home Audience 3 Sprains in dogs: types, causes and treatment. Anterior cruciate ligament rupture in dogs

Sprains in dogs: types, causes and treatment. Anterior cruciate ligament rupture in dogs

About the reasons causing lameness in dogs, said the leading surgeon of the Biocontrol veterinary clinic, candidate of biological sciences Dmitry Valentinovich Garanin.

— What could be the reason that a dog is limping?

— There are many reasons why dogs become lame. First of all, if we trace the dependence on age, then if it is a young dog, the cause of lameness in large dogs is, and in small dogs- dislocation of the kneecap and (this is on the pelvic limbs), or dislocation of the head of the humerus on the thoracic limbs.

If the dog is already an adult, then the causes of lameness can be all of the above diseases from youth (if they were not treated, they turned into arthrosis of the corresponding joint), or, as often happens in adult dogs in the hind limbs, it is a rupture cruciate ligament, problems with the lumbosacral spine and, in some cases,. In adult and older dogs, the most common cause of lameness is pelvic limb is a rupture of the cruciate ligament, and lameness is thoracic limb– arthrosis of the elbow joint due to elbow dysplasia suffered in childhood.

— Since the most common cause of hind limb lameness in adult dogs is still a rupture of the cruciate ligament, it is worth starting the conversation with this pathology. So what is the cruciate ligament?

— The cruciate ligament (also called the cruciate ligament) provides stability to the knee joint from forward/backward movement.

- What could cause this gap?

- It is either the result of an injury when extreme flexion of the limb occurs during a jump, or the ligament can be destroyed due to its original cause irregular structure knee joint when tilting articular surface The shin is directed back and the thigh seems to “slide” back, and the shin moves forward. In this case, the ligament initially experiences extreme stress, holding the bones of the joint. This congenital pathology most often occurs in giant dogs and can lead to rupture at the age of one and a half to two years, and sometimes earlier.

- And what kind of dogs are waiting for this? What breeds are giant?

— We are talking about dogs such as mastiff, bullmastiff, Mastino-Neapolitan, Dogue de Bordeaux, Central Asian and Caucasian shepherd dogs and others. In general, all large dogs are at risk.

— A dog living in a city often receives uneven physical activity. Five days a week she most spends time in the apartment: the owners are at work - a short walk in the morning and a longer walk in the evening. And on weekends the dog is taken to the dacha and there he can run around the fields to his heart's content for two days. Could this be the reason for the breakup?

— This factor plays a role when there is already chronic illness in the joint - this provokes pain syndrome. But for a cruciate ligament rupture this is not important. If the joint is healthy and the slope of the articular surface is correct, then such physical activity will not do anything bad to the cruciate ligament. And if the slope of the articular surface is large, then sooner or later this rupture will still occur, even if you protect the dog.

— What should a dog owner pay attention to in order to notice a problem with the cruciate ligament in time?

“Unfortunately, there is nothing the owner can do to protect the dog from breaking. If this disease is predetermined by the structure of the joint, then it cannot be avoided. Here you either need to start small dog(and already follow others possible problems), or just be prepared for possible manifestation lameness and in this case do not delay surgical treatment.

— And what can a veterinary surgeon prescribe in this case?

— In large dogs with altered joint geometry, one of the options for tibial osteotomy is prescribed. There are currently four of them. And in dogs with normal structure knee joint, there is either the same option of osteotomy, or the possibility of surgery with stabilization of the joint using extra-articular options - when an implant is installed outside the articular capsule to stabilize the knee, or soft tissues are sutured in such a way as to cause scar sclerosis of the joint capsule and thereby achieve stability. In all these cases, the torn ligament is removed and it is often necessary to either remove or trim the torn or ruptured miniscus.

— Maybe it makes sense to replace the ligament itself with some kind of, say, synthetic material?

“Now veterinary surgeons are generally moving away from this technique. Of course, there are still enthusiasts of such operations, but this technique usually does not justify itself in dogs. These operations require very strict immobilization of the joint, a clearly dosed load on the joint, which is almost impossible to achieve in an animal. This is why operations involving osteotomy have become so popular - they allow you not to worry about immobilizing the limb and allowing the animal to step on it immediately. Although, of course, this is not a panacea. An animal that has suffered a cruciate ligament rupture, even if full recovery, still cannot be considered absolutely healthy.

— How long does the dog spend in the hospital after such an operation?

- One day. We operated on her in the afternoon and the next day the owners took her away.

— Is any specialized care required for the animal in the first days after surgery?

- You don’t need to do anything special. Make sure that the dog does not lick the stitches and give the antibiotic prescribed by the doctor. After some operations, you need to wear a bandage that partially limits your mobility.

— What is the walking regimen after surgery?

— In the first one and a half to two months, the animal should be loaded to a minimum, just taken to the toilet on a leash. If everything went well, then after two months you can safely return to your usual full-fledged life. But, you still need to live with an eye on this problem, because since it happened with one limb, it means a similar situation can happen again with the other. This, unfortunately, does not happen rarely.

— What prevention can you recommend? For example, in terms of nutrition?

— In nutrition, it is first of all necessary to prevent obesity. Unfortunately, it is impossible to improve the strength of ligaments with the help of nutrition, but it is possible and necessary to reduce the load on them due to the absence of excess weight.

— If you estimate the statistics on dogs with hind leg lameness coming to Biocontrol, how many of them have this particular problem—a cruciate ligament rupture?

- According to my estimates - thirty percent. Every third dog over a year old with lameness on the pelvic limb is a cruciate ligament rupture.

As for the main causes of dislocations, sprains and ruptures of ligaments, they are for the most part the following:

injury to one of the paws. Such conditions can be accompanied not only by sprains, but also by fractures of the limb;
unbalanced dog diet. This deficit useful substances can cause not only general weakness body, but also weakening of the ligamentous system of the limbs;
genetic predisposition or any pathology. This problem especially relevant for those breeds that are distinguished by fairly miniature size indicators;
very sharp weight gain. This problem is typical for those breeds that are distinguished by their large dimensions. As a rule, the pet begins to grow very actively, and the ligamentous system does not have time to get used to such very drastic changes;
obesity;
excessive physical stress on the pet’s knee joints. This can happen when a dog begins to play sports very actively, so an unprepared animal can easily either stretch the ligament or tear it.

The duration of the illness may take a certain period of time. Therefore, the most important thing is love and care. The dog senses the mood of its owner and if it feels his support, the recovery process will occur much faster.

The operation of a joint can be compared to a mechanism of two gears, and dislocation is the absence of several “teeth” or a breakage. Joint dislocation is a violation of the conformity and integrity of the articular surfaces of bones.

Classification of dislocations

By etiology:

Congenital - the disorder occurs in the womb and the puppy is born with the pathology. If the puppy is viable, maintenance therapy is carried out, but unfortunately, the chances of recovery are minimal.

Paralytic - occurs due to atrophy of the muscle group that supports the joint.

Pathological – possible due to diseases of the musculoskeletal system, thinning of bone and cartilage tissues.

Traumatic – resulting from a blow, fall, difficulties during childbirth (in puppies).

“Habitual” - once stretched ligaments and muscles can poorly support the joint, which causes repeated dislocations under load.

Complicated - bone displacement affects vital vessels or nerve endings.

Unreducible - all types of old dislocations or in the case of the formation of new tissue between the articular heads.

By recency:

Fresh – less than 3 days passed from the moment of injury to discovery.

Stale – the dislocation is detected after 3–14 days.

Old – the period of injury is more than 14–21 days.

Open - accompanied by rupture of muscles and skin, without fracture.

Closed – the skin and external tissues are not damaged.

By degree:

Complete – divergence of the joint, rupture of the joint “bag”, displacement of the bone.

Incomplete (subluxation)– articular tissues are partially torn, the articular capsule is not damaged, movements are painful, but possible.

Ignoring treatment is fraught with negative consequences for several reasons:

An injured dog experiences pain, which may be accompanied by disobedience or aggression.

The joint will recover in any case, however, an unfixed limb may heal incorrectly, which will disrupt the pace of life of the animal.

In parallel with the dislocation, if left untreated, swelling and inflammation occur, which can subsequently lead to gangrene and loss of the limb.

A severe dislocation is accompanied by rupture of the ligaments, the animal ceases to use the limb, and the muscles atrophy—in fact, paralysis.

Causes of sprains and ligament tears in dogs

Sprains are most often caused by increased activity and mobility of the dog. Adult representatives of the canine family suffer from ligament injuries much less frequently than small fragile puppies. However, not a single animal, even the most experienced and old, is immune from tears and sprains. There may be several reasons for this:

If we talk about small, very young dogs, their bodies grow quite quickly. Weight gain occurs rapidly. At the same time, the puppies are very mobile and clumsy, and their ligaments are still too weak to have time to adapt to the speed changes in the animal’s parameters. Therefore, ligament injuries often occur during vigorous jumping and running, which may be accompanied by falls. Excess weight is also dangerous for mature pets. The first thing that suffers from excess kilograms is the knee tendons;
The cause of sprains in dogs of any age is a lack of vital microelements in the body, in particular calcium;
Ligaments can also stretch after serious damage to a pet’s limbs, fractures or dislocations;
The basis for the tear is physical activity a dog when overcoming any obstacle by jumping over or when climbing high steps of a ladder;
Also, damage to the ligaments can be a congenital pathology of the puppy.

The greatest danger to the health and life of dogs is dysfunction of the ligamentous elements of the spine. The fibrous tissues connecting the vertebral joints are damaged due to serious injuries spinal column or fractures. In this case, the dog may completely lose mobility, or the body may simply stop performing certain functions.

But most often the paws suffer, and the most common canine ailment is a knee injury. If such a disease is not treated, it can develop into chronic form and lead to sad consequence– development of osteoarthritis.

Most often, the first symptom that the owner of a four-legged dog pays attention to is lameness. The paw is intact, there are no cuts or splinters, but the pet reacts sharply to an attempt to feel or change the position of the joint. Possible reasons Ligament injuries are as follows:

Excess weight of an adult dog, active growth of a puppy - connective tissues cannot support the weight of the pet, as a result of which even a light load can cause fiber ruptures.

Age-related degenerative diseases.

Breed characteristics - dogs with an unnatural body constitution are more susceptible to joint problems. For example, new format German Shepherds, dachshunds, basset hounds, problems with the spine, hip joint and paw ligaments are ailments that accompany pets throughout their lives.

Skeletal deformities due to trauma or congenital abnormalities - miniature dogs, in the stage active growth, often suffer from sprains or ruptures of vertebral ligaments.

Active loads, without proper preparation, especially jumping. Rupture of the hock joint ligaments is a professional disease of “jumpers”; loads should be increased gradually, even if the dog can clear a 2-meter barrier; training begins with small obstacles. Particular attention must be paid to the loads of a puppy with “not strengthened” wrist joints; rupture of the plantar ligaments leads to sagging of the paw relative to the hand (tarsus drop).

Ligaments strengthen and stabilize joints, and damage to them leads to the development of osteoarthritis - a concept that includes diseases of the joints with their subsequent deformation or destruction.

The severity depends on:

Type of rupture - global or partial, immediate or sequential (re-injury).

Possible abrasion or change in the shape of the joint heads, destruction of the joint capsule, dislocations. A rupture of the cruciate ligament of the knee joint is accompanied by deformation of the meniscus.

Availability inflammatory process.

In case of partial rupture, “closed” treatment (without surgery) is used. Despite the severity of the injury, fibrous tissues are characterized by rapid regeneration, provided that the joint is fixed and the dog does not step on the limb.

In veterinary practice, it is customary to take into account the following factors leading to severe damage: ligamentous apparatus in dogs:

Injuries of various kinds. A pet falling from a height (especially important for miniature and dwarf breeds), broken limbs, being hit by a car, unsuccessful jumps – common reasons tendon sprains and ruptures.

Developmental anomalies. Improper formation of the bone structure during the prenatal period leads to excessive load on the fascia as the pet grows.
Obesity. Excess weight of your four-legged friend is fraught not only with problems with normal functioning internal organs, but also negatively affects the condition of the musculoskeletal system. Obese animals are more likely to suffer a variety of limb injuries, including sprains and torn ligaments.
Breed predisposition. IN last years veterinary specialists and experienced breeders note a negative trend of increasing pathology of the ligamentous apparatus in representatives of a number of breeds.

Violation mineral metabolism during the puppy's growth period. Intensive set muscle mass, especially in representatives of large breeds, should be accompanied by the inclusion in the diet of vitamins and minerals that are responsible for the strength and elasticity of muscle and connective fibers. Their absence leads to an imbalance between the development of muscle mass and fascia.

Tendon weakness is caused by a lack of calcium, vitamin D and some microelements.

Degenerative changes in the musculoskeletal system. Diseases such as rickets in at a young age, osteodystrophy in elderly pets is accompanied by destructive changes in the joints. Changes in the anatomical configuration of the vertebrae, large articular formations of the upper and lower limbs due to arthrosis, it leads to deformation of the ligament structure, loss of elasticity and rupture.

A common cause of hock tendon rupture in young animals is intensive training without prior preparation of the pet. Muscles and tendons that are not warmed up before intense physical activity are subject to constant microtrauma, which is accompanied by stretching and rupture of the fascia.

Older animals are predisposed to the disease, because age-related changes there is a change in structure connective tissue. Veterinary experts include metabolic disorders in animals and decreased immunity as provoking factors.

Types of dislocations

Dislocation kneecap in dogs – the most popular injury for active pets. The kneecap has fairly strong protection, the only “ weakness» for impact – side. The injury occurs due to damage to the part of the joint that is responsible for extending the knee - straightening the paw, “pushing out” its own weight.

To alleviate the condition and prevent complications, it is necessary to fix the paw in a relaxed “pose”. If the front paw is injured, use a soft splint; the hind paw is fixed with a long piece of elastic bandage. A dislocated knee joint in dogs is accompanied by severe pain and swelling; try to move the animal as carefully as possible and do not allow the dog to stand on the injured limb.

Dislocation hip joint in dogs - the most common “road accident injury” can also be caused by swipe in the pelvic area, a fall or an unsuccessful jump from a height (especially in small breeds), a sharp jerk on the hind legs (breaking up a fight). Joints hind legs connected to each other by the “round ligament”, which is in constant tension. When a dislocation occurs, the ligament breaks and the leg “falls out” of the hip joint.

In practice, hip dislocation is not easy to determine, so treatment depends on how long ago the injury was:

If a dislocation without complications is “no older than” 5 days, the veterinarian realigns the joint and secures the dog’s pelvis with a special bandage.

If the injury lasts for more than 5 days or fixation does not produce results, surgery is performed. During surgery, two strategies are possible:
- Removal of the femoral head, fixation of the joint and rehabilitation until the “false joint” grows.
- Installation of clamps that hold the head of the joint in the correct position.

A dislocated jaw is not a very common, but dangerous injury, as it can be combined with an extremely painful jaw fracture. Possible causes are a blow or excessive opening of the mouth, most often when chewing moslaks - the chewing teeth get stuck, and the dog, trying to free itself, makes a jerk and injures the joints. Jaw dislocation is divided into:

One-sided - the mouth is slightly open or unnaturally “skewed”, there is a pronounced malocclusion.

Double-sided - the mouth does not close.

The dog must be calmed and taken to the veterinarian. After the joint returns to normal, the dog’s lower jaw is fixed within the acceptable range of mouth opening. The bandage is not removed until the joints are completely fixed; during rehabilitation, the pet will have difficulties with nutrition.

A dislocated tail is a dangerous and painful injury. The tail is not an “appendage” or “process”, but a full-fledged part of the spine - draw your own conclusions. Most often, dislocations and fractures of the tail occur from “great love” - the pet waves its tail so much with joy that it hits it against furniture or a wall. The second option is injury, blow, being pinched by a door and similar troubles.

Do not splint or try to straighten the tail yourself! Also, make sure that the veterinarian is competent; the dog must have an x-ray before making a decision. If blood circulation is not impaired and the pet feels well, the owner is advised to monitor the dog, but no “drastic” measures are taken - intervention in the event of a spinal injury is much more dangerous than full life with a "crooked" tail. Poor circulation leads to the death of part of the tail; the most reasonable measure is docking to a healthy “section”.

In terms of popularity, extremity injuries “lead”, with 70% of them being ruptures and sprains of the cruciate ligaments of the knee joints. The dog rests on only three paws, and holds the injured limb suspended, slightly bent at the knee. There are several treatment options, but almost all involve surgery.

Cruciate ligaments (CL) consist of two intertwined flaps fibrous tissue, and one is located from the front of the joint, and the second from the back. If one or both ligaments are damaged, the knee joint effectively separates and the bone heads become dislodged, rubbed, distorted and torn. joint capsule. Prolonged injury leads to deformation of the meniscus, hemorrhage into the soft tissues and extensive inflammatory process.

Diagnosis of a knee joint rupture is based on anamnesis, examination of the joint and x-rays, which are prescribed without fail. With a complete rupture, the picture is clear even without a picture, but the veterinarian must make sure that the injury is not complicated by a dislocation.

In veterinary practice, it is customary to distinguish tendon ruptures by their anatomical location. The hip and knee joints are most often affected due to the complexity of their anatomical structure. Depending on the degree of damage, there are complete or partial rupture fascia. The injury can be immediate or gradual. Veterinary specialists also note the presence of damage to the menisci of the joint and an inflammatory reaction.

Anterior cruciate fascia injury

The largest and most complex joint in a dog's body is the knee. It is formed by the femoral and tibia and kneecap. Being a uniaxial structure, the main type of movement of the joint is flexion-extension. It is stabilized by several external and internal fascia. These include the anterior and posterior cruciate, tibial and fibular collateral.

One of the most common surgical ailments in dogs is a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee joint. This tendon is the main stabilizing structure. Anterior cruciate ligament rupture accounts for up to 70% of all knee injuries.

The most common cause of the disease is degenerative processes of the ligamentous apparatus, leading to thinning of the fascia and loss of elasticity. Hip dysplasia, congenital deformities lead to microtraumas, tendon tears, and over time to its complete rupture. In this case, damage to the ligamentous apparatus on both limbs is diagnosed.

A collision with a vehicle can also lead to this pathology. In this case, only one hind limb may be injured.

Hip injury

Veterinarians most often deal with concomitant injuries of the hip joint. In addition to a dislocation, the animal is diagnosed with a sprain or rupture of the ligamentous apparatus. A complex joint is formed by external, internal and annular ligaments.

The cause of structural destruction of the fascia of the hip joint is most often the development of dysplasia, ill-selected intensity physical activity, congenital anomalies. Veterinary specialists have traced the breed's predisposition to the disease.

Causes and signs of ligament tears in dogs

Young beautiful dog is a mixture of strength, cheerfulness and energy. This is a hurricane that cannot be stopped. An animal full of freedom is always on the move, but the modern landscape can disrupt the mobility of the pet's ligaments. Learn how to recognize a sprain and help your pet get back on his feet quickly.

What is stretching

A dog sprain is the most common injury in young animals when the puppy overloads a limb.

The pet's paw joint protects the bones from damage, envelops them in elastic fibrous tissue, and is responsible for shock absorption when walking and jumping.

And sudden tension in the ligaments can sometimes cause several fibers to rupture. This is very painful for the animal and is associated with swelling of the ligaments.

The main causes of sprains in dogs:

Limb injury. In serious cases, it is accompanied by fractures and dislocations of the paws.
Poor nutrition. A lack of calcium and other microelements causes malnutrition of the connective tissue and, as a consequence, weakness of the ligaments.
Genetic abnormalities. Toy breeds of dogs are susceptible genetic diseases, accompanied by anomalies in the development of the ligamentous apparatus.
Sharp increase in mass. In this case, the ligaments do not have time to adapt to the increasing load. This often occurs during periods of active growth of large dog breeds.
Overweight .
Certain types of loads during the period of active growth. More often, sprains occur when performing exercises to overcome high obstacles and lifting an animal up stairs.

A sprained paw in a dog is a very unpleasant situation for both the animal and the owner. The pet will need affection and attention. You will also have to slightly remove the dog from intensive training.

Signs and symptoms of a sprain

A sprained ligament in a dog has characteristic symptoms. As a result of injury, fibrous tissue fibers rupture and inflammation begins. Depending on the severity of the damage, there are 3 degrees of rupture:

Easy. It occurs when several fibers are torn and is accompanied by slight pain in the joint.
Average. The integrity of the joint is preserved, but the gaps are significant.
Heavy. Complete ligament rupture. Often accompanied by dislocations and fractures, and is classified as separate species injuries.

The main signs of a sprained joint in a dog include:

Lameness. It is difficult for the animal to stand on the injured limb.
Tissue swelling. Swelling appears at the site of injury.
Pain . Upon palpation, the animal twitches and tries to pull out its paw.
Characteristic position of the limb. When a dog sprains, a characteristic symptom will be a suspended position of the damaged paw in a half-bent state. The animal is afraid to step on a limb. In rare cases, you can feel where the fibers are torn.
Temperature increase at the site of damage.
Damage to skin and coat.
Hematoma.

Treating sprains in dogs

When treating sprains in dogs, there are two main points: first aid and primary treatment.

For mild to moderate severity, injury can be treated at home. But severe injuries will require surgery.

The back legs of dogs are often susceptible to sprains, since they bear the bulk of the load when jumping and running.

Place ice in a bag and apply to the injured limb to relieve swelling.
After 15-20 minutes, remove the cold and apply a tight bandage, securing the limb.
If the animal is suffering greatly, then show it to a specialist. Most likely, his injuries are more serious than they seem.

Now let's look at how to treat a sprain in a dog in the following days:

On the second day after injury, alcohol and warm compresses are desirable.
On the third day, light massage, thermal wraps and paraffin applications are recommended.
On the fourth, use ointments and gels with troxevasin. Phytoelite and Hydrocortisone ointments accelerate healing.

In the first days, monitor the animal’s well-being, pay attention to temperature and injury. The appearance of an abscess or temperature may indicate the presence of an infection.

Another question that worries dog breeders is how long does it take for an injury to go away? Without complications, a dog's sprain completely disappears in 3-5 days.

Muscle strains in dogs are a common pathology of young animals when the joints cannot withstand the stress of training. Choose your training regimen wisely, watch your diet, monitor your dog’s health regularly and you can be proud of your pet.

In the event of a violation of the integrity of the ligaments, the clinical picture of the disease may vary depending on the type of rupture and the degree of inflammation in the joint. Symptoms of the disease also depend on how damaged the menisci in the knee joint are.

An injured dog with a cruciate ligament rupture experiences severe pain in the knee joint with any movement. In the case of a partial rupture, the animal does not feel severe pain and only limps slightly on the injured limb. Due to the absence of a small number of signs, animal owners confuse a partial tear with a sprain and do not contact veterinary clinic. But over time, the seemingly smallest gap often leads to disastrous consequences.

If we're talking about about a complete rupture of the ligaments, the pet is severely limping or is constantly in supine position with a paw bent under the body. There may also be a lot of whining from severe pain. Complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in dogs is characterized by acute pain, swelling in the knee joint, gradual increase in body temperature. Heat may indicate a progressive infection in the diseased joint.

Cruciate sprain of the ligament fibers is a pathology that has characteristic symptoms. Thus, the condition can be divided into three main types, according to the severity of its course:

Light flow. This condition characterized by disruption of fibrous tissue in only a few places. The pain syndrome is very pronounced in the joint area.
Middle current. The ruptures cover almost the entire area of the ligament, but nevertheless the joint retains its integrity.
Heavy current. This condition can be localized in both the front and hind limbs. Here there is a complete rupture of the ligament, which can in most cases be accompanied by significant fractures.

As for the main symptoms of these conditions, they are mostly as follows:

the pet begins to limp very intensely due to pain in the ligament and joint area;
there is significant swelling of the limb in the area of the rupture;
upon examination there is a very sharp pain, because of which the pet tries to free itself and pull out the diseased limb;
inability to stand on one's paw;
the local temperature at the site of tissue rupture may increase significantly;
a significant hematoma forms;
the skin can either remain intact or be significantly damaged.

One of characteristic features fascial injury is a weight-bearing lameness in a pet. In this case, the dog tries to transfer the weight of the body to a healthy limb. IN severe cases the animal completely excludes the limb from motor function and holds it suspended. The pet moves in small steps, the gait becomes mincing.

In a sitting position, the owner can observe that the animal puts the affected limb aside. If the dog is forced to stand, then the sore paw rests on the toes, and not on the entire foot.

A rupture of the anterior cruciate fascia due to a knee joint injury is often accompanied by swelling, edema of the damaged area, and an increase in local temperature.

Instability in the joint can manifest itself in the form of a characteristic click when flexing and extending the injured mobile joint. The owner may experience severe pain. The pet does not allow you to touch the sore area, whines, and worries.

Sprain in a dog: signs, symptoms, joint treatment. How long does it take?

What is stretching

It is quite easy to notice a tendon strain. However, the dog may not react immediately after the rupture, and pronounced symptoms of injury will appear much later. About joint injuries, sprains and ligament ruptures in pet indicates the following:

The dog became melancholy, sad, uncommunicative, and less active. Usually in such cases the animal holds the injured limb suspended, tries not to use the affected paw when moving, and limps;
Swelling in the area of the damaged joint, swelling, and pain when touched are detected. Such symptoms may appear only 2 to 3 hours after the injury. If you pay attention to the dog before swelling appears, the presence of ligament rupture can be determined by touch.
There are bruises in the area of injury. Blood during injury may appear due to the fact that with a strong rupture, nearby ligaments are also damaged. blood vessels. For this reason, hemorrhage can be observed in the tissues protecting the joints.

If the owners missed the moment of injury to the pet, then the first sign that may indicate this is lameness, the dog becomes in an unusual position.
When a hind leg is dislocated, the animal cannot rise normally from the litter, or it hurts to lie down. At the same time, the dog whines and howls.
Pulls his paw inward and refuses food.
The temperature may rise.
If at least one of the listed signs is present, immediately contact a specialist.

First aid and treatment

Carefully examine the sick animal, make sure that the tissue is not torn and the dog’s motor function is only slightly limited, but not eliminated. If the hind limbs are damaged, under no circumstances should the dog be allowed to stand on its paws. You should call a doctor and try to calm the patient.
Provide precautions to prevent the dog from biting the doctor - wear a muzzle. It is forbidden to try to do the adjustment yourself. This may provoke internal bleeding or ruptures of tissues and ligaments. If the paw is fixed with an elastic bandage, do not pull it tightly. A soft splint can be applied and secured above the injury.
It is possible to wrap the damaged area with film, then apply several layers of cloth and apply ice.. This will prevent hemorrhage, relieve swelling a little, and eliminate pain. Next, wait for the doctor or take the dog to the clinic. It is necessary to monitor the paw temperature at all times. If it is too cold, loosen the fixation.

Diagnosis of ligament rupture in dogs

A ligament rupture is diagnosed in a clinical setting by a qualified veterinarian. At the first appointment, an anamnesis is taken to determine the clinical picture and an examination of the injured pet is performed. To make an accurate diagnosis, the following diagnostic measures are used:

Calf compression test. The dog is wearing a muzzle. The pet is placed on the couch on its side so that the injured limb is in an extended state. The knee joint is fixed in the desired position and the hock joint is carefully flexed/extended. If the shin moves forward, this indicates a complete rupture of the ligament. Anesthesia is administered before the procedure to relax the muscles.
Cranial tension test. The dog is laid on its side so that the injured paw is on top. The femur and tibia are fixed with the help of hands, and then the tibia is slowly shifted in the cranial direction. Cranial displacement of the tibia relative to the femoral condyles indicates a severe ACL tear. The test is most often performed using sedatives.
X-ray examination. In most cases, the two tests described above are sufficient to determine a ligament rupture. But in order to avoid consequences in the form of inflammatory processes and development pathological conditions An x-ray is ordered. X-ray images can determine the presence of defects on the articular surface of the knee. As a rule, with a complete rupture of the ligaments, you can see pathological changes on the surface of sesamoid bones, patellas and joint cavities.
CT scan. If the ligament is severely torn, a CT scan is appropriate. Diagnostic test allows you to study certain changes in the bone structure of the knee joint and identify the presence/absence of osteophytes. Computed tomography, like x-rays, cannot be used as a basis for diagnosis. For an accurate picture, an arthroscopic examination is performed.
Arthroscopy of the knee area. Partial anterior cruciate ligament rupture big dogs determined by arthroscopic examination. Diagnostics consists of introducing a device equipped with a microvideo camera into the joint cavity. This method allows you to most effectively and quickly determine the pathological condition of the meniscus and other structures of the knee joint.

All the methods described above allow you to set accurate diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.

A qualified doctor may suspect a fascial tear in a dog during a clinical examination. The manipulation is carried out under local anesthesia, in large breeds they are often used general anesthesia. After anesthesia, the doctor performs a series of tests (calf compression test, cranial tension test) to determine the severity of the injury.

Calf Compression TestCranial Tension Test

X-ray examination is prescribed as an additional diagnostic method. It is used to detect the presence of defects in the joint, pathological changes in bone structures, and determine the angular characteristics of the joint. For the same purpose, it can be carried out CT scan.

Most informative method Diagnosis of fascial damage in an animal is joint arthroscopy. A high-tech study comes down to the introduction of a microvideo camera and visual recording of the pathology.

What is stretching

Young healthy dogs extremely mobile and this mobility sometimes becomes the reason various injuries, in particular, a dislocated paw. A dog’s dislocation occurs as a result of excessive stress on the bones and joints or, for example, due to an unsuccessful “landing” during a jump.

A complete dislocation in a dog occurs when the ends of the bones in the joint are completely separated, and an incomplete dislocation (also called a subluxation) occurs when they partially touch. There are also simple dislocations, which have no associated complications, and complicated dislocations in dogs. With a complicated dislocation, ruptures of the skin, ligaments and blood vessels, as well as fractures inside the joint, are possible.

Symptoms of a dislocation in a dog

Signs of a dislocation in a dog include the animal squealing, refusing to step on the injured paw, a change in the normal shape of the joint, and an unnatural position or different lengths of the limbs. A sprained paw may be longer or, conversely, shorter than a healthy one.

If the dog does not have a dislocation, but only a sprain, then the paw joint does not change its shape, but swells and becomes very painful.

Treatment for a simple dislocation is also simple - you need to put the bones of the joint in place, but for this you need to know how the joint works and be able to do it. The reduced joint is strengthened with a splint for two weeks to avoid repeated dislocations.

It is best to entrust this matter to a veterinarian, and ease the dog’s suffering with the help of painkillers and a cold compress applied to the site of the dislocation.

And, of course, you cannot do without the help of a doctor if the dog’s dislocation is complicated, since in this case sutures and an anti-shock blockade will be required.

If a dog sprains a ligament, apply a wet bandage to the injured area, give it pain relief and provide rest.

Consequences of a dislocation in a dog

A simple dislocation that is corrected correctly has no consequences, but if it is not corrected, the dog’s dislocation becomes chronic and incurable. The same thing can happen if the bones of a joint are put back in place but not secured with a splint or bandage.

A dislocation in a dog is a fairly common injury, but in order to ensure that the animal is spared its consequences, it is strongly recommended that you entrust the treatment of a dislocation in a dog to a veterinarian.

Other TIPS FOR DOG OWNERS and simply USEFUL TIPS

Dogs are cheerful pets. During active games On the street or when colliding with an object at home, they are at risk of injury. Due to a fall from a height, a car accident or birth trauma the dog may lose integrity and correspondence to the articular surface of the bones, in other words, the joint may dislocate.

When to seek help from a veterinarian?

A dislocation in a dog is characterized by an abnormal location of the damaged organ or its individual part in relation to the physiological norm. The most common areas that are affected by dislocation are the kneecaps, hip joint, jaw and tail. In each case the animal behaves differently and is observed various symptoms, indicating damage to a particular organ.

Signs of hip dislocation:

tucking the paw under the body;
swelling on the articular surface;
change in joint shape;
increasing howl;
disobedience.

Symptoms of unilateral jaw dislocation:

a slightly open or unnaturally “skewed” mouth;
malocclusion;
painful sensations in the mouth area;
disobedience.

Signs of bilateral jaw dislocation:

non-closing mouth;
throwing the animal from side to side;
quiet whining;
aggressive behavior.

Symptoms of a luxated kneecap:

swelling and swelling of the knee;
the appearance of a “hanging” paw effect;
the dog constantly lies in one place;
severe pain in the knee area;
aggression.

Signs of a dislocated tail:

curvature of the tail;
dislocation of the tail is characterized by its unnatural position;
unpleasant sensations accompanied by quiet whining;
weakness;
manifestation of aggression towards others.

How to help a dog with a dislocation?

If you discover an injury and the slightest suspicion of a dislocation of a particular joint, first of all, do not panic and calm down. Carefully examine your pet: make sure there are no tissue tears. Give him something to drink clean water- this will help you calm down and show less aggression towards you.

If your dog has injured its knee or hip joint, do everything possible to keep the animal from moving and lying on its side. For your own safety, first put on a muzzle (if it is not a dislocated jaw). In case of severe dislocation, the pet must be transported only on a well-stretched thick blanket or a rigid stretcher.

Do not self-medicate under any circumstances, much less adjust the joint. on our own. Call a veterinary surgeon to your home or take the animal to the nearest veterinary clinic.

How are dislocations in dogs diagnosed?

At the clinic, an anamnesis is collected, the animal is examined, the damaged joint is palpated and X-ray examination. Diagnostic measures can determine the presence or absence of a dislocation, as well as exclude or confirm a fracture in a finger, leg or tail.

The results of the x-ray will help determine the degree of violation of the integrity of the articular surface of the bones and prescribe appropriate treatment. In some cases, magnetic resonance or computed tomography may be necessary. This will allow you to more accurately see the clinical picture of the disease.

How are dislocations in dogs treated?

The procedure for treating dislocations is carried out exclusively when general anesthesia. An anesthetic injection is given to completely relax the pet's muscles.

The dislocation is then reduced to return the damaged ligament to its anatomically correct position. After which a special plaster bandage is applied to firmly fix the joint.

The fixing bandage is left in place for up to 3 weeks, depending on the type and degree of dislocation.

After removing the fixing bandage, a course of physiotherapy is carried out, which lasts up to 5 weeks, depending on the speed of the animal’s rehabilitation. For quick recovery, regular walks in the forest, active swimming, physiotherapeutic warming and professional massage are recommended.

What methods of treating dislocations in dogs are more effective?

Today there are various techniques treatment of injuries in animals. The method, scheme and how to treat directly depend on the type, type and duration of the violation of the integrity of the joint. Non-surgical treatment is acceptable if less than 24 hours have passed since the dislocation. In other cases, the following methods are used.

Suturing injured ligaments

This method involves open reduction of the damaged joint. The dislocated ligament is subsequently sutured. After the operation, the animal is given rest for up to 2-3 weeks. Properly organized rehabilitation is of great importance. The recovery period lasts on average from a month and depends on various factors (breed, degree of injury, etc.).

Prosthetics

The surgical method involves inserting an implant instead of the injured ligament. The method is most effective when medial dislocation kneecap in a dog.

Surgical treatment consists of anatomically correct fixation of the dislocated joint using a special surgical needle.

The pet is at complete rest with a surgical pin in the joint for 2-3 weeks. After complete healing, the wire is removed, and the resulting fibrous tissue provides support for the joint.

Arthroplasty

The most difficult surgical method subject only to a qualified and experienced veterinary surgeon. Its essence lies in the complete destruction of the dislocated bone joint.

On the fifth day after surgery, an x-ray examination is performed and additional methods diagnostics to assess joint healing. The rehabilitation period depends on the weight of the pet.

Thus, dogs with low weight recover faster than large and heavy ones.

Treatment of a sprain in a dog is best done on an outpatient basis under supervision. an experienced veterinarian, but before you go to the doctor with your animal, you should give him first aid.

The owner's first action when a pet's ligaments are sprained or torn should be to apply a cold compress. You need to apply ice to the damaged joint for a while (15–20 minutes), and then secure the injury site tightly with an elastic bandage.

Before applying a bandage, you can apply ointment to the intended site of the tear, but do not rub in the medicine.

After carrying out the above manipulations, you can take your furry pet to the veterinarian. A visit to the doctor is a mandatory procedure. The doctor will be able to determine the extent of ligament damage and prescribe necessary complex measures to restore the dog's health.

Specialists at the Profivet clinic will conduct a thorough examination of the pet and, if necessary, perform an x-ray, ultrasound and other types of examinations. The veterinarian will determine the severity of the injury and prescribe appropriate treatment.

With your care, love and compliance with all doctor's instructions, the recovery period will pass unnoticed. Your four-legged friend will quickly recover and will once again stand firmly on all four paws!

Treatment involves a number of therapeutic and health measures: anti-inflammatory therapy, restriction of the pet’s mobility and the use of special dog knee pads.

Anti-inflammatory therapy

Surgical treatment of ligament rupture in dogs

It is not recommended to offer non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to an animal without the advice of a veterinarian. Their incorrect use in most cases leads to severe irritation of the mucous membrane of the intestines and stomach, and in case of overdose and frequent use - to ulcers and erosions. Use medications only as prescribed by your veterinarian.

Limiting your pet's movements for up to 1 month

If the knee ligament is torn, it will be necessary to take strict measures to limit the movement of the pet. In case of partial rupture, walks are allowed. short leash over short distances. If the ligament is completely torn, the sick pet is kept in a small enclosure to avoid increased activity. The dog is strictly forbidden to make sudden movements, jumps, and even more so, forget about active games for a while.

Using knee pads for pets

This measure is only effective in complex therapy. Properly fixed therapeutic knee pads allow you to provide additional support to the joint during active activities and movements of your pet. It is important to remember that improper fixation can lead to deformation of the knee joint and the development of pathological conditions. Therefore, it is so important to entrust this procedure to professional veterinarians.

Intracapsular method

The use of intracapsular technique allows you to restore the functionality of the knee joint. The essence of the method is to replace the anterior cruciate ligament with a reliable graft. The rehabilitation period lasts differently for all dogs, from 1 month or more. Over time, the graft takes root in the knee joint and represents a healthy ligament.

Extracapsular method

If a dog is diagnosed with a cranial ligament tear on the hind leg, an extracapsular treatment method may be used. Its use allows the knee joint to be stabilized using soft tissue or lateral sutures. The effectiveness of the method has been proven for dogs weighing from 12 to 15 kg. The animal calmly steps on the damaged paw 14 days after the operation.

Osteotomy

Application this method treatment allows you to correct the anatomical structure of the knee joint and completely restore the functionality of damaged paws. Surgical intervention shown for all types of dogs, from dwarf breeds to the largest pets. The advantage of the method is high speed carrying out and rapid rehabilitation. After the operation, the limb is not fixed with a bandage. The recovery period lasts no more than 1 week.

If your dog is injured, do not delay visiting a veterinarian. Assess the situation soberly, provide first aid if possible, but under no circumstances attempt treatment yourself. Only a veterinarian can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe correct treatment! Remember, the future health of your pet depends only on you!

First aid

To fix the front paw, a flexible base (thin foam rubber or similar material) and an elastic bandage are used. It is more problematic to fix a ligament rupture in a dog’s hind leg; the best way is to make sure that the pet is lying in a comfortable position, provide a bowl of water and food, stroke, scratch the side, but ensure complete rest.

Be sure to apply ice wrapped in cellophane and thin non-synthetic fabric (cotton, flannel) to the injured joint; if in a hurry, stuff frozen foods (meat, minced meat, mixed vegetables) into a bag and a sock. Cold will stop swelling and relieve pain, but do not overdo it for 15-20 minutes and break for half an hour, then as needed.

Do not give your dog blood thinners (aspirin, analgin) or paracetamol as painkillers. Firstly, paracetamol is poisonous for dogs, and aspirin can cause bleeding, and secondly, by numbing a joint injury, you will be doing your pet a disservice. A dog that is not restrained by pain will lean on the injured limb.

And lastly, do not renounce the operation, relying on your own selfishness, if intervention is really necessary. By “protecting” the dog from the evil surgeon and the scalpel, you are, with a 90% guarantee, dooming the dog to lifelong pain in injured joints. Surgery for a “fresh” injury always gives a good prognosis for treatment, but if you “pull” it, the prospects are no longer “rosy.”

It is almost impossible for the owner to distinguish a sprain from a complete rupture of the ligament. If you suspect that the animal has suffered an injury or a tendon has been affected, it is necessary to competently provide first aid to it. The further prognosis and recovery time of the four-legged friend will depend on the actions of the owner in the first hours of the injury.

Using available materials (a narrow board, thick cardboard), secure the dog’s sore limb in the position in which she holds it.
It is strictly forbidden to straighten, bend or unbend a limb on your own.
If the front paw is injured, foam rubber, a rolled towel or an elastic bandage are used for immobilization.

In the first hours after injury, ice can be applied to the sore spot. The cold can remain on the affected joint for no more than 20 minutes, then a half-hour break should be taken.
Under no circumstances should you give the injured pet any medicines, and even more so painkillers. Feeling better, the animal can cause even more harm to itself.

Consequences of dislocations

By degree:

If no help is taken, the animal experiences severe pain.
The pet is aggressive and stops obeying.
As a result of improper fusion of the articular bones, lameness and abnormal gait develop.
Swelling and development of an inflammatory process are possible, which can lead to gangrene and contribute to amputation of the limb.
If not carried out qualified assistance when the ligaments are torn, the functionality of the limb is impaired, the dog cannot rely on it, and experiences constant discomfort or pain.
If for a long time the paw is not used, an atrophic process occurs in the muscles, and paralysis occurs.

Dogs, distinguished by their activity and endurance, often injure themselves when carried away by the process of playing or executing commands during training. Ligament rupture in a dog is a fairly common injury, especially when it comes to large breeds, “clumsy” puppies or “oldies”, pets with genetic predispositions. Even a slight sprain of the ligament is associated with severe pain, let alone a rupture, which can provoke a serious injury to the joint or the development of pathology.

Excess weight of an adult dog, active growth of a puppy - connective tissues cannot support the weight of the pet, as a result of which even a light load can cause fiber ruptures.

Age-related degenerative diseases.

Breed characteristics - dogs with an unnatural body constitution are more susceptible to joint problems. For example, new-format German shepherds and dachshunds have problems with the spine, hip joint and paw ligaments - ailments that accompany pets throughout their lives.

Skeletal deformities due to trauma or congenital abnormalities - miniature dogs, in the stage of active growth, often suffer from sprains or ruptures of the vertebral ligaments.

Active loads, without proper preparation, especially jumping. Rupture of the hock joint ligaments is a professional disease of “jumpers”; loads should be increased gradually, even if the dog can clear a 2-meter barrier; training begins with small obstacles. Particular attention must be paid to the loads of a puppy with “not strengthened” wrist joints; rupture of the plantar ligaments leads to sagging of the paw relative to the hand (tarsus drop).

Hip injury

Torn ligaments in dogs are also treated in several ways. The hip joint (HJ) is the croup, in the cavity of which the articular heads of the hind legs are placed. In this case, both heads are connected by one ligament and if it breaks, 2 paws suffer at once. Most often, the injured limb falls under the dog’s belly when walking. The animal walks normally for some time, but later, the paw begins to “wiggle” and the dog sits down. When both joints “fall out”, the elbows of the hind legs “tend” towards each other, similar to an X-shaped curvature.

Treatment and diagnostic tactics are similar to knee injuries. Large dogs They immediately operate, build up and strengthen the ligaments with the help of implants, and fix the joint.

Note! Injuries to the ligaments of the wrists, hocks, shoulders and elbow joints, most often, do not need prosthetics.

Spinal injuries

Often, deformation of the spinal column is implied serious injuries. When falling from a height, serious fights, or road accidents, not only ligament rupture occurs, but also deformation of the vertebrae. Such injuries are complicated by a number of negative consequences, from involuntary urination to irreversible paralysis of the limbs. Be that as it may, if your pet gets into trouble and the spine is damaged, it is absolutely forbidden to self-medicate! In any case, the dog is x-rayed and if the ligaments are torn, they are stitched together during surgery.

You can’t insure against accidents, but owners of miniature dogs should pay attention to the development of their pet Special attention. Due to congenital deformation of the cervical vertebrae, the patient is at risk for the so-called atlanto-axial instability. Most often, the deviation is not life-threatening and can be treated outpatiently - wearing a fixing corset and drug stimulation(hormonal drugs).

Ligaments are fibrous bands that connect the adjacent parts of the joints. Their structure is elastic and therefore sprain or rupture of ligaments in dogs is the most common injury.

A sprain is a tear in the fibers of the ligament. Its severity is determined by how many fibers are damaged. If not many fibers are torn, the sprain is considered minor, because the function of the joint is not impaired, and there is practically no swelling or bleeding.

In fact, there is only pain. With a serious sprain, extensive tearing of the fibers is accompanied by swelling, bleeding, limited mobility in the joint and severe pain.

Types of ligament ruptures in dogs: symptoms, diagnosis, causes

For a dog's life the most important have ruptured spinal ligaments. They occur with serious trauma with fractures and dislocations of the vertebrae and can lead to urination problems, paralysis, and paresis.

This injury can be diagnosed based on x-rays, neurological examination, etc., and treatment can mainly be in the form of surgical intervention. In some dog breeds (Chihuahuas, Toy Terriers, Yorkies), spontaneous ligament rupture is caused by abnormal development of the first and second cervical vertebrae. In this case, the dog wears a brace and is prescribed corticosteroids.

Surgery is indicated only if there is no effect from conservative treatment. In dogs, the most common knee condition is a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which leads to the development of osteoarthritis.

This ligament can rupture as a result of injury or regular trauma, degenerative changes, inflammatory diseases joint The disease manifests itself in that... More often, the dog holds its paw suspended, with the knee joint slightly bent.

Small animals (up to 15 kg) are treated without surgery, while medium and large animals are recommended to be operated on immediately. Tears and sprains of other ligaments (carpal, shoulder, elbow, hip, hock, etc.) are most often associated with joint dislocations. In case of rupture of these ligaments, the joint is simply fixed for 3-4 weeks.

First aid and treatment for sprains and ligament ruptures

If the dog suddenly becomes lame, especially after jumping or falling, apply something cold to the injured area for 20 minutes, and then apply a tight bandage or elastic bandage. For such injuries, it cannot be used, because, without feeling pain, the animal will begin to run, and this will further injure the damaged joint.

Active, inquisitive, and sometimes hyperactive four-legged pets are often subject to a variety of injuries, accompanied by damage to the ligamentous apparatus. Ligament rupture occurs when various reasons: unsuccessful jump, collision with a vehicle, degenerative processes of the musculoskeletal system. Competent first aid actions by the owner will help reduce negative manifestations injuries.

Read in this article

Causes of ligament rupture

In veterinary practice, it is customary to take into account the following factors that lead to severe damage to the ligamentous apparatus in dogs:

Injuries of various kinds. A pet falling from a height (especially important for miniature and toy breeds), broken limbs, being hit by a car, unsuccessful jumps are common causes of sprained and ruptured tendons.

Developmental anomalies. Improper formation of the bone structure during the prenatal period leads to excessive load on the fascia as the pet grows.
Obesity. Excess weight of a four-legged friend is fraught not only with problems with the normal functioning of internal organs, but also negatively affects the condition of the musculoskeletal system. Obese animals are more likely to suffer a variety of limb injuries, including sprains and torn ligaments.
Breed predisposition. In recent years, veterinary specialists and experienced breeders have noted a negative trend of increasing pathology of the ligamentous apparatus in representatives of a number of breeds.

German Shepherds, Great Danes, Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, and Bulldogs experience problems associated not only with hip dysplasia, but also with weakness of the fascia of the limbs. Toy breeds of dogs - toy terriers, lapdogs, shih tzus - are also susceptible to orthopedic disease.

Violation of mineral metabolism during the puppy's growth period. An intensive gain of muscle mass, especially in representatives of large breeds, should be accompanied by the inclusion in the diet of vitamins and minerals that are responsible for the strength and elasticity of muscle and connective fibers. Their absence leads to an imbalance between the development of muscle mass and fascia.

Tendon weakness is caused by a lack of calcium, vitamin D and some microelements.

Degenerative changes in the musculoskeletal system. Diseases such as rickets at a young age and osteodystrophy in older pets are accompanied by destructive changes in the joints. Changes in the anatomical configuration of the vertebrae and large articular formations of the upper and lower extremities due to arthrosis lead to deformation of the structure of the ligaments, loss of their elasticity and rupture.

Rickets

A common cause of hock tendon rupture in young animals is intensive training without prior preparation of the pet. Muscles and tendons that are not warmed up before intense physical activity are subject to constant microtrauma, which is accompanied by stretching and rupture of the fascia.

Older animals are predisposed to the disease, in which, due to age-related changes, changes in the structure of the connective tissue occur. Veterinary experts include metabolic disorders in animals and decreased immunity as provoking factors.

Types of ruptures in dogs

In veterinary practice, it is customary to distinguish tendon ruptures by their anatomical location. The hip and knee joints are most often affected due to the complexity of their anatomical structure. Depending on the degree of damage, a complete or partial rupture of the fascia is distinguished. The injury can be immediate or gradual. Veterinary specialists also note the presence of damage to the menisci of the joint and an inflammatory reaction.

Anterior cruciate fascia injury

The largest and most complex joint in a dog's body is the knee. It is formed by the femur, tibia and patella. Being a uniaxial structure, the main type of movement of the joint is flexion-extension. It is stabilized by several external and internal fascia. These include the anterior and posterior cruciate, tibial and fibular collateral.

One of the most common surgical ailments in dogs is a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee joint. This tendon is the main stabilizing structure. Anterior cruciate ligament rupture accounts for up to 70% of all knee injuries.

Anterior cruciate ligament rupture

The most common cause of the disease is degenerative processes of the ligamentous apparatus, leading to thinning of the fascia and loss of elasticity. , congenital deformities lead to microtraumas, tendon tears, and over time, to its complete rupture. In this case, damage to the ligamentous apparatus on both limbs is diagnosed.

A collision with a vehicle can also lead to this pathology. In this case, only one hind limb may be injured.

Hip injury

The cause of structural destruction of the fascia of the hip joint is most often the development of dysplasia, ill-chosen intensity of physical activity, and congenital anomalies. Veterinary specialists have traced the breed's predisposition to the disease.

Signs and symptoms

One of the telltale signs of fascial injury is weight-bearing lameness in your pet. In this case, the dog tries to transfer the weight of the body to a healthy limb. In severe cases, the animal completely excludes the limb from motor function and holds it suspended. The pet moves in small steps, the gait becomes mincing.

In a sitting position, the owner can observe that the animal puts the affected limb aside. If the dog is forced to stand, then the sore paw rests on the toes, and not on the entire foot.

A rupture of the anterior cruciate fascia due to a knee joint injury is often accompanied by swelling, edema of the damaged area, and an increase in local temperature.

First aid

It is almost impossible for the owner to distinguish a sprain from a complete rupture of the ligament. If you suspect that the animal has suffered an injury or a tendon has been affected, it is necessary to competently provide first aid to it. The further prognosis and recovery time of the four-legged friend will depend on the actions of the owner in the first hours of the injury.

Using available materials (a narrow board, thick cardboard), secure the dog’s sore limb in the position in which she holds it.
It is strictly forbidden to straighten, bend or unbend a limb on your own.
If the front paw is injured, foam rubber, a rolled towel or an elastic bandage are used for immobilization.

In the first hours after injury, ice can be applied to the sore spot. The cold can remain on the affected joint for no more than 20 minutes, then a half-hour break should be taken.
Under no circumstances should you give the injured pet any medications, much less painkillers. Feeling better, the animal can cause even more harm to itself.

During transportation, ensure the immobility of the affected limb and complete rest for the pet.

Diagnosis of the condition

A qualified doctor may suspect a fascial tear in a dog during a clinical examination. The manipulation is carried out under local anesthesia; in large breeds, general anesthesia is often used. After anesthesia, the doctor performs a series of tests (calf compression test, cranial tension test) to determine the severity of the injury.

The most informative method for diagnosing fascial damage in an animal is joint arthroscopy. A high-tech study comes down to the introduction of a microvideo camera and visual recording of the pathology.

To learn how anterior cruciate ligament rupture is diagnosed, watch this video:

Treatment for a dog

Conservative methods of treatment for complete rupture of the ligamentous apparatus are used, as a rule, in small animals. The dog's movement is limited, kept in an enclosure or large cage, and the animal is walked only on a leash.

Non-steroidal drugs (Loxicom, Previcox, Rimadyl) help eliminate pain and prevent the development of inflammation. The products are used under the supervision of a veterinarian, as they have a number of contraindications. The use of chondroprotectors and glycosaminoglycans is effective.

In case of injury in large breed dogs, veterinary specialists strongly recommend that owners undergo surgical treatment to avoid the development of osteoarthritis. In surgical practice, intracapsular, extracapsular and periarticular methods of surgery are used. The choice of one or another technique depends on the breed, weight, type of rupture, and the qualifications of the surgeon.

The rehabilitation period includes the use of antibiotics, non-steroidal drugs, chondroprotectors, and painkillers. For get well soon The dog undergoes physiotherapy: cryotherapy, electrotherapy, massage, swimming pool, treadmill.

To learn how surgery is performed for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in a dog, watch this video:

Forecast

The outcome of the operation largely depends on the time of its implementation. The sooner surgical treatment is performed after the injury, the lower the risk of developing osteoarthritis. Without surgery, your pet's chances of a full recovery are minimal. Surgery injury allows in 70 - 80% of cases to return joint mobility and physical activity to the animal.

A sprained or ruptured tendon in dogs is a common injury that requires competent action by the owner in the first hours. Diagnosis is carried out on the basis of specific tests and arthroscopy. Treatment is most often surgical, especially in large breeds. The prognosis for timely surgery is usually good.