Dog Arthritis Due To Cruciate Ligament Rupture

Knee joint pain affects older animals, just as in humans. However it can also affect young canines that are inactive or even too active. Most commonly this condition starts as a tear in the dogs cruciate ligament (dog acl), but undiscovered or ignored will lead to more serious conditions – full rupture of the cruciate, dog arthritis and meniscus (cartilage) damage. Early detection through regular checkups are essential for early diagnosis of the condition.

Very deep inside your dogs knee joint are cruciate ligaments that hold the knee together and that prevent it from twisting too far. These ligaments, if ruptured or partly ruptured, create pain, arthritis and poor stability of the knee cartilage. Rupture of the cruciate ligament happens in two ways:




The cruciate ligament usually weakens due a result of aging. Normal and constant movement of the knees throughout life cause wear and tear.

Torn ligaments may also occur due to injuries, usually seen in very active dogs in all breeds (large or small), that are constantly jumping, running and twisting.

At the base underneath the knee are the cartilages (meniscii) that act as the shock absorbers of the joint during all movements. A damaged knee can pinch, tear or bulge the cartilage (meniscus), causing more pain and promote arthritis. First, your dog will avoid using its injured leg, it will affect your dog when standing, walking or running. If untreated, the progression of dog arthritis can lead to excruciating pain and reducing the quality of life of the animal.


Symptoms Cruciate Ligament Rupture:

• Lameness


• Stiffness of the joint


• Pain in the knee


When cruciate ligament rupture is left untreated, it can create serious problems and damage due to:

• Causing instability of the knee


• Progressing to a full cruciate rupture


• Joint swelling


• Severe lameness if the meniscus tears and


• Shrinking of the muscles called atrophy.


Surgery is the only option for just about all dogs. The aim of surgery is to re-stabilize the knee and stop or slow the onset of dog arthritis. See all of the latest post on the different types of dog cruciate surgery.




Animals that are deemed not suitable for surgery may be treated with a anti-inflammatory drugs and other medications, exercise restriction, physical therapy and weight loss guided by nutrition. The dog can regain normal function with the above intervention but without surgery, it will develop severe arthritis later in life and surely limit the quality of life for the animal.