Dr Harry: How to tell if your dog has torn its ACL

Much like athletes, dogs can damage their cruciate ligament too. In fact, according to WebMD, it’s one of the most common orthopaedic injuries found in canines after hip dysplasia. If you suspect your dog has injured their cruciate ligament, but aren’t too sure, here are a few of Dr Harry’s tell-tale signs to look out for.

“A common problem we see today is the ACL. Footballers do it and our dogs seem to do it as well.  So, what is an ACL or Anterior Cruciate Ligament? It’s part of the dog’s knee joint and it’s something [an injury] that we see a lot.”

How do we know when a dog has injured its ACL?

“Normally speaking the dog will be running in a direction, will turn and often you’ll hear the dog cry out and the dog will present with a lame leg. The dog will hold the leg up, then sometimes just touch the toes on the ground, but that’s about all the weight the dog will put on the joint.”

How does the injury usually occur and when should it be treated?

“Dogs do it when they’re turning suddenly, or they stop very quickly. It’s something that you should get looked at very quickly because if you leave it, you’re going to get arthritic change. So…. number one you’ve got to fix it as soon as possible and the earlier you fix it the fewer problems you’re likely to have later on…. These days I think you can opt for your own vet to do it or you can opt for a special surgeon to do it.”

Please note: Not all conditions, vet visits and treatments are covered by Everyday Pet Insurance. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for details of coverage. 

Written by Dr Harry

Dr. Harry, is an iconic Australian veterinarian, celebrated television personality, and passionate animal welfare advocate. With a career spanning over five decades, he has become a household name, educating and entertaining audiences with his wealth of knowledge and genuine love for animals.

 

After practicing as a veterinarian in Sydney and the UK, Dr. Harry's warm personality and expertise caught the attention of television producers, hosting his own shows. Beyond his television career, Dr. Harry is a tireless advocate for animal welfare, using his platform to raise awareness and promote responsible pet ownership.

 

Dr. Harry Cooper continues to inspire and educate audiences of all ages with his infectious enthusiasm, vast knowledge, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of animals.

Dr Harry

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