Long-term success varies in dogs of different sizes and activity levels. It can also be less expensive than other methods for repairing a torn ACL in dogs. This surgery is relatively short and straightforward with a good success rate in smaller dogs. The suture will then begin to loosen or even break. The suture must stay intact for 8-12 weeks in order for the ACL injury to heal. The suture pulls the joint tight and helps to stabilize the knee, preventing the front-to-back sliding of the femur and tibia while the ACL heals and the muscles surrounding the knee strengthen. The forward thrust movement occurs because the top of the tibia is sloped, and the dog's injured ACL which normally opposes the forward force, is no longer able to prevent this incorrect movement.Įxtracapsular Lateral Suture Stabilization corrects tibia thrust by “anchoring” the tibia to the femur with a surgically placed suture. Tibial thrust is caused by the transmission of weight up the tibia and across the knee, causing the tibia to “thrust” forward relative to the femur.
This surgical treatment for a torn ACL in dogs works by counteracting 'tibial thrust' (the sliding forward of the dog's tibia) with a suture. Surgical treatments for ACL injuries in dogs include: Extracapsular Lateral Suture Stabilization - ELSS / ECLS This movement is known as a 'positive drawer sign' results in knee instability which could cause to damage to the cartilage and surrounding bones, or possibly lead to osteoarthritis. If your dog's ACL is torn or injured, the tibia (lower leg bone) slides forward in relation to the femur (thigh bone). If left untreated, it can not only cause your dog a great deal of pain but it can also cause injury in the other back leg due to overcompensating for the injury. If you suspect that your dog has an injured ACL it is important to see a vet and have the condition diagnosed and treated quickly. If your dog has injured their ACL you will start to notice limping originating in their hind legs, experiencing stiffness following exercise, and will likely have difficulties standing up off of the floor or jumping. What are the signs that my dog has injured their ACL?ĭogs with an ACL injury cannot walk normally and experience pain. You may never know when your dog has begun to develop an ACL injury, but through continual exercise, symptoms will begin mild but gradually become more noticeable and painful for your dog. The onset of dog ACL injuries is typically gradual, and become progressively worse with activity. Dogs also have this connective tissue joining their tibia and femur however, in dogs it's called the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL).ĭespite the fact that a human ACL and a dog's CCL function somewhat differently, pet owners and vets will often refer to the dog's cranial cruciate ligament as ACL, CCL or 'cruciate' interchangeably. In the human knee, there is a thin piece of connective tissue called the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) which connects the lower leg bone (tibia) to the upper leg bone (femur) and helps the knee maintain proper function.
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