How Much Is ACL Surgery For Dogs?

ACL injuries in dogs can range from partial to complete tears and are influenced by several factors such as degeneration, obesity, physical condition, and genetics, necessitating awareness for early detection and intervention.

These injuries can occur due to sudden changes in direction, sliding on slippery surfaces, or landing from jumps that place too much stress on the ligament, leading to partial or complete tears.

However, in most cases, a torn ligament in dogs is the result of gradual deterioration of the joint, known as cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD) or degenerative joint disease (DJD).

Factors like obesity and physical condition, along with a dog’s genetic makeup, are the usual suspects in cruciate ligament diseases. Torn ACLs are more common in certain dog breeds including:3

• Rottweilers
• Bichon Frise
• West Highland White Terrier
• Golden Retriever

When a canine's ligament becomes compromised, either by acute injury or gradual degeneration, the repercussions are often immediate and distressing.

A dog's anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), also known as the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), generally does not heal on its own once it is torn. The ligament has poor blood supply, which hampers its ability to heal naturally. Here are some important points to consider:

1. Partial Tears: In cases of partial tears, some dogs may experience improvement with rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and controlled physical therapy. However, the joint remains unstable, which can lead to further injury or progression to a complete tear.
2. Complete Tears: For complete tears, natural healing is highly unlikely. The joint instability caused by a complete tear can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, and further damage to the surrounding structures of the knee.
3. Compensation: Some dogs may compensate by shifting their weight to other limbs, which can lead to issues in those limbs over time.
4. Long-term Outcomes: Without surgical intervention, dogs with torn ACLs are likely to develop significant arthritis and chronic pain, reducing their quality of life.

The timing for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery in dogs, also known as cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) surgery, can vary based on several factors including the dog's overall health, the severity of the tear, and the dog's activity level. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Immediate Attention: If the dog is in significant pain, unable to bear weight on the affected leg, or if there is a lot of swelling, immediate veterinary attention is required. Surgery should be scheduled as soon as possible to prevent further damage and alleviate pain.
2. Within Weeks to Months: For dogs that are more comfortable and able to bear some weight, surgery can typically be scheduled within a few weeks to a few months. During this waiting period, strict rest and limited activity are crucial to prevent worsening of the injury.
3. Conservative Management Period: Some veterinarians may recommend a period of conservative management with pain relief, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy before surgery, especially in older or less active dogs. However, if there is no improvement or the condition worsens, surgery should not be delayed.

Considerations for Delaying Surgery:

• Age and Health: Older dogs or those with other health issues may need a longer pre-surgery preparation period to optimize their health.
• Activity Level: Highly active dogs, especially working or sporting breeds, may require more immediate surgical intervention to return to their active lifestyle.
• Severity of Tear: Partial tears may allow for a slightly longer waiting period compared to complete tears, but this should be closely monitored by a veterinarian.

Risks of Delaying Surgery:

• Joint Instability: Delaying surgery can lead to increased joint instability, causing further damage to the joint structures, including meniscal tears.
• Arthritis: The longer the joint remains unstable, the higher the risk of developing arthritis, which can lead to chronic pain and decreased mobility.
• Muscle Atrophy: Prolonged periods of inactivity can result in muscle atrophy, making recovery more challenging post-surgery.

It is essential to have a thorough discussion with a veterinarian to determine the optimal timing for surgery based on the specific circumstances of the dog.

Regular check-ups and monitoring are crucial during the waiting period to assess any changes in the dog's condition.

Non-surgical options like physical therapy and braces can help in some cases, but surgery is often recommended for the best long-term outcome.

While braces can be helpful, they are not a cure for a torn ACL in dogs. The effectiveness of a brace depends on the severity of the tear, the dog’s overall health, and the specific design of the brace.

The primary goals of using braces in these cases include:

1. Stabilization: Braces help stabilize the knee joint, reducing abnormal motion and providing support during weight-bearing activities.
2. Pain Management: By stabilizing the joint, braces can help alleviate pain associated with the injury.
3. Improved Mobility: Dogs may experience improved mobility and be able to resume some level of physical activity while wearing a brace.
4. Post-Surgical Support: For dogs that have undergone surgical repair of the ACL, braces can provide additional support during the recovery period.

Oftentimes, surgical intervention is recommended to provide the best outcome for long-term joint stability and function.

Consultation with a veterinarian or a veterinary orthopedic specialist is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for a dog with an ACL injury.

TPLO surgery can cost between $3,000 and $5,000, depending on various factors including the clinic and surgeon’s expertise.

The cost of dog ACL surgery is influenced by:

• The type of surgery
• Geographical location
• Veterinary clinic
• Pre- and post-surgery expenses

Recovery time varies, but most dogs require 8 to 12 weeks of restricted activity followed by gradual rehabilitation to regain full mobility.