Cruciate ligament injury symptoms in dogs – how to identify them?

📞 Orthopedic appointment scheduling: 010 739 9130

📍 Sacrum Animal Hospital, Porttisuontie 13, 01200 Vantaa

Quick answer: A cruciate ligament injury often presents as sudden lameness in a hind leg, favoring the leg, or an unwillingness to bear weight on it. The diagnosis is confirmed through a veterinary examination.

An anterior cruciate ligament injury in dogs is a common knee injury. It can occur suddenly or develop gradually as the ligament weakens and eventually gives way during normal movement.

When to see a vet?

Contact your veterinarian if any of the following apply:

• The dog is not bearing weight on its hind leg.
• The dog sits with the painful leg extended out to the side.
• Lameness worsens after exercise.
• The knee swells or feels unstable.
• The symptom recurs after rest.

What can cause the symptom?

1. Partial anterior cruciate ligament tear

A partial tear can cause varying lameness and pain.

2. Complete cruciate ligament tear

In a complete tear, the knee is unstable and the dog clearly favors the leg.

3. Meniscal injury

A meniscus injury can also occur with a cruciate ligament injury, leading to increased pain.

What can you do at home?

• Keep your dog at rest and avoid slippery floors.
• Do not force your dog to walk.
• Book an examination appointment with a veterinarian specializing in orthopedics.

What happens at the vet?

The examination assesses the knee's stability, pain, and range of motion. The knees are X-rayed and treatment is planned according to the dog's size, age, and activity level.

Sacrum Animal Hospital can help

If you are unsure about the severity of the symptoms, it's better to contact us than to wait too long to monitor the situation. A professional will help assess whether it's an emergency or an appointment that can be scheduled.

📞 Orthopedic appointment booking: 010 739 9130

📍 Sacrum Animal Hospital, Porttisuontie 13, 01200 Vantaa