Recovering from ACL Dog Surgery: 5 Key Tips

ACL dog surgery may be necessary if your dog suffers a ruptured or torn ACL ligament. Without the surgery, degenerative arthritis can occur in the injured knee.

Symptoms of a Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament

If your dog injures his ACL ligament, he may appear lame. The knee may swell. Your dog may refuse to place weight on the foot.

Diagnosis of ACL Injury

Your vet will diagnose ACL injury by examining your dog's knee. If your dog's pain is severe, your vet may use sedatives to relax the muscles and ease the examination process.

Recovery From ACL Dog Surgery

Following ACL dog surgery, your dog should be confined for two weeks so that he cannot walk on the injured leg. By the tenth day after ACL dog surgery, your dog may begin to put weight on the leg. To avoid further injury until the recovery process is complete, follow these tips.

1. Walk your dog on a leash only for four to six weeks. 2. Keep your dog quiet and confined for eight to twelve weeks. 3. Controlled amounts of swimming and walking can help your dog recover. Exercise during the recovery process helps your dog learn to use the injured leg again, and prevents injury of the opposite leg. 4. Overweight dogs should be placed on a diet. Extra body weight places unneccessary strain on your dog's joints. 5. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may be used to relieve pain and swelling in your dog's injured knee.

 

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