If you follow sports, may hear of an athlete having surgery to repair a torn ACL. But, do you know what that terminology actually means -- and did you know that your dog or cat could encounter the same problem?

ACL stands for anterior cruciate ligament, which, along with the posterior cruciate ligament, holds the knee joint together. These ligaments prevent the upper leg bone, or femur, and the lower leg bones, or tibia, from wiggling back and forth. If the ACL tears or ruptures, the tibia suddenly becomes free to move forward while the femur shifts backward, a characteristic of the condition known as “drawer movement.” This condition frequently occurs when a dog or cat makes a sudden twisting motion while bearing weight on the its leg. Carrying too much weight increases a pet’s chances of a ruptured ACL. But, a ruptured ACL need not stem from a sudden injury. In some cases, the ligament weakens over time until it finally gives way.

ACL Treatment for Bryan Pets

What can you do if your pet has a ruptured ACL? First, you must recognize the symptoms. If your pet seems to have become lame in one leg, with a reluctance to put all four feet on the ground, it may have an ACL problem, especially if you notice swelling in the knee area. Fortunately, our skilled veterinarian can diagnose the condition and perform surgery to repair the problem.

Here, at Fountain City Veterinary Hospital in Bryan, we include dog & cat surgery among our many services. We can diagnose a ruptured ACL by watching for the “drawer movement” and observing the pattern of the swelling, and we can confirm the diagnosis with X-rays if necessary. Depending on the extent of the injury, we may suture the ligament back together, rebuild it from synthetic materials or alter a portion of the tibia to stabilize the joint.

Have you had previous experiences with dog & cat surgery? If so, did it help your pet? Post your personal stories here!