As a dog owner, you may be wondering whether ACL surgery is worth it for your pet. The answer depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury and your dog’s overall health.
However, in many cases, ACL surgery can improve your dog’s quality of life significantly. Here’s what you need to know about the procedure and its risks and benefits.
The pros and cons of ACL surgery for dogs
ACL surgery for dogs can be a difficult decision for any pet owner but here are the major pros and cons to consider.
Pros of ACL surgery for dogs
In most cases, ACL surgery can be successful in restoring mobility to the injured limb and helping relieve pain. This has many positive effects including increasing physical activity and preventing further complications such as osteoarthritis and degeneration of muscles.
ACL surgery can also be beneficial for dogs by correcting instability and chronic pain associated with a damaged ACL. In some cases, the surgery can even help slow down the progression of cartilage damage.
Cons of ACL surgery for dogs
The recovery period (which is typically several weeks), and the possibility of failure should all be taken into consideration when contemplating ACL surgery for your pooch.
Along with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved in ACL surgery for dogs. Potential complications may include infection, nerve damage, or an adverse reaction to anesthesia.
Ultimately, it’s best to discuss this with your veterinarian to determine what route would be most beneficial for your pup’s wellbeing.
Why is the ACL important for dogs?
The ACL or anterior cruciate ligament is very important for dogs. It provides much-needed stability at the joint in the leg. As you well know, dogs use their legs constantly.
When a dog suffers from an ACL injury, it can lead to pain and debilitation for the dog. The ACL helps to stabilize the knee joint and prevent it from excessive movement. Without a properly functioning ACL, your pup may have difficulty supporting its full body weight on the affected leg.
Additionally, an ACL injury can lead to further damage to the bones and cartilage as well as cause inflammation in surrounding tissue. This is why it’s so important to take your dog for regular check-ups and have any injuries tended to immediately.
ACL injuries in dogs can be serious and heartbreaking, even leading to permanent limping. ACL surgery for dogs is the most effective way to treat ACL tears so that your pet can live a pain-free life.
Thankfully, ACL surgeries for dogs have become increasingly successful over the years and are now considered routine, making it easier for pet owners to provide their fur babies with the care they need and deserve.
ACL surgeries might seem daunting at first, but doing your research and consulting with an experienced veterinarian will help ensure that the procedure goes as smoothly as possible for you and your beloved pup.
Why do some dog owners choose not to go through with the surgery?
ACL surgery for dogs is a major procedure that can be extremely beneficial, but many dog owners are hesitant to commit to the surgery.
ACL stands for anterior cruciate ligament and it helps support the front leg’s stability during movement. ACL surgery repairs this ligament, helping to restore good joint health and keep your pup moving! However, there are a few reservations that can prevent an owner from going through with ACL surgery.
The cost of anesthesia, post-operative care, and follow-up treatments make ACL surgery expensive. For many people, this cost isn’t justifiable.
Additionally, if your pup is elderly or has other medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes then ACL surgery might not be the most beneficial way forward, and in these cases, patient palliative care may be recommended.
Ultimately ACL surgeries can provide a long-term solution for your pup’s comfort, but remember it will require a strong commitment from you and your family to see it through!
How much does ACL surgery cost for dogs, on average?
Cost can be a huge factor when considering ACL surgery, or any surgery, for your dog. There is a wide range of costs for pet surgery and depending on where you live, the cost may be different.
ACL surgery for dogs, while expensive, may be a worthwhile investment into the health of your furry best friend. On average, ACL surgery costs anywhere between $1,800 and $3,500 depending on the type of procedure that’s necessary and where it’s performed.
ACL surgeries in large cities tend to be more expensive than in rural areas due to higher overhead costs from the animal hospital or veterinary clinic. However, those living in New York City can rest assured knowing that ACL surgeries are often conducted at discounted rates due to NYC’s many specialized animal hospitals.
The best way to determine the cost of ACL surgery for your dog in your area is to meet with your local veterinary surgeon. They will be able to outline the costs associated with the procedure.
The recovery process for dogs after ACL surgery
Is ACL surgery worth it for a dog? The recovery process following the surgery can be lengthy and intense, but ultimately it is worth it. After surgery, dogs must adapt to very limited activity and sleeping in an enclosed pen with limited mobility; the activity restrictions can last up to 12 weeks.
This period of reduced physical activity is essential to the healing process, so pet owners must show patience and diligence in ensuring their dog takes things slowly.
Along with rest, post-operation care requires regular follow-ups with a veterinarian and continuity in administering supplemental painkillers and therapeutic exercises.
With these preventative steps taken, the majority of dogs that have undergone ACL surgery are able to return to more vigorous activities without complication.
Whether or not you think ACL surgery is worth it for a dog
When deciding if ACL surgery is the best option for your canine companion, you must consider a few things. The cost of the surgery can be several thousand dollars, so it might not be feasible for more tight-knit budgets.
If the injury is in its early stages, physical and medical therapies may work just as well to correct the underlying problem without ever having to proceed to surgery.
Some dogs may be too old or suffer from too serious an injury to gain relief from non-surgical treatments – in these cases ACL surgery could bring them much-needed relief from pain or improved mobility.
Ultimately, you are the one that needs to decide whether ACL surgery is right for your dog. A veterinarian should be consulted before making any decisions on whether or not ACL surgery is warranted for your pooch!
Final Thoughts
Overall, deciding whether or not to put your dog through ACL surgery is a tough decision that comes with a lot of factors.
Weigh the pros and cons carefully before you make a decision, and talk to your veterinarian about what they think is best for your dog.
If you do decide to go through with the surgery, be prepared for a long road ahead as your pup recovers from the operation.
