Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
.

Our Location

541-902-2013

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • New Client Information
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Payment Options
  • About Us
    • Services
    • Meet our team
  • Petsimonials
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Veterinary Topics
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • We Help Your Pet With >
  • Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

  • Created in We Help Your Pet With
Image of dog jumping and catching a frisbee at the park.

The rupture of the cruciate ligament is the most common knee injury in the dog.

This injury has two common presentations. One is the young athletic dog playing roughly who acutely ruptures the ligament and is non-weight bearing on the affected hind leg. The second presentation is the older, overweight dog with weakened or partially torn ligaments that rupture with a slight misstep. In this patient the lameness may be acute or there may be more subtle chronic lameness related to prolonged joint instability.

Your veterinarian will perform an orthopedic exam and take radiographs (x-rays) in order to diagnose this injury. The orthopedic exam involves an analysis of the gait, examination of the joint for swelling and/or pain and the presence of "drawer movement" (the presence of forward instability of the knee joint). Sedation is often required to do an adequate evaluation of the knee, especially in large dogs. Sedation prevents the pet from tensing the muscles and temporarily stabilizing the joint and preventing the demonstration of the drawer sign. Radiographs confirm inflammatory changes in the joint and establish the level of osteoarthritic changes present.

Surgical repair is recommended in most cases to stabilize the joint and prevent further osteoarthritic changes secondary to the joint instability. There are three primary types of surgical repair: intracapsular, extracapsular, and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). The type of surgical repair will be determined by the size, age and activity level of the pet as well as the degree of osteoarthritis already present in the joint. The recovery time and recommendation for physical therapy will depend on the type of surgical repair performed.

  • We Help Your Pet With
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Birds
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Ferrets
    • Rabbits
    • Reptiles
      • Lizards
      • Turtles
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Finding Your Pet
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Fun with Pets
    • Equine
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Unbelievable Pets
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Pet Dangers
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Cats
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Behavior & Training
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids
  • Feline

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you

Featured Links

Click to find out more

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.

    Learn More
  • Contact Us!

    Contact Us!

  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.

    View Forms

Business Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Business Hours

Monday:

8:30 AM-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 AM-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 AM-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 AM-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 AM-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "We are from a neighboring town and had an emergency with one of our dogs and saw Dr. Barstow. She handled our emergency with such care and professionalism that we now take all our dogs to her even though its 30 min drive."
    - Team T. / Reedsport, Or

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • Preparing For Pet Dental Month

    Not sure if your pet needs a dental exam? These 10 reasons may help you make a decision. ...

    Read More
  • How To Care For Your New Pet

    Wondering how to care for your new pet? Check out our recommendations! ...

    Read More
  • Does My Cat Love Me?

    Not sure how your cat feels about you? Learn how your pet shows affection. ...

    Read More
  • Medication Tips For Your Pet

    Do you have trouble giving your pets their medications? These tips may help. ...

    Read More
  • What Vaccines Are Right For Your Pet?

    Wondering which vaccines your pet needs? Take a look at our list. ...

    Read More
  • Is My Dog Fat Or Is It A Thyroid Problem?

    Wondering why your dog is packing on the pounds? A thyroid problem may be responsible for the weight gain. ...

    Read More
  • Hot Spots and Pets: What You Can Do to Help Your Furry Friend

    Does your pet frequently develop hot spots? Find out how to prevent and treat the painful spots. ...

    Read More
  • Managing Your Pet's Arthritis

    Painful arthritis makes walking and jumping difficult for pets. Luckily, you can do a few things to relieve your pet's pain. ...

    Read More
  • Best Pet Costumes

    Are you thinking about buying a Halloween costume for your pet? These guidelines will help you choose the ideal disguise for your furry friend. ...

    Read More
  • Why A Vet Is Your Best Defense During A Zombie Apocalypse

    Could your veterinarian help you survive a zombie apocalypse? ...

    Read More

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2019 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Site Map