Why are cruciate ligament injuries in dogs so common?

Like humans, a dog may experience severe pressure on its knee joint when it engages in physical activity such as running or jumping.  If your dog experiences a sudden twist while engaging in this activity it can cause partial or complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament which results in severe pain and lameness.

Dogs that have unfortunately been involved in a car accident may also have injury to its ACL. The extreme twisting of the leg or pressure on the knee joint may result in a rupture of the cruciate ligament.

Anterior Cruciate Ligaments (ACL) are fibrous tissues which form bands in the knee. ACLs in dogs are responsible for preventing the tibia and femur ends from moving across each other in a to and fro motion.

ACL Surgery on your dog may be recommended if your dog is in pain or does not have use of its knee joint. Learn more about our Canine ACL Surgical Services.