An acl tear in dogs is one of the most common injuries in dogs today. However, the way that it is being treated is changing with the times. In the past almost all acl tears in dogs were recommended for surgery. But today it is much different. Not all dogs are surgical candidates for several reasons: age, poor health, inadequate state of fitness, financial constraints, or owners’ beliefs. More and more we are contacted by owners that simply do not want to put their animal through surgery for various reasons.
Conservative management, such as physical therapy, of acl tears in dogs can yield excellent outcomes. It is a great option for older animals, for those not engaged in high level sporting activities, and for those who are not surgical candidates for the reasons listed above. There are several factors that a good canine rehab therapist can evaluate to see if your dog is a good candidate for conservative management techniques. Three factors that will impact whether your dog is a good candidate for conservative management are: the degree of the acl tear, meniscus involvement, and adherence to the prescribed home exercise program.
The process to determine if your dog with an acl tear is a good candidate for conservative management and can avoid surgery begins with an evaluation by a canine rehab therapist. They will be able to help you understand your dogs’ acl tear, their limitations and restrictions, and work with your veterinarian to help guide the best course of action.
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