Q&A for How to Heal a Torn Dog ACL Without Surgery

You'll need to look into alternative treatment plans like anti-inflammatory pain medications, laser therapy, and acupuncture.

You don't have to, but it's a really good option. Surgery is the best way to correct the instability in your dog's joint after they tear their ACL.

A torn ACL creates instability and inflammation in the joint, which can be painful for your dog.

We have a 15 pound bichon frise that tore both ACLs (not at the same time). We healed both with conservative rehab and she runs fine.

Talk to your vet immediately for advice.

This needs to be determined by a vet. Generally, the dog will need x-rays to make sure it is an ACL tear and not something else, and while the dog is sedated for the x-rays the vet will do a physical exam to determine how much laxity (looseness) is in the joint (more laxity = more torn). This can't usually be done without sedation because otherwise the dog will keep its muscles tight, which will make it seem like there is less laxity than there really is.

Posh Dog makes great braces that are custom made for your dog's measurements. You can also ask your vet.

You should ask your vet for specific brand recommendations.

It is pretty much the same amount of pain we feel when we get flu shots. Your dog may yelp or whine when the injection is given, though this may be out of fear or surprise rather than pain.

The typical waiting period to see if they are healing without surgery is 8 weeks. If after 8 weeks the dog is not putting weight on it, this is an indication surgery will be required. However, consider using a brace that forces the leg to stay "straight." I used a leg brace that only allowed my girl to curl her leg so much after her ACL was torn. She learned to balance on the leg when standing in about four weeks. Now she's about 4 months into her injury, and I've seen her run (against my wishes) on all four legs.

Without something over it to also hold it on, these often are not suitable for stabilization by themselves. Because it is not a solid mass, it would have to be very tight to keep it from allowing the dog to bend the leg (which could do more harm than good). These can be used UNDER a leg brace for extra support or if the leg brace is slightly too big, but on their own they are prone to slipping off, being removed by the dog, etc.

If it's torn completely, the dog will need surgery fast. If just a little, then it should heal.

Don't just let your dog heal on its own, but if you have any doubts at all, get a second opinion.

You may give your dog baby aspirin. Contact your vet for advice on the proper dosage.

Many times the TPLO or TTA type surgery is not successful. So it may be necessary to get a custom knee brace to support your dog's knee.

In Boston, as of May 2018, the capsular surgery is a temporary fix, and costs about $1000. The surgical ACL reconstruction cost $3000.

Will building a ramp with plywood help any? You may have to get her used to the idea of using the ramp. It would only have to be no more than half the width of the steps. If it's outside, then find a scrap of carpeting to nail on the ramp to keep her from slipping.

I would say it has to be a case by case basis. Talk to your vet and weigh the options.

It depends, and you should consult your vet and get a second and even third opinion on the matter.

It may be possible, but it is crucial you get your dog to a vet immediately, so his injury can be properly diagnosed and treated.

Our vet in Orleans, Ontario Canada quoted $1500 for our daughter's 6 lb Yorkie.

As soon as possible! Time passing = damage accruing. Keep in mind not all clinics offer the therapy treatments that may be right for your dogs acute needs. Therefore, you could ask for a referral from your vet if you aren't sure which clinic would be best.

Yes, using a ramp is preferable to using steps or a staircase. Some dogs will try to jump on or off the side of the ramp if there is no railing. Jumping should be avoided, so try to ensure that they don't leap from the side.