One of the most common knee injuries in dogs is a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Not only is this injury very painful, but it's also a well-known cause of knee arthritis in dogs, which is why many pet parents choose to have it surgically repaired. Proper torn ACL home treatment is as important to a good recovery as the surgery itself. If you find yourself in this situation, here is what you can expect from dog ACL surgery recovery.
What Is ACL Surgery?
Dogs have cruciate ligaments inside their knees that help with stabilization. If your dog starts limping on one hind leg, it's possible that they've torn the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), which is very similar to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in human beings. An unstable knee creates inflammation, which leads to pain, reduced mobility and early onset arthritis.
Surgery for torn ACLs in dogs is aimed toward stabilizing the knee to reduce pain and slow down the development of arthritis in the knee. There are a couple of different surgical procedures used to repair ACLs in dogs, some of which can only be performed by a board certified veterinary surgeon. Your veterinarian will advise you on what is best for your dog.
Dog ACL Surgery Recovery Tips
Helping your dog through the recovery period is as important to successful healing as the actual surgery. In general, dog ACL surgery recovery takes about six months. During that time, it's vital to keep the following action items in mind.
1. Restrict Exercise
Restricting your pup's movements is critical to dog ACL surgery recovery. You will likely get a couple of pages of discharge instructions from your surgeon that give you specifics, some of which may include:
- Resting as much as possible following surgery for a minimum of four weeks.
- Leashed walking for ten to fifteen minutes and for bathroom breaks only.
- No running, jumping or climbing stairs. Some dogs may need support to get up. You can use a towel as a sling under your dog's belly to help them up.
- Lengthening walks by adding five minutes after four weeks. Just remember to keep your dog away from stairs or hills.
- Extending walks to 30 minutes after six weeks, and incorporating gentle inclines — still no running, jumping or unleashed walks.
Adjustments in exercise restriction will be determined by periodic checkup appointments after surgery to assess how your dog's knee is healing. If your pup is healing quickly they may be able to increase their activity level sooner. If, on the other hand, your pup is taking a little extra time to heal up your vet may advise taking things slower to try reduce the risk of post-operative complications. Regardless, your vet will advise you on how to safely add more exercise to your dog's routine. If you have a hard time keeping your dog quiet during recovery, ask your vet for sedative or calming medications.
2. Monitor Implants
All ACL surgeries require some sort of implant in the knee, and it's important to monitor your dog's surgical site for any signs of implant complications. Signs that there is a complication include:
- Excessive swelling
- Redness
- Pain
- Heat
- Discharge or odor from the surgical site
Dogs are usually sent home with a bandage after surgery to provide compression and support to the knee. It's also important that they wear an E-collar at all times to prevent them from licking the surgical site.
3. Keep All Follow-Up Appointments
Your vet will want to see your dog for follow-up appointments, usually two weeks after surgery, four weeks after surgery and eight weeks after surgery. During these appointments your vet will examine the surgical site, ask you questions about how your dog is doing, remove stitches or staples and take follow-up X-rays to make sure the knee is healing well. Make sure to keep all your dog's follow-up appointments to ensure successful healing and return to function.
Tasty Tips
4. Administer Medications for Pain Control
Knee surgery is painful! Your vet will prescribe pain medications that can include non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Your dog may also receive pain medication through a skin patch. You can provide your dog extra comfort by using cold compresses on the knee immediately following surgery to reduce swelling, and by making sure your dog has a thick orthopedic bed to rest and recover on.
5. Consider Rehabilitation Options
Getting your dog started on rehabilitation exercises is another critical part of recovery. Your dog will need to rebuild strength and mobility, and working with a vet trained in rehabilitation can help guide you through this process. Otherwise, your vet will give you exercises to do with your dog at home. Follow all instructions to the letter for best results.
6. Manage Their Nutritional Needs
Excess weight is a known risk for causing ACL tears in dogs. Additionally, it is not uncommon for dogs that experience an ACL tear in one knee to eventually end up with a similar injury in their other knee. While your dog is recovering, they will be burning less calories and may gain weight if you aren't correctly controlling their calorie intake. Weight gain puts added stress and strain on your dog's joints and puts them at risk for other diseases as well. Talk with your vet about how much to feed your dog during recovery. In addition, even after a repair, dogs with torn ACLs are at higher risk for arthritis in the affected joint. Offering a food that can manage both weight and provide joint support is an excellent way to support your dog nutritionally while also helping protect their remaining healthy knee.
Following all your vet's instructions for a dog torn ACL home treatment is critical to a successful recovery. Protect your investment in the surgery and give your dog the best chance at a full recovery by knowing what to expect when your dog has ACL surgery.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Large Breed Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Fewer calories for less active large breed dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Tailored nutrition for Small & Mini dogs with our special antioxidant blend for lifelong immune support
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight & Joint Support Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs.
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée
Beef & Barley Entrée with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Small Bites Chicken, Whole Oats & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+. Delicious food in a small bite size
Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports healthy joints, immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Turkey & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Turkey & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to support mobility and muscle mass for older dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Large Breed Chicken Meal, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day one
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Pollock Meal & Insect Recipe Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Chicken, Whole Oats & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small Bites Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. Delicious food in a small bite size.
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Small Bites Chicken, Brown Rice & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome. Delicious food in a small bite size
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Small Bites with Chicken Meal & Barley Dog Food
18% lower calories vs. Science Diet Adult
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Related articles
"Why Is My Dog Constipated?" and Other Gastrointestinal Questions
Wondering why your dog is constipated? Or why he has diarrhea? Learn more about these common gastro issues in dogs, and tips for managing them at home.
Caring For a Dog with Sensitive Skin
Learn how dogs with sensitive skin can have special dietary needs, how they can develop over time in a healthy dog, and how Hill's dog food can help.
How to Handle Dogs Who are Picky Eaters
You feed tasty and nutritious dog food, yet your dog only sniffs and licks at it. It’s time for the next meal, but the previous meal still isn’t finished. You might have a finicky dog!
What Does My Puppy's Behavior Mean?
Learn how to read your puppy's body language to better understand his wants and needs and provide him with the best care possible.
Dealing With a Dog Peeing on the Lawn
Discover why dead spots in your green lawn could be caused by dog urine, and learn steps you can take for getting your lawn (& dog) back into shape.
Common Dog Behaviors Explained & the Meaning Behind Their Moods
Learn what types of dog behavior mean for your best buddy's health and well-being. Once you notice his signals and moods, you'll know how to help him.
Can Your Dog Smile At You?
It may look like your dog is grinning, but can dogs smile for real? Learn about their facial expressions & whether their face can actually show happiness.
Facial Paralysis in Dogs: Is Your Pup Looking Droopy?
Learn how to recognize the signs of facial paralysis in dogs, understand its causes and how the condition can be managed with the help of your vet.
Does My Dog Like to be Petted?
Does your dog really like to be petted? Learn the best spots to pet a dog, especially for new puppy owners, as well as areas to avoid when petting.
Dogs & Table Food: Why to Avoid Feeding Them Scraps
While feeding your dog table food or scraps might seem innocent, it can actually be harmful for them. Learn reasons to avoid feeding scraps to your pup.
Helping Your Puppy Behave While Eating
Learn how to help your puppy learn good behaviors by starting with proper table manners. Follow these helpful feeding tips.
Teaching Your Dog to Fetch
Discover easy and effective methods for teaching your dog to play fetch, including commands to use and how rewards can help him learn the game.
Understanding Dog Panting: When Should You Worry?
Learn more about dog panting, what's considered normal panting & heavy breathing, and when heavy dog breathing requires medical attention.
Worms in Dog Poop: Signs, Treatment Options & Prevention
Learn how to identify different types of worms in your dog's poop, how worms can affect their health & what vets may recommend for treatment & prevention.
Are Dogs Really Color Blind?
Are you wondering if dogs really are color blind? Get the scoop on which colors your dog can actually see and which ones should catch his attention.
Why Do Dogs Howl?
Learn some possible reasons for your dog's howling, which breeds are most active howlers, and some training tips for getting them to stop.
Why Is My Dog's Muzzle Hair Turning Gray?
Learn why your dog's muzzle might be going gray earlier than expected, including whether it's just a sign of aging, stress, or an underlying health issue.
Typical Health Problems in Small Breed Dogs
If you've recently adopted a small dog, learn some health issues that commonly affect smaller breeds, from tracheal breathing issues to knee displacement.
Why Does My Dog Eat Grass?
Your dog is a descendent of the mighty wolf, a noble hunter and confirmed carnivore. You feed him meals of the best possible quality, so why does he insist on eating grass?
Dealing With Dog Mange
Learn about the skin condition called dog mange: what it is, how to spot the symptoms, and treatments for both Demodectic & Sarcoptic types of the disease.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.