Chances are if you have been a pet owner for any length of time, you have experienced a pet with an ACL injury.

Unfortunately, ACL (or CCL) tears are one of the most common injuries a dog will experience today. Like us humans, ACL tears happen and sometimes unexpectedly during routine activities.

How Do Dogs Injure Their ACL?

There are a number of reasons why a dog may rupture their ACL. Repetitive stress is the most common culprit. Many pet owners love throwing a tennis ball for their dog to chase because retrieving is a natural instinct in many canine breeds. However, this repetitive motion and abrupt changes in direction can lead to injuries in the stifle joint over time.

Furthermore, the strain a dog puts on their muscles and joints throughout their lifetime may lead to wear and tear that causes the ligament to give out over time. Many dogs, often your weekend warriors (that aren't properly conditioned), will have a higher injury rate.

There are several common causes and many of them are preventable.

Lack of Sufficient Exercise

Getting plenty of exercise is one of the most effective ways to prevent a torn ACL in dogs. A lack of regular activity can cause your dog to develop loose or weak joints, muscles, and ligaments. Consistent and varied exercise is one of the best ways to prevent ACL tears in dogs.

A Few Extra Pounds

As in people, every extra pound puts four pounds of pressure on the knees. Extra weight makes dogs more susceptible to ACL injuries, leading to more wear and tear on joints and surrounding tissues.

Overexertion

Our busy and active lifestyle here in Colorado can also contribute. We lead busy lives, especially during the week. General inactivity during the week, followed by intense activity on weekends may cause a pet to overdo it and increase the risk for injury.

Treating Dog ACL Tears in Castle Pine, CO

If your dog is limping or is displaying symptoms of an ACL tear, schedule an appointment with us at Animal Care Center of Castle Pines. Our facility has state-of-the-art radiograph machinery that can quickly identify an issue and help us diagnose the specific condition. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment!