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Click to Skip Ahead What Is a Torn ACL? Signs Causes Care Guide FAQ Many of you may already be familiar with the common human injury widely known as an “ACL” (anterior cruciate ligament) tear. However‚ far fewer people are familiar with the canine equivalent of this injury‚ which is called a cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) injury. In this article‚ we’ll learn what this musculoskeletal injury entails in our canine friends‚ as well as some common causes‚ signs‚ and treatment options associated with cranial cruciate ligament injury. What Is a Torn ACL? As mentioned‚ the example of a human’s ACL tear is often used interchangeably with a dog’s CrCL injury. Learning about cranial cruciate injury is very important for dog owners as it is the most likely reason for hindlimb lameness in dogs. In addition‚ it is also responsible for a significant proportion of causes of degenerative joint disease in a dog’s knee. A little bit of limited background anatomy may help explain more. A dog’s knee is referred to as their stifle. This stifle joint consists of the kneecap (patellar bone) as well as the end of the femur (thigh) bone that connects to the top tibia (shin) bone and fibula bones below it. By definition‚ a ligament is a tough‚ fibrous tissue that connects bone to bone. Therefore‚ the cranial cruciate ligament attaches the back of the femur bone to the front of the tibia bone. Its purpose is to keep the tibia from moving forward when the limb bears weight. If there is a ligament tear‚ there will be excessive movement forward of the tibia which is diagnosed as a ruptured CrCL. It is important to be aware that CrCL tears can sometimes be accompanied by potential injuries of the meniscus. The menisci are c-shaped cartilaginous disks that are shock absorbers in the knee joint between the femur and tibia. Oftentimes‚ if a CrCL is damaged‚ the meniscus can also be damaged at that time or even at a later date. For a dog with an intact CrCL that is standing‚ the knee is always bent (to some degree)‚ which means that the CrCL is load-bearing and working. However‚ when the cranial cruciate ligament tears‚ whether that is partially or fully‚ this failure then causes the stifle joint (knee) to become unstable. When such a tear occurs‚ you can imagine that this would negatively affect a dog’s ability to move and bring about significant discomfort. A tear can happen acutely (all of a sudden) or chronically (over time). While any age or breed of dog can be affected‚ middle-sized to large dog breeds that are middle-aged have an increased risk. Image Credit: JusOl‚ Shutterstock What Are the Signs of a Torn ACL? Some signs seen with this condition occur in whichever leg has a partial or full tear of the cranial cruciate ligament. This could be either or both rear legs. One may see any combination of the following: Less active than normal; not wanting to play as much Hind limb lameness/limping Walking three-legged Pain with touching‚ moving‚ or manipulation of the knee joint Decreased range of motion in the knee Swelling around the affected knee joint with potential subsequent muscle atrophy of that leg Difficulty getting get up from a down position A hard time jumping up Trouble going up or down stairs Stiffness (most noticed after resting or after exercise) Knee joint clicking associated with meniscal tear Continued activity often makes the symptoms (and injury) worse What Are the Causes of a Torn ACL? There are a few causes and risks associated with a cranial cruciate ligament injury. A traumatic injury can occur in a number of ways such as when a dog is running and turning quickly‚ jumping off something high‚ or twisting their back leg/knee‚ which in turn tears the ligament. In addition‚ repeating small injuries over time can ultimately lead to the ligament becoming weaker. This allows for small tears to occur‚ also called “micro-injuries” which then ultimately allow for a larger rupture in the ligament over time. A dog’s degeneration with age‚ genetics‚ as well as abnormalities in their anatomy and conformation‚ may all come into play in contributing to a cranial cruciate ligament injury. Some important risk factors that can also be at play with a CrCL include being overweight or not in good physical condition with regular activity. Image Credit: Lena Ogurtsova‚ Shutterstock How Do I Care for a Dog with a Torn ACL? At the Veterinary Clinic If you notice your dog in pain or limping in their rear leg‚ it’s a good idea to have your dog evaluated as soon as you can. Your dog’s vet will start with a complete history and full physical exam. Observing their gait‚ checking for medial buttress‚ and an orthopedic examination that includes palpation and manipulation of the knee joint are also key. From there they may need to sedate your dog to do some further manipulations such as a cranial drawer test‚ tibial compression test‚ and radiographs. Medial buttress. For dogs that have a torn CrCL‚ this is where the inside (medial) surface of the knee joint has a very firm swelling that can be appreciated on the affected leg. Cranial drawer and tibial compression tests. These two different palpation tests require veterinarians to use their fingers and hands in predetermined areas to check for stability (or lack thereof) within the knee joint. Abnormal movements as a result can then indicate that the cruciate ligament is ruptured. Joint health. Your veterinarian will be looking for joint swelling and signs of degenerative joint disease as well as rule out other potential causes visible on X-rays. Sometimes‚ especially in partial tears or more difficult cases‚ further testing may be needed including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‚ arthrocentesis (evaluating joint fluid)‚ and arthroscopy (a minimally invasive procedure that evaluates the joint with a small camera). Image Credit: Antonio Gravante‚ Shutterstock Treatment For the treatment of a dog with a torn CrCL‚ there are two broad options: surgery and non-surgery (also referred to as conservative/medical management). The decision between these two broad options is multifaceted and should be informed by many factors. This could include a dog’s size‚ age‚ activity level‚ other medical conditions‚ or if they are a good candidate for anesthesia. In addition‚ an owner’s finances and preferences obviously also weigh very heavily. Surgical Stabilization This is often the ideal recommended course of treatment for dogs that have a torn CrCL with or without an additional torn meniscus. These dogs experience faster healing‚ have the best chance of the knee returning to normal function‚ and have less expected osteoarthritis over the long term. There are two groups of surgical options: osteotomy-based that cuts into bone (for example‚ tibial plateau leveling osteotomy aka TPLO‚ tibial tuberosity advancement aka TTA‚ etc.)‚ and those that are suture-based (extracapsular suture stabilization‚ tightrope procedure‚ etc.). Some general practice veterinarians have had extra training on specific surgical procedures‚ but others may refer some or all of their cases to a veterinary specialist. Post-operative management will be very important while a dog is healing‚ and your veterinarian will have many details to discuss. Generally speaking‚ after surgery there will be medication for pain and decreasing inflammation and an e-collar while the incision is healing. Of importance will be confinement and strictly controlled leash activity with physical rehabilitation Weight management for overweight dogs will decrease the amount of load and stress on the joint while healing and thereafter. Nutritional supplements (for example‚ glucosamine-chondroitin and omega-3 fatty acids) can be helpful as well. All of these factors are very important and most dogs with a successful surgery and post-operative period return to normal function in 3–6 months. Image Credit: Jus_OI‚ Shutterstock Nonsurgical Management When surgery is not an option‚ there are several factors that will come into play for longer-term care and a detailed conversation with your veterinarian will give more specifics. Medication to decrease pain and inflammation will be coupled with longer confinement and controlled leash activity than that for surgical cases. Activity restrictions and leash-based activities will help reduce pain during the healing process. Physical therapy‚ whether specific recommendations under veterinary care or physical rehabilitation‚ is also important. In addition‚ there may be the potential for custom knee braces. This has limited information and evidence in veterinary medicine at this time‚ but the theory behind it is extrapolated from human medicine. Sometimes‚ it can be attempted as part of the recovery plan if surgery is not a viable option. Just like for surgery cases‚ nutritional supplements can also be helpful and weight management is imperative‚ too. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Will my dog be able to walk normally again? A dog’s overall prognosis after CrCL surgery is good‚ in the range of an 85–90% success rate. A small percentage of dogs may require additional surgery. It is important to note that all dogs with a torn cruciate ligament will develop some degree of osteoarthritis. The goal is to minimize this as much as possible with prompt treatment. Successful surgery can slow the rate of arthritis a CrCL dog will develop over time when compared to those who receive medical management. What is the chance that my dog’s other leg will be affected? While there is unfortunately no exact answer‚ it’s estimated that about 40–60% of dogs that have had a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament in one leg will have the same in their other knee in the future. Some risk factors to try to prevent another problem can include having a healthy weight as well as regular physical activity. Conclusion When a dog partially or fully tears their cranial cruciate ligament‚ equivalent to a person’s ACL‚ they will often exhibit lameness and limping in their rear leg. Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention usually provide the best possible outcome with the least amount of arthritis in the future. If surgery is not an option‚ strict conservative management with your veterinarian’s recommendations will help to bring relief to your pooch. Sources https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/orthopedics/canine-cranial-cruciate-disease-updating-our-knowledge-about-pathogenesis-diagnosis/ https://assets.ctfassets.net/4dmg3l1sxd6g/1C6RxYz9cZo5JTllWrgtDA/3b5b9f63cf432536e2e01e7d6f9ff5d8/mgmt-tree-cranial-cruciate-ligament-disease-7052-article.pdf https://www.cliniciansbrief.com/article/treating-cranial-cruciate-ligament-tears https://assets.ctfassets.net/4dmg3l1sxd6g/4k1n21p6nTcmd3SuuLCZCE/708b1a5c5d1cd43d575cc9517831a57e/cranial-cruciate-ligament-disease-in-dogs-36381-article.pdf https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/cranial-cruciate-ligament-disease/ https://www.avma.org/news/studies-analyze-factors-outcomes-associated-cranial-cruciate-ligament-rupture-surgery#:~:text=The%20median%20age%20at%20first‚less%20than%203%20years%20old Featured Image Credit: VP Photo Studio‚ Shutterstock The post Torn ACL In Dogs: Vet Signs‚ Causes &; Treatment Options appeared first on Pet Keen.

Akitas are a gorgeous breed originally hailing from Japan. With their thick coat‚ sturdy stature‚ and loyalty‚ it’s no wonder people saved the breed when it was close to extinction. Akitas are as loyal as they come in the dog world but must be socialized well from an early age. They are large dogs‚ getting upwards of 100 pounds in many cases. Being a large breed dog‚ they are at risk for specific injuries and orthopedic conditions. That’s not all the Akita can develop‚ however. If you’re looking at an Akita to own‚ you’re probably wondering what Akita health issues there are for you to know. The 10 Akita Health Issues You Need to Know 1. Cancer Unfortunately‚ cancer comes in many forms and affects all dogs. Akitas may be a little more prone to some types of cancer. Your veterinarian will examine your dog from nose to tail each time you come in for a visit. That said‚ if you notice a new bump on your dog‚ it can be beneficial to note it to your vet. (If your dog will tolerate it‚ trimming the hair over the lump with clippers can help you and your veterinary team find the mass during your visit.) Osteosarcoma tends to affect medium and large-breed dogs‚ with Akitas among those. It is bone cancer. One common saying among veterinarians is that you’ll typically find it affecting a bone “away from the elbow or towards the knee.” Some dogs show signs of pain and limping‚ while others may present with a pathologic fracture of the affected bone. Image Credit: sima‚ Shutterstock 2. Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury The knee (also known as the stifle joint in pets) has several structures that help stabilize it. The cranial cruciate ligament and caudal cruciate ligament form a rough “X” within the knee joint. Like many large breed dogs‚ Akitas have straighter legs and are at risk for the front or cranial ligament to tear. You can compare this injury to an ACL injury in a person. It’s painful and debilitating. Most large dogs need surgery to correct the tear. Your veterinarian will usually prescribe anti-inflammatory medications like carprofen and recommend strict cage rest to allow your pet to heal. Sometimes‚ a leg brace can also help your dog. 3. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is one of the joint abnormalities that your Akita could be affected by. There is a deformity of the hip’s ball and socket joint‚ where the socket is irregular rather than smooth‚ or the hip doesn’t have enough coverage over the head of the femur. There is a genetic risk associated with hip dysplasia‚ so many dog breeders have screening X-rays taken of their dogs’ hips before breeding. Dogs can be affected by hip dysplasia from a young age. However‚ many only have issues once they’re older and develop signs associated with arthritis. Your veterinarian will generally use pain medications‚ including: Carprofen (Rimadyl) Meloxicam (Metacam) Grapiprant (Galliprant) Image Credit: alterfalter‚ Shutterstock 4. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus Surgery is sometimes an option‚ where your dog may have a procedure such as a total hip replacement. You’ll also want to keep your dog lean because being overweight can increase their risk for joint problems. (Fat cells or adipocytes also release hormones that can increase inflammation.) Gastric dilatation volvulus is also known as GDV or‚ even more commonly‚ bloat. With bloat‚ the stomach fills with gas and twists‚ hence the dilatation and volvulus parts of the condition’s name. This condition is typically diagnosed with X-rays. We tend to think of bloat affecting Great Danes‚ but it typically occurs in any deep-chested dog‚ including Akitas. When the stomach twists‚ it can cut off the blood supply to the stomach and spleen. It is a surgical emergency and is life-threatening. 5. Hypothyroidism Thyroid issues can cause a lot of changes in our dogs. Hypothyroidism or low thyroid function can cause your dog to show changes such as: Hair thinning Dry coat and skin Weight gain Lethargy Behavior changes The behavior changes you can see with hypothyroidism can include aggression. Some dogs start picking fights with other dogs in the house. They can also become fearful and withdrawn. Hypothyroidism is diagnosed with a blood test. Your veterinarian may recommend checking your pet if they’re suspicious your dog is hypothyroid. Still‚ many veterinary hospitals check it as part of routine blood work‚ especially with senior dogs. Image Credit: Botond Horvath‚ Shutterstock 6. Myasthenia Gravis Myasthenia gravis is a condition that Akitas appear to be predisposed to developing. There’s an inherited firm and an acquired form‚ with the immune-mediated acquired form typically affecting Akita dogs. Nerves and muscles do not communicate effectively with this condition‚ so affected dogs may have weakness. Dogs with myasthenia gravis can develop megaesophagus‚ where the esophagus dilates‚ and dogs can’t swallow correctly. There are some treatment options‚ such as with anti-acetylcholinesterase medications. Dogs with megaesophagus may have to eat out of elevated bowls or in a unique gadget that helps them eat with a reduced risk of aspirating if they regurgitate. Other signs of myasthenia gravis include: Barking changes Drooling Heavier breathing Decreased blink reflexes 7. Progressive Retinal Atrophy Progressive retinal atrophy is a genetic eye condition. While affected dogs are generally born with the ability to see‚ over time‚ their retina degenerates‚ and they go blind. If your dog is affected‚ you might initially see that they have terrible seeing in low-light conditions. Your veterinarian might notice that your dog’s pupils are dilated during an exam when they should constrict in response to light. There is no cure for PRA. Veterinarians can perform testing to help diagnose your dog with the condition. Image Credit: Yuliasis‚ Shutterstock 8. Sebaceous Adenitis Akitas are more at risk for developing sebaceous adenitis than many other breeds. This relatively uncommon condition is an autoimmune disease where inflammation targets the sebaceous glands in the skin. Other signs of sebaceous adenitis include: Dull hair Brittle hair that breaks easily Symmetrical hair loss on either side of the body Deep-seated skin infections in the hair follicles Pups affected with sebaceous adenitis may need antibiotics to control bacterial skin infections. However‚ they should only be used when needed. Your veterinarian may use medications like Atopica (cyclosporine). Topical therapies are vital to treating and controlling signs associated with sebaceous adenitis. Shampoos and mousses that get massaged into the skin are your best bet‚ although some people use sprays to treat the skin. (These medications could be less effective because Akitas have a thick‚ dense hair coat.) Giving your dog fatty acid supplements can also help strengthen their skin barrier. 9. Von Willebrand Disease Several clotting factors and proteins are essential to help stop bleeding in pets and people. Some dogs‚ such as Akitas‚ are at a higher risk for having lower amounts of one protein‚ von Willebrand factor protein. Without an adequate amount of this protein‚ they’re at a higher risk of having uncontrollable bleeding after an injury or surgery. There are laboratory tests that can help diagnose bleeding abnormalities. Some genetic tests will evaluate dogs to see if they may be at risk for von Willebrand disease. There isn’t a cure‚ but for surgical procedures or if your dog is injured‚ your veterinarian can administer blood and plasma products to help control bleeding. You should not breed an affected dog since the condition has a genetic component. Image Credit: luchschenF‚ Shutterstock 10. Zinc Responsive Dermatosis Akitas can be at risk for Zinc Responsive Dermatosis. There are several forms of this condition‚ where either pets cannot absorb enough zinc from their diet‚ or their diet is unbalanced and doesn’t contain enough bioavailable zinc. Not having enough zinc can cause skin issues and immune system problems. Affected dogs may have crusting around their eyes and mouth‚ most commonly in areas where the skin meets mucous membranes. Their coats are usually dry and lackluster. Your vet may need to run tests such as a skin biopsy to diagnose Zinc Responsive Dermatosis. If the diet doesn’t have appropriate amounts of zinc‚ you could switch the food‚ but if they’re having issues absorbing it from their food‚ you’ll need to give your dog a high-quality zinc supplement‚ usually for life. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) How long do Akitas live? According to the American Kennel Club‚ Akitas typically have a lifespan of 10 to 14 years. Some conditions‚ such as bloat‚ can occur suddenly and be life-threatening. The good news is that with proper preventative care and nutrition‚ your Akita has the potential to live a long and happy life with you. Image Credit: Olga Aniven‚ Shutterstock Are Akitas overall healthy dogs? Akitas are a generally healthy dog breed‚ but they are at risk for certain conditions. Simple screening tests can help minimize the chance of issues in future generations‚ from hip X-rays to a DNA cheek swab‚ to see if your dog carries gene mutations that may be associated with von Willebrand Disease. Conclusion Akitas are amazing dogs‚ but like any breed‚ they’re at risk for developing certain health conditions. Your veterinarian will help you manage these diseases and problems but preventing them through responsible breeding and genetic screening are the best ways to promote a healthy breed. Sources https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/akita/ https://www.thedrakecenter.com/services/breeds/akita https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/myasthenia-gravis-in-dogs https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/sebaceous-adenitis-in-dogs https://www.vet.cornell.edu/animal-health-diagnostic-center/laboratories/comparative-coagulation/clinical-topics/canine-von-willebrand-disease Featured Image Credit: Anaite‚ Shutterstock The post 10 Akita Health Issues You Need to Know (Vet Answer) appeared first on Pet Keen.