The strong fibrous muscle that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia) is called the knee ligament, aka the coracoclavicular ligament (CCL) or anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Sometimes, activities that put a strain on the dog or continued use of the ligaments can tear these muscles. However, tearing can also occur after strenuous exercise and running. Signs of an ACL injury can include mild, recurring lameness, lameness, reluctance to walk, and pain in the knee joint. Although surgery is needed to reconnect the ligaments, you can use home remedies and non-surgical treatments to help temporarily relieve the pain of your ACL injury.
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Method 1 of 2: Using Home Remedies
Step 1. Understand that surgery is the best way
Both surgical and nonsurgical (conservative) methods can be used to treat a torn ACL. A combination of these two methods will help heal the dog. However, the type of therapy applied depends on the dog's size, body condition, and the severity of the limping.
Dogs weighing under 20 kg are less suitable for surgery
Step 2. Heal the torn ACL by reducing the dog's weight
The ACL stabilizes the legs and supports the body during stressful activities. High body weight is a risk factor that can lead to ACL injury due to the extra burden the ligaments carry. You can speed up your dog's healing process by losing weight. Try to apply by adjusting the dog's diet and exercise.
- Reduce your dog's calorie intake by 60% to reduce his weight.
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Don't reduce your calorie intake suddenly; Feed the dog small portions throughout the day.
To reduce indigestion, gradually adopt the dog's new diet. Make sure you monitor your weight loss results regularly
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Dogs also need regular light exercise. This exercise can be in the form of walking or running.
- If the ACL injury is severe enough to be accompanied by inflammation, the dog should not exercise before being given NSAID pain medication.
- If your dog's ACL injury is severe, it's best to apply special hydrotherapy (walking/swimming in water).
- Discuss the condition with your veterinarian for a list of exercises your dog can do based on his condition.
- Because the pressure on the knee joint is reduced, the dog's injury will heal faster.
Step 3. Limit the dog's activity
Full rest and limiting activity will heal the dog's injury. Rest will reduce inflammation and allow the dog's body to heal naturally. Some veterinarians recommend that a dog's activities should be completely restricted, while others should only limit exercise.
- Don't let the dog jump to catch the ball or get out of the car.
- You can practice walking your dog on a short leash.
Step 4. Put on a towel sling
Sometimes, wrapping a towel under your dog's pelvis as a sling can help support his weight and speed healing. You can buy towel slings or make them use old bath towels or jackets at home.
- If using a bath towel, cut a large towel in half and wrap it under your dog's lower belly. You can help your dog walk by pulling up while holding both ends of the towel.
- You can also buy athletic tape to use as a sling.
- If you're wearing a recycled jacket, cut the sleeves so they fit the dog's tummy
Method 2 of 2: Applying Alternative Operations
Step 1. Apply therapy
Nonsteroidal pain relievers (NSAIDs) can help heal torn ligaments. Anti-inflammatory drugs will relieve the dog's pain during the observation period. Various NSAIDs have been used to treat ACLs. The dose depends on the level of pain, the dog's weight, and the condition of his body.
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The most commonly used NSAID is the oxicam derivative (Meloxicam). This drug is used for various types of muscle and bone pain.
- The usual dosages are: Meloxicam (substitute: Melovet ®-5mg) @ 1 ml/25 kg, Firocoxib (Previcox®) @ 5 mg/kg per day, Carprofen (Rymadil®) @ 4.5 mg/kg per day.
- However, the availability and legality of drugs varies from country to country.
- In general, low doses and short-term use are much safer because high doses used long-term can cause side effects.
- If your dog experiences side effects such as vomiting, lethargy, depression, or diarrhea, stop using the drug immediately and consult a veterinarian.
Step 2. Try rehabilitation therapy
Rehabilitation therapy with practitioner guidance can accelerate ACL healing. These options include range of motion and mobilization exercises, water walking, cavaletti walking, and controlled walking on a short leash. If your dog's condition has improved, you can upgrade to stair climbing and sitting-standing exercises.
- Swimming or walking in water will increase your dog's muscle strength.
- You can look for veterinary hospitals that have these facilities, including tanks and whirlpools dedicated to hydrotherapy.
- Some other physiotherapy methods that can help include cryotherapy (ice therapy), laser therapy, and electrical stimulation of the nerves and muscles.
Step 3. Place the orthotic on the dog
External orthotics can be used to support joints, but research into the results of these treatments is limited. The purpose of wearing an orthopedic brace is to support the joints and ligaments that allow relaxation of the injured leg.
- The brace is usually made of an elastic material and is attached between the femur and tibia to prevent unwanted movement of the joint.
- Dogs that are too old or young for surgery can try this method.
- The brace option is also suitable for those who cannot afford the cost of surgery.
Step 4. Apply physical therapy exercises
Once your dog has recovered some of his mobility and strength, you can try some light exercises to rehabilitate the ligaments. This exercise should only be attempted once approved by your veterinarian so as not to aggravate the injury. Evidence suggests that physical therapy with the guidance of a rehabilitation practitioner can speed up postoperative dog recovery. However, this does not mean that physical therapy can replace surgery for most dogs.
- Sit and stand. On a flat, firm floor, instruct the dog to sit and bring his knees as close to the body as possible. Then, instruct the dog to stand up slowly so that it places its weight on the injured leg. Do 5 reps 3 times a day.
- Weight shift. On a flat floor and while the dog is standing, shake the pelvis so that the weight is forced onto the injured leg. Start slowly, and increase strength as the dog becomes more comfortable. You can even increase the power until the dog steps to the side. Do 10 repetitions 3 times a day.
- Unilateral weight training. Lift the injured leg off the floor, and hold it for 10-15 seconds. Move this leg and lose its balance when it tries to lean on your arm. You can also tape an object (such as a pen) under the healthy leg to force weight onto the injured leg, but you should always keep an eye on your dog.
- Circle and figure eight. While on the leash, guide the dog to your left, then walk in a small circle and figure eight. This technique pushes weight onto both feet and improves strength and balance
Step 5. Try prolotherapy to heal the ligaments
Prolotherapy, also known as nonsurgical ligament reconstruction, is a medical treatment for chronic pain. “Prolo” stands for proliferation because this treatment involves the proliferation (growth, formation) of new tissue in the weakened area. Proliferan (a substance that promotes tissue remodeling) is injected into the injured ligament or tendon causing local inflammation and “activating” the healing process and directly stimulates the growth of new collagen, which strengthens weak and damaged ligament and tendon tissue.
- Prolotherapy is commonly used to treat joint pain, and has been shown to increase ligament strength in humans by 30-40%. Similar results can be obtained if the treatment is applied to a dog or cat.
- As tendons and ligaments grow stronger and able to support and maintain joint stability, pain will be reduced
- Prolotherapy may be considered in cases of partial tearing, especially if the dog is old or cannot be sedated.
Step 6. Consider stem cell regeneration therapy
This therapy is relatively new, and has shown satisfactory results in treating arthritis and other degenerative conditions in dogs. However, this therapy involves minor surgery to harvest the stem cells, and anesthesia to harvest and inject the stem cells.
Step 7. Know when surgery needs to be performed
After the dog has been treated, most veterinarians recommend monitoring the dog for 4-5 weeks. If so, the dog should be able to walk either on his knees, or limp a little. If the condition doesn't change, it looks like an operation should be performed. In most cases, light dogs recover without surgery, unlike heavy dogs.
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You need to know that even if the symptoms go away, there is still the possibility of secondary complications such as arthritis.
- Arthritis is a permanent change in the joints, and delayed or partial ACL injuries can increase the severity of arthritis.
- What's more, the dog will put weight on its healthy leg, which in turn (the chances can be more than 50%) causes the ACL to gradually tear.
