Prominent Reasons Behind Acl Tear In Dogs
Anybody who is a canine owner must know everything about torn ACL in dogs since it is a common occurrence and causes your pet much worries. It is important to know that this dreaded issue is perfectly preventable, provided you know the reasons behind its occurrence. So, here below are some common reasons behind the cause of ACL tear.
Hip problems
Do you know that one of the most common reasons behind the occurrence of anterior cruciate ligament tear in canines is problems related to the hip region? The body needs to compensate when it doesn't get enough support from the region during walking or running. This places extra burden on the knees and when this situation continues, ligament tear becomes the most common occurrence.
As any experienced veterinarian will know, when a dog owner approaches the with right ACL problem, the x-ray reports will reveal issues related to the left hip and vice versa. Increased stress and weight on right leg due to left hip issues over time weakens the crucial ligament related to right knee. Hyperextension and wrong movements make it susceptible to tear.
Weight issues
Do you know, the heavier your dog more susceptible it is to ACL ligament tear? Cruciate ligament dogs become prone to tear as the pressure on it increases since it needs to balance the total weight of the body. Studies show that 50% pet dogs today have become overweight clinically and considered obese by the vet. The only way to prevent occurrence of ACL tear is to control the body weight and maintain it at optimum levels.
Natural load
The natural movement in dogs is such that their knees always remain bent. Naturally, this puts pressure on them, which over time may lead to ACL tear. This continual carrying around of body weight is something that the canines simply cannot avoid, and hence the problems.
Ignoring the symptoms
Many times, the ignorance of the pet owners becomes the main cause of ligament tear because they fail to recognize the earliest signs. Some of these include gradual slowing down in movement, increased frequency of sleeping and for longer durations than before, hind leg closed stance, and front leg wide stance. Other symptoms to look out for are frequent licking of the joint area, bunny hopping, getting up becomes difficult, limping, reluctance to go for walks, muscle loss, stiffness, and avoiding stairs.
Weekend warriors
Many times due to presence of the busy schedules, pet owners are unable to take their dogs for regular exercises or walking. Resultantly, such activities remain limited to weekends only. The negative repercussions of such inactivity are many and one of the fallouts is surely ACL tear. When no other mode of rectifying this problem becomes feasible, owners have no other choice but to go for ACL surgery for dogs when recommended by the vet. So, do not make your dog a weekend warrior, make it work out regularly.
Those who want to know more about dog ACL tear and the right precautions and treatment may visit http://topdoghealth.com/.
About The Author
Renee McAdams is a renowned veterinarian and a big time dog lover who has dedicated her life to the health and well being of pets across the world. She likes to write various informative articles about medical procedures like dog ACL surgery and more to help people get acquainted with their various aspects.