Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar

(775) 825-7984

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet The Team
    • Virtual Office Tour
    • Pet Memorials
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • Payment Options
    • Veterinary Resources
  • Services
    • Rx Home Delivery
    • Dentistry
    • Ultrasound
    • Laser Therapy
    • Cancer Treatment
    • Geriatric/Hospice Care
    • Online Medical Records
    • Veterinary Topics
    • Pet Selector
  • Contact Us
    • Emergencies
    • Schedule an Appointment
  • Schedule Appointment
  • Galleries
  • Petsimonials
  • Links
  • Careers
  • Blog
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Pet Health >
  • Orthopedics >
  • Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

dog jumping

The rupture of the cruciate ligament is the most common knee injury in the dog.

This injury has two common presentations. One is the young athletic dog playing roughly who acutely ruptures the ligament and is non-weight bearing on the affected hind leg. The second presentation is the older, overweight dog with weakened or partially torn ligaments that rupture with a slight misstep. In this patient the lameness may be acute or there may be more subtle chronic lameness related to prolonged joint instability.

Your veterinarian will perform an orthopedic exam and take radiographs (x-rays) in order to diagnose this injury. The orthopedic exam involves an analysis of the gait, examination of the joint for swelling and/or pain and the presence of "drawer movement" (the presence of forward instability of the knee joint). Sedation is often required to do an adequate evaluation of the knee, especially in large dogs. Sedation prevents the pet from tensing the muscles and temporarily stabilizing the joint and preventing the demonstration of the drawer sign. Radiographs confirm inflammatory changes in the joint and establish the level of osteoarthritic changes present.

Surgical repair is recommended in most cases to stabilize the joint and prevent further osteoarthritic changes secondary to the joint instability. There are three primary types of surgical repair: intracapsular, extracapsular, and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). The type of surgical repair will be determined by the size, age and activity level of the pet as well as the degree of osteoarthritis already present in the joint. The recovery time and recommendation for physical therapy will depend on the type of surgical repair performed.

No article settings found. Please configure it

Ask Us About Our Referral Program

Refer a friend and receive $10 in “SWVH Bucks” to use at your next visit!

Featured Services

  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.
  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.

Office Hours

Monday:

7:30 AM-5:30 PM

Tuesday:

7:30 AM-5:30 PM

Wednesday:

7:30 AM-5:30 PM

Thursday:

7:30 AM-5:30 PM

Friday:

7:30 AM-5:30 PM

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Find Us

Check out the map below to locate SWVH!

Testimonials

We love to hear your feedback!

  • "Southwest Vet is a wonderful place to take our animals. The front desk ladies are knowledgeable, patient, and compassionate. The vet techs are so wonderful with our animals. And Drs. Sargent and Rasmussen are just the tops!! The care our animals receive is extraordinary!!"
    Sarah S.
  • "Thank you so much for all that you do. You have always gone above and beyond for my pets and I. I feel truly blessed to have found you when I moved to Reno. Tank thinks you’re pretty awesome, too!"
    Ashley D.
  • "Thank you to each and every one of you who helped care for Gus while he was recovering during his long and scary week with Parvo. We can’t thank you enough for everything you did to get our loving and playful guy home."
    Aaron and Lisa C.
  • "So rare it seems to encounter an entire professional office who are as smart as they are kind. We are so grateful to have you care for Einstein. Thank you for your excellent care, patience and generosity."
    Leah R.

Featured Services

  • How to Tell When Your Cat Is Sick

    Not sure if your cat is sick? Take a look at these signs. ...

    Read More
  • Vet Care Doesn't Have to Break the Bank; Pet Insurance

    Wondering if pet insurance is a good idea? ...

    Read More
  • Human vs Pet Medications: Why You Should Never Share Medicine with Your Pets

    Could your medications harm your pets? ...

    Read More
  • Ways to Take the Stress Out of Your Pet's Next Veterinary Visit

    Does your pet dread veterinary visits? ...

    Read More
  • Signs on Heatstroke: Keep Your Pets Safe This Summer

    Do you know how to protect your pet from heatstroke? ...

    Read More
  • Why Heartworm Protection Is Necessary for All Pets

    Is your pet protected against heartworm? ...

    Read More

Newsletter Sign Up

  • Copyright © 2022 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map