When to Put a Dog Down with Torn ACL?

It’s no secret that dogs are very playful. They like to stay active, run, jump, and have fun all the time. And with all this excessive running and playing, dogs sometimes end up hurting themselves.

Below you’ll be reading about a medical condition found in dogs known as torn ACL, along with the answer to the question: when to put a dog down with torn ACL?

As a dog owner, it’s your responsibility to make sure that your dog is healthy and happy. But it can get a little complicated since dogs can’t speak, and sometimes it’s hard for us to understand what they’re trying to indicate.

That is why it is important to always keep an eye on your canine friend and look out for any unusual movements.

When to Put a Dog Down with Torn ACL: A Complete Guide

To euthanize a dog with torn ACL is not an easy decision. The simple solution to this problem is ACL surgery. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford it.

So if a dog owner doesn’t have that kind of money, or the right insurance for their pet dog, euthanizing the dog is the most humane decision that can be made. There are some substitute treatments available but the amount of pain your dog will suffer is just not worth it.

What Is a Torn ACL in Canines?

ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is a condition that affects a dog’s hind legs. The hind legs of your dog include their knees. And ACLs are located somewhere between the top bone (femur) and the bottom bone (tibia).

ACL is basically a ligament, it is located on the outer part of a dog’s knees, to help them move around.  And needless to say, a torn ACL means that the ligament on the anterior part of the dog’s knee got torn/injured.

Torn ACL can be a result of excessive weight, sudden change in direction while running which can cause the knee to twist, forcing the ACL to be damaged, hyperextensions, and in most cases, bad breeding.

A torn ACL can cause a dog to experience extreme pain. It may even not be able to walk or run properly. If you notice something like this going on with your pet dog, immediately take that little fella to the vet. If not treated, ACL injuries can cause further spinal issues.

While surgery is necessary to cure torn ACL. There are other treatments available as well which can at least reduce your furry friend’s pain.

But sometimes surgeries and other treatments turn out to be unsuccessful, and sadly this is where the question: when to put a dog down with a torn ACL?

What Are The Symptoms of Torn ACL?

The symptoms of torn ACL depend on the fact that whether it’s a major sprain or a minor sprain.

Minor sprains aren’t so concerning, but they still cause a lot of discomfort and sometimes limping. However, minor sprains tend to self-heal. This means that they heal themselves in a week, or two with a visible reduction in the daily activity of your pet dog.

But when it comes to major sprains, things get serious. In cases, dogs tear their ACL so badly that they can’t even walk properly, let alone running or jumping.

Other symptoms of an injured ACL include immobility, redness, swelling, not being able to sit properly, instability, walking gait, stiffness, and so on.

Also read:

• Dried Dead Ticks On Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide
• Why Do Dogs Arch Their Back? Unknown Revelation

Are Some Dog Breeds Prone to ACL Injuries?

Deciding to euthanize a dog with torn ACL also depends on the age and breed of your pet dog. For example, big dog breeds are way more prone to torn ACLs than smaller dog breeds. Because when a big dog is suffering an ACL injury, it’s hard for it not to put its weight on the affected leg. Not letting the affected leg rest can result in the situation getting worse.

And without any proper treatment, or the surgical process, your dog will suffer way more than you can imagine, which later leads to the vet asking you the question: when to put a dog down with a torn ACL?

But the silver lining of this extremely depressing cloud is that dogs can recover from ACL injuries and lead a happy and healthy life afterward.

What is The Treatment of Torn ACL in Canines?

When dogs suffer an ACL tear, it is very important to treat them as soon as possible. Because if left unattended, ACL injuries can get much worse.

A minor spine isn’t that concerning, but in a major spine case, the damaged ligament won’t heal until it’s sewn back together, which is why ACL surgery is always the best and preferred option.

Another treatment available for this injury is called Proliferation therapy, which is mostly used on bigger breeds of canines. In this treatment, an irritant will be injected into your canine’s affected leg. This irritant will reduce the pain and help the ligament to heal itself.

And an alternate option to help your puppy tolerate the pain is to make it wear a leg brace. This will help your pet dog to move around without applying much pressure on its affected leg.

At the end of the day, when it comes to the question of when to put a dog down with torn ACL, it is important to remember that deciding to euthanize a dog with a torn ACL should be your last choice. Don’t make any sudden decisions, and explore all your options before making this heart-wrenching decision.

Ending Note:

As dog owners/lovers, everyone can agree that losing your pet dog is not an easy decision to make.

However, when it comes to your dog’s suffering, sometimes it’s important to make such decisions. Not for your own sake, but for the sake of your little fur buddy. Evaluate your options and make sure you make the right decision because once you decide something like this, there is no turning back.

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