are two cartilaginous discs - the outer and inner menisci. They protect the articular surfaces from excessive mechanical impact, and also provide more complete articulation of bone structures. When the ACL ruptures, as a result of pathological mobility in the joint, the posterior part of the internal meniscus quite often jams, which leads to its rupture.

Predisposing factors to ACL rupture can be:

excess weight and features of the dog’s constitution;
excess physical activity after prolonged physical inactivity;
deformations in the structure of the knee joint;
luxation of the kneecap or its abnormal position;
disturbances in the anatomy of the hind limb;
hereditary factor.

Dogs with anterior cruciate ligament pathology can be divided into 4 groups depending on the causes of the disease:

1. Rupture due to ligament degeneration in older dogs.

It is most common in animals aged 5-7 years. The disease occurs in any dog, including small breeds (poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, Lhasa Apso, Bichon Frize, Cocker Spaniel).
In large breeds, there is often only a partial rupture of the ligament at first. In this case, lameness appears, which then suddenly intensifies as a partial tear leads to a complete rupture of the ligament. This can happen after a minor injury or during normal physical activity.

In small breeds, the ligament almost always does not tear, but is completely ruptured, which makes diagnosis easier.

With degenerative changes, the ligament becomes less strong, and it ruptures much more easily. The main reasons causing such processes include age, developmental abnormalities (dysplasia) and luxation of the kneecap, as well as a sharp increase in physical activity.

2. Ligament rupture in young dogs.

It is more common in large and giant breed dogs between 6 months and 3 years of age, especially the Rottweiler, Mastiff, St. Bernard, Newfoundland, Labrador, and Boxer. Damage to the cruciate ligament is usually characterized by partial rupture and chronic pathological changes in the joint associated with osteoarthritis. Such “early” degeneration of the ligament can be caused by structural features of the knee joint and the pelvic limb as a whole.

3. Ligament rupture due to inflammation of the knee joint.

Pathological changes in the ACL can occur during infectious inflammation of the knee joint; for example, the course of purulent arthritis can cause melting of the anterior cruciate ligament with the occurrence of its rupture.

4. Rupture due to trauma.

This type of damage is extremely rare. Injury is possible when the ligament is overstretched during joint extension and simultaneous excessive internal rotation of the tibia. Damage may occur when running on hilly terrain and deep snow. In this case, lameness appears suddenly, immediately after exercise.

Clinical signs of anterior cruciate ligament rupture.

The manifestation of symptoms of the disease depends on:

degree of rupture: complete or partial rupture of the ACL;
type of rupture: instantaneous or stage-by-stage;
presence of damage to the menisci of the knee joint;
severity of the inflammatory process in the joint.

When the anterior cruciate ligament is partially torn, stability in the knee joint is usually maintained. There is pain and intermittent claudication. Concomitant injuries to the menisci of the knee joint may occur, and in the future, if left untreated, there is a risk of complete rupture of the ACL. In this case, lameness progresses rapidly.

A complete rupture of the ACL is characterized by the sudden onset of lameness. The dog holds its paw suspended with the knee joint slightly bent. There is a painful swelling in the area of the knee joint. After 7-10 days, the dog begins to use the limb when walking, but when standing, only lightly touches the ground with its toes. A "clicking or crackling" sound may be heard when walking due to the femoral condyles sliding back and forth from their normal position on the menisci. These phenomena indicate functional instability of the knee joint.

Due to impaired support ability, atrophy of the muscles of the hind limb gradually develops.

After 6-8 weeks, it is possible to restore stability in the knee joint, especially in small breeds, this occurs due to thickening and scarring of the joint capsule. Have more large dogs weighing from 10-15 kg, as a rule, varying degrees of lameness remain, due to pathological changes associated with meniscus damage and the development of osteoarthritis.

Quite often, in the presence of internal causes of the disease, in dogs with a unilateral ACL rupture, a ligament rupture occurs on the opposite side within a year and a half.

Diagnostics Anterior cruciate ligament rupture is based on history, clinical examination and radiography of the knee joint area.
When making a diagnosis, complete information about how the injury occurred is important. During the examination, the doctor examines the knee joint for the presence of the anterior drawer sign. In this case, there is pathological mobility in the joint with a displacement of the head of the tibia forward in relation to the femur. For a better examination, especially in large dogs, general anesthesia may be required. If the ACL is partially torn, there may not be a “drawer” symptom. Such cases are characterized by slight, almost imperceptible pathological mobility.

The most accurate method to date for diagnosing damage to the ligamentous apparatus and menisci of the knee joint is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
In certain cases, arthroscopy may be used. This surgical procedure involves inserting a special device with a micro-video camera into the joint cavity. It is indispensable for suspected ACL tears and meniscus injuries.

Differential diagnosis.

A number of knee joint pathologies are clinically similar to ACL rupture. As a rule, they are all accompanied by lameness and pain, but there are differences.

A rupture of the posterior cruciate ligament (rare) is accompanied by a posterior displacement of the tibia relative to the thigh, the so-called “posterior drawer” syndrome. Patella luxation is easily diagnosed by palpation; it is also necessary to exclude other traumatic injuries knee joint. If a tumor process in the knee joint is suspected, X-ray and histological examination will be required.

Treatment.

The main criteria in choosing a treatment method for a cruciate ligament rupture are the following factors:

dog's age;
weight and features of the constitution;
activity level;
degree of pathological joint mobility;
duration of damage.

For dogs of small breeds weighing up to 10-15 kg, when the anterior cruciate ligament is torn, it can be used conservative treatment by limiting exercise with short walks on a leash for 6-8 weeks. You should monitor the animal’s body weight in order to reduce the load on the knee joint. In approximately 85% of cases, satisfactory limb function is restored. In small breeds, lameness may go away permanently. If lameness persists, the dog undergoes surgery.

In dogs weighing more than 15-20 kg, lameness may also temporarily disappear, but after some time it returns due to the development of arthrosis of the knee joint, which will be incurable. Therefore, in large breed dogs, early stifle stabilization is required to reduce the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis.

In order to speed up recovery and improve joint function, surgery can be recommended for almost all animals.

Surgical treatment consists of performing an audit of the knee joint. This will require arthrotomy (opening the joint cavity) or arthroscopy, during which fragments of the ACL will be removed, the menisci will be examined and, if necessary, the damaged part of the meniscus will be removed. To create additional stabilization of the joint, the joint capsule is sutured “overlapping”. In animals weighing less than 25 kg, this method is sufficient to stabilize the joint even without the use of additional fixation methods. Within 2-3 months, due to fibrosis (thickening) of the capsule, stabilization of the knee joint occurs. Depending on the type of surgery, capsule duplication may be performed before or after additional stabilization of the joint.

The methods by which additional stabilization of the knee joint is carried out can be divided into two main groups: intra-articular and extra-articular.

At the core extra-articular The method is to use an implant. It is placed near the start and end of the ACL so that it overlaps the joint and thereby restores stability to the joint. This operation is most often used in small and medium breed dogs with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Another extracapsular technique is triple tibial osteotomy. This is currently the most effective surgery for large and giant breed dogs with angular tibial plateau deformity. After this operation, wearing a fixing bandage is not required.

At intracapsular In operations, the damaged ligament is replaced with a synthetic prosthesis or autograft (own tissue).

IN postoperative period antibiotic therapy is used. To reduce the load on the operated limb in the postoperative period, movements in the knee joint are limited (using a Robert-Johnson bandage).

For symptomatic treatment, your doctor may prescribe analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or hormonal medications. So, for example, with a complete rupture of the ACL, the use of the above drugs will cause a decrease in the pain syndrome, the dog will begin to use the limb more actively, increasing the load on the unstable joint, which will ultimately lead to increased destructive phenomena in it. Chondroprotectors and glucosaminoclycans can only be used to stop degenerative changes in articular cartilage.

Forecast In case of rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, in general, it depends on timely treatment. Long-term instability in the knee joint leads to the development of arthrosis and the establishment of lameness, especially in large animals.

As for the main causes of dislocations, sprains and ruptures of ligaments, they are for the most part the following:

injury to one of the paws. Such conditions can be accompanied not only by sprains, but also by fractures of the limb;
unbalanced dog diet. This deficiency of nutrients can cause not only general weakness of the body, but also weakening of the ligamentous system of the limbs;
genetic predisposition or any pathology. This problem is especially relevant for those breeds that are distinguished by fairly miniature size indicators;
very sharp weight gain. This problem is typical for those breeds that are distinguished by their large dimensions. As a rule, the pet begins to grow very actively, and the ligamentous system does not have time to get used to such very drastic changes;
obesity;
excessive physical stress on the pet’s knee joints. This can happen when a dog begins to play sports very actively, so an unprepared animal can easily either stretch the ligament or tear it.

Causes and signs of ligament tears in dogs

Excess weight of an adult dog, active growth of a puppy - connective tissues cannot support the weight of the pet, as a result of which even a light load can cause fiber ruptures.

Age-related degenerative diseases.

Etiology of ACL rupture in dogs

There are several causes of anterior cruciate ligament rupture, but the most common is degenerative changes in the ligament itself. Due to various predisposing factors, the cruciate ligament becomes thinner, its nutrition is disrupted, the ligament becomes inelastic and any unsuccessful movement of the dog leads to its rupture.

With degenerative changes in the anterior cruciate ligament, its rupture, as a rule, occurs gradually, and clinical signs increase over time. That is, first the dog’s cruciate ligament is torn, and the dog begins to limp, then with a slight jump or playing with other dogs, it completely ruptures with clear clinical manifestations.

As stated above, rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament due to degenerative changes in the ligament itself is the most common cause of rupture in dogs aged 5 to 7 years.

In younger dogs, degenerative changes in the anterior cruciate ligament and its rupture can occur as a result of congenital deformities of the knee joint itself or other pathologies of the pelvic limb, for example, hip dysplasia or luxation of the patella in small breeds of dogs. As a result of improper load on the ligament, it undergoes changes and ruptures.

Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament due to injury to the knee joint practically does not occur in veterinary practice, and if it does occur, it is usually due to severe sprain of the knee joint, for example, during a car injury.

Another cause of anterior cruciate ligament rupture is immune-mediated or infectious inflammatory arthropathy.

Predisposing factors for anterior cruciate ligament rupture may also include excessive slope of the tibial plateau or excessive caudal slope of the superior articular surface of the tibia and stenosis of the intercondylar recess of the femur.

Excessive tilting of the tibial plateau places excessive stress on the cruciate ligament and can cause it to become damaged and rupture.

The theory of insufficient intercondylar recess has its origins in humane medicine. In humans, anterior cruciate ligament rupture can occur as a result of a collision medial surface lateral femoral condyle with cranial cruciate ligament.

In dogs, this theory has reason to exist, since when studying knee joints, scientists in 1994 noted that all studied joints with torn anterior cruciate ligaments had less pronounced intercondylar grooves compared to healthy joints.

Ligament ruptures - types and symptoms

In terms of popularity, extremity injuries “lead”, with 70% of them being ruptures and sprains of the cruciate ligaments of the knee joints. The dog rests on only three paws, and holds the injured limb suspended, slightly bent at the knee.

There are several treatment options, but almost all involve surgery. Moreover, if conservative treatment methods are tried with pets weighing up to 12-15 kilograms, large dogs are operated on immediately, as the likelihood of re-injury is too high.

Cruciate ligaments (CL) consist of two intertwined flaps of fibrous tissue, one located on the front of the joint, and the second on the back. If one or both ligaments are damaged, the knee joint actually separates, the bone heads dislodge, rub, become deformed and tear the joint capsule.

Prolonged injury leads to deformation of the meniscus, hemorrhage into the soft tissues and extensive inflammatory process.

Diagnosis of a knee joint rupture is based on anamnesis, examination of the joint and x-rays, which are prescribed without fail. With a complete rupture, the picture is clear even without a picture, but the veterinarian must make sure that the injury is not complicated by a dislocation.

Clinical signs of ACL rupture in dogs

The most common clinical sign of anterior cruciate ligament rupture is pain when moving the knee joint. With a partial rupture, the pain syndrome may not be very pronounced and the dog will limp slightly on the affected leg.

With a complete rupture, the pain syndrome is more pronounced, the dog experiences severe lameness of the supporting type, or the dog generally loses the ability to use the affected paw and keeps it in a bent state.

When the anterior cruciate ligament ruptures, swelling of the knee joint and increased local temperature may occur. This may be due to infection in the knee joint or secondary inflammation due to instability after rupture.

The presence of instability in the knee joint, this clinical sign usually evaluates veterinary specialist using tests performed on the knee joint. In a complete rupture that has occurred recently, the instability is usually much more pronounced and can be easily assessed by a veterinarian.

Also, instability in the knee joint is well diagnosed in small breeds of dogs and can even be noticed by the dog owners themselves. In large breed dogs, instability after approximately 3-4 weeks may be less pronounced due to the presence of chronic inflammation and peri-articular fibrosis, making diagnosis more difficult.

With a partial rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, instability in the knee joint will not be observed, but pain and lameness will be clinically observed. Swelling of the knee joint is rare.

Partial rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament

Complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament

A clicking sound may also be heard when the knee joint flexes. This clinical sign is observed when the medial meniscus is damaged, when the torn part of the meniscus can bend between the articular surfaces of the medial femoral condyle and the tibial plateau and create a characteristic sound when the knee joint is flexed.

This is not uncommon in large dogs. Damage to the medial meniscus can worsen over time, when the meniscus is rubbed against the articular surfaces and becomes even more unusable.

If the medial meniscus is damaged, then over time arthritic changes will be observed in such a joint, since the meniscus performs very important shock-absorbing functions in the knee joint.

Usually, with a complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, at first the clinical signs will be very pronounced, but over time they begin to subside, and the dog may begin to move on the affected limb and, accordingly, this is not very good for the meniscus. Prescribing painkillers accordingly is also not permissible in order to avoid movement in an unstable joint.

As for long-term clinical signs, this is atrophy of the thigh muscles, arthrosis of the knee joint, which is not uncommon for dogs with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament.

Atrophy of the thigh muscles develops if the dog does not give proper weight to the affected leg, and it can walk on both legs, but try to transfer its body weight to the healthy hind limb. Atrophy can be easily seen by comparing a healthy paw and a diseased one; a paw with a ligament rupture will appear thinner, the muscles will feel flabby and lack normal tone.

It is more difficult to determine atrophy when the anterior cruciate ligaments are torn in both legs, simply due to the impossibility of comparison, but an experienced specialist should be able to cope with this.

With arthrosis of the knee joint with rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, when palpating and flexing the knee joint, crepitus may be felt in the joint itself, the knee joint will be increased in size, especially on the medial side, and contracture may be observed.

Cruciate sprain of the ligament fibers is a pathology that has characteristic symptoms. Thus, the condition can be divided into three main types, according to the severity of its course:

Light flow. This condition is characterized by disruption of fibrous tissue in just a few places. The pain syndrome is very pronounced in the joint area.
Middle current. The ruptures cover almost the entire area of the ligament, but nevertheless the joint retains its integrity.
Heavy current. This condition can be localized in both the front and hind limbs. Here there is a complete rupture of the ligament, which can in most cases be accompanied by significant fractures.

As for the main symptoms of these conditions, they are mostly as follows:

the pet begins to limp very intensely due to pain in the ligament and joint area;
there is significant swelling of the limb in the area of the rupture;
upon examination, a very sharp pain is observed, which is why the pet tries to free itself and pull out the diseased limb;
inability to stand on one's paw;
the local temperature at the site of tissue rupture may increase significantly;
a significant hematoma forms;
the skin can either remain intact or be significantly damaged.

Diagnosis of anterior cruciate ligament rupture in dogs

A torn anterior cruciate can be diagnosed using special tests performed by a veterinarian at an appointment and special diagnostic studies.

Sometimes it makes sense to carry out both tests under anesthesia, especially if you suspect that the rupture occurred a long time ago and there is already arthrosis in the knee joint. When diagnosing old ACL tears, tests may not be very informative and displacements during tests may be insignificant due to the presence of peri-articular fibrosis, so minimal displacement can only be seen in a relaxed joint, so such patients are given a sedative.

If the anterior cruciate ligament is torn, these tests will be negative.

Treatment of cruciate ligament rupture in dogs

The choice of treatment method for a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament depends on various factors, such as the dog’s body weight, the angle of the tibial plateau, how long the disease has been, etc., but in any case everything should be aimed at eliminating pain and improving the dog’s quality of life.

Therapeutic treatment

Limiting the dog's mobility is walking with the animal on a leash or keeping the dog in a small enclosure where active movements are not possible. Accordingly, you need to avoid active games with the dog, various jumps, etc. Restriction of mobility should be carried out for one month, in some cases for a longer period.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Drugs in this group are prescribed to eliminate pain and inflammation in the knee joint.

These NSAIDs are very widely represented on the veterinary market, but in our practice we most often use only a small range of drugs from this group.

For small breeds of dogs we use the following medications:

Loxicom (0.5 mg meloxicam in 1 ml) suspension.
For dogs weighing up to 5 kg. The drug is prescribed on the first day of administration, 0.4 ml per 1 kg of body weight, then 0.2 ml per 1 kg of body weight of the animal, strictly after feeding. Course up to 10 days. The drug can be used for animals from 6 weeks of age.
Previcox 57mg (firocoxib) tablets.
For dogs weighing over 3 kg. The drug is prescribed in a dosage of 5 mg per 1 kg of body weight, strictly after feeding the dog. The drug can be used from 10 weeks of age and if the dog weighs more than 3 kg.

For dogs of larger breeds, we most often use drugs such as:

Previcox 227 mg (firocoxib) tablets.
The drug is prescribed in a dosage of 5 mg per 1 kg of body weight, strictly after feeding the dog. Also, the dosage calculation table is given above.
Rimadyl 20,50,100 mg (carprofen) tablets.
The drug is prescribed in a dosage of 4 mg per 1 kg of body weight, strictly after meals. The drug is not prescribed to dogs under 12 weeks of age.

In progress full recovery first of all, it is very important to highlight that first aid and basic treatment of the pet should be provided in a timely manner.

If the stage is mild or moderate, then the dog can be given injections at home. But, if the most severe stage is observed, then surgery may be required, and its implementation is permissible only in conditions medical institution.

Most often, it is the hind limbs of animals that are exposed to these injuries due to the fact that they bear the main load during running and active games.

Thus, first aid for sprains includes the following urgent measures:

in order to relieve pain as much as possible and relieve swelling, it is necessary to apply an ice pack to the broken ligament;
after fifteen minutes, it is necessary to fix the joint using a tight tourniquet;
If these actions do not bring the expected relief, you should immediately contact a veterinarian. This is due to the fact that the severity of the condition may be greater than it seems at first glance.

It is very important to note that under no circumstances should you use painkillers to relieve your dog’s pain. This is due to the fact that after the pain is relieved, the dog will begin to move very actively, which can adversely affect the course of the sprain.

Thus, after the acute condition is relieved, you can start doing heat compresses every other day.

Here, a consultation with a doctor is required, since a specialist can prescribe your pet to undergo special physiotherapeutic procedures, which is very important for the timely restoration of motor activity of the pet’s limb.

If you suspect a ligament rupture, immediately prepare for the fact that you cannot do without a veterinarian, and the doctor must be a professional. If you have a long journey ahead of you, or the injury occurred at night or in the evening, fix the limb in the position in which the dog is holding it, do not straighten (bend) the paw forcibly.

To fix the front paw, a flexible base (thin foam rubber or similar material) and an elastic bandage are used. It is more problematic to fix a ligament rupture in a dog’s hind leg; the best way is to make sure that the pet is lying in a comfortable position, provide a bowl of water and food, stroke, scratch the side, but ensure complete rest.

Note! If the swelling increases rapidly despite the application of ice, we are talking about hemorrhage or a fracture - you can’t wait!

And lastly, do not renounce the operation, relying on your own selfishness, if intervention is really necessary. By “protecting” the dog from the evil surgeon and the scalpel, you are, with a 90% guarantee, dooming the dog to lifelong pain in injured joints. Surgery for a “fresh” injury always gives a good prognosis for treatment, but if you “pull” it, the prospects are no longer “rosy.”

Prognosis for ACL rupture in dogs

The prognosis for recovery directly depends on the time of treatment after rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament.

A secondary problem after anterior cruciate ligament rupture is damage to the medial meniscus. If the dog has been walking with a tear for a long time, the meniscus injury may worsen and during surgery, the posterior horn of the medial meniscus is most often removed partially or completely.

Removal of the meniscus, chronic inflammation of the knee joint, etc., leads to the development of arthrosis of the knee joint, which in the future will lead to the inability to fully use the paw.

Also with long-term pain syndrome atrophy of the thigh muscles occurs in the dog’s knee joint, which aggravates rehabilitation period after operation.

In conclusion of this article, I would like to note the main recommendation for animal owners - timely seeking help from a veterinarian.

megan92 () 2 weeks ago

Tell me, how does anyone deal with joint pain? My knees hurt terribly ((I take painkillers, but I understand that I am fighting the effect, not the cause...

Daria () 2 weeks ago

I struggled with my painful joints for several years until I read this article by some Chinese doctor. And I forgot about “incurable” joints a long time ago. So it goes

megan92 () 13 days ago

Daria () 12 days ago

megan92, that’s what I wrote in my first comment) I’ll duplicate it just in case - link to professor's article.

Sonya 10 days ago

Isn't this a scam? Why do they sell on the Internet?

julek26 (Tver) 10 days ago

Sonya, what country do you live in?.. They sell it on the Internet because stores and pharmacies charge a brutal markup. In addition, payment is only after receipt, that is, they first looked, checked and only then paid. And now they sell everything on the Internet - from clothes to TVs and furniture.

Editor's response 10 days ago

Sonya, hello. This drug for the treatment of joints is indeed not sold through the pharmacy chain in order to avoid inflated prices. Currently you can only order from Official website. Be healthy!

Sonya 10 days ago

I apologize, I didn’t notice the information about cash on delivery at first. Then everything is fine if payment is made upon receipt. Thank you!!

Margo (Ulyanovsk) 8 days ago

Has anyone tried it? traditional methods joint treatment? Grandma doesn’t trust pills, the poor thing is in pain...

Andrey A week ago

Which ones folk remedies I haven't tried it, nothing helped...

Ekaterina A week ago

I tried drinking a decoction of bay leaves, it didn’t do any good, I just ruined my stomach!! I no longer believe in these folk methods...

Maria 5 days ago

I recently watched a program on Channel One, it was also about this Federal program to combat joint diseases talked. It is also headed by some famous Chinese professor. They say that they have found a way to permanently cure joints and backs, and the state fully finances the treatment for each patient.

Elena (rheumatologist) 6 days ago

Indeed, on this moment There is a program in which every resident of the Russian Federation and the CIS can completely cure diseased joints. And yes, indeed, Professor Park supervises the program.