{"id":9755,"date":"2024-09-04T14:19:30","date_gmt":"2024-09-04T14:19:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aercmn.com\/?p=9755"},"modified":"2024-09-04T14:19:30","modified_gmt":"2024-09-04T14:19:30","slug":"cranial-cruciate-ligament-injuries-in-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/cranial-cruciate-ligament-injuries-in-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

If your pet collapses, is unable to walk or get up, or experiences severe trauma, these are considered \u201cRED\u201d \u2013 or true emergencies \u2013 on our Fast Track Triage system. We advise you to seek immediate veterinary care. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you! <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

If your pet is limping, has a small wound\/laceration, or has a broken toenail, these are considered \u201cYELLOW\u201d \u2013 or semi-urgent cases \u2013 on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend having your pet evaluated by your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital within 24 hours. Call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you, and if your pet\u2019s condition worsens, call the team back to inform them of the status change. <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Damage to the cranial cruciate ligament is one of the most common orthopedic injuries we see in dogs.<\/span><\/span> The cranial cruciate ligament (<\/span>CCL<\/span>,<\/span> also known as ACL) is one of the major stabilizers of the knee joint<\/span><\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/strong>When the CCL is injured, it can lead to varying degrees of lameness in dogs, making it crucial for pet parents to recognize this type of injury and seek veterinary care if they notice any changes in their pet\u2019s mobility.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Causes<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

CCL injuries are common in young to middle-aged large breed dogs, but they can occur in dogs of any size. While less common, cats can also suffer from CCL injuries.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While trauma, <\/span>like <\/span>falling off the couch or jumping from the bed, can result in CCL injuries in pets, other <\/span>variable<\/span>s also play a role. Genetics (with certain breeds like <\/span>Labradors, German <\/span>s<\/span>hepherds, Rottweilers, and <\/span>g<\/span>olden <\/span>r<\/span>etrievers <\/span>being more prone) and ligament degeneration due to age or obesity can increase the risk. <\/span><\/span>Due to these genetic and degenerative factors, 50-60% of dogs with a CCL injury in one knee are likely to suffer <\/span>the same<\/span> injury in the other knee.<\/span><\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Signs<\/span> of a CCL Injury<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Pets with CCL injuries often show signs of pain<\/span> and discomfort<\/span>, including:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n