Recovering From a Torn ACL Without Surgery
by A reader
I went on line and learned all I could about this torn ligament problem. I decided to not have the operation,instead I treated her like she was post-OP. I fed her joint supplements, aspirin for dogs, chew treats and vitamins, I included in her food Chondroitin and Glocosimine. She was on bed rest for two days and for about three months I carried her up the stairs so she could sleep in her regular spot at the foot of my bed on her dog bed. Her lameness just dissapeared gradually she was doing the stairs, and started running and retrieving again it took time about 6 months, but today she is fully recovered. I am not saying this will work for every one but She is now 12 yrs old and thinks she's Three.I am grateful for so many helpful animal and vet sites on the internet that helped me in my decision!
Thank you for sharing your experience. Some dogs, especially smaller dogs and those with partial tears, do recover well with strict rest, controlled exercise, weight control and physical therapy. Studies show dogs under about 30 pounds often do well with conservative care, while larger and very active dogs more often do better with surgery and develop less arthritis.
If you choose to try without surgery, work with your vet on pain control, a rest plan of about 8 to 12 weeks, gradual leash walks, weight management and rehab exercises. A custom knee brace is another option. Please don't give aspirin without your vet's advice, as it can cause stomach ulcers and can't be combined with many prescribed pain medicines.
Watch for a sudden worsening of lameness, which can mean a torn meniscus, a cartilage injury that often needs surgery.
See torn ACL in dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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