“Cái răng cái cẳng, người ta đánh mất, mình đánh mất thì mình chịu!”, câu tục ngữ này quả thật đúng đắn khi nói về sự đau đớn và khó khăn khi thú cưng của chúng ta bị thương. Chứng kiến chú chó cưng của mình đi khập khiễng sau một năm phẫu thuật ACL khiến trái tim bạn như thắt lại. Vậy nguyên nhân nào khiến chú chó của bạn vẫn chưa hồi phục hoàn toàn sau một năm phẫu thuật? Hãy cùng iLoveMyPet tìm hiểu thêm thông tin chi tiết trong bài viết này nhé!
Understanding ACL Surgery in Dogs
ACL surgery, or anterior cruciate ligament surgery, is a common procedure for dogs who have torn their ACL, a crucial ligament in the knee joint. The ACL helps to stabilize the knee joint, preventing it from moving too far forward or backward. When this ligament is torn, the knee becomes unstable, leading to pain, swelling, and lameness.
[image-1|dog-acl-surgery-recovery-timeline|Dog ACL Surgery Recovery Timeline: A Guide to Post-Operative Care|This image shows a timeline for a typical dog ACL surgery recovery process, highlighting key milestones and important considerations for owners during each phase. It includes information about the initial post-operative period, weight management, physical therapy, and the gradual return to activity.]
Reasons Why Your Dog May Still Be Limping
It’s normal for dogs to have some residual lameness after ACL surgery, even after a year. However, if your dog is still limping significantly after a year, it could be due to several reasons:
1. Incomplete Healing
Although it takes around 6-8 weeks for the ACL to start healing, complete healing can take up to a year or longer.
- Dr. Nguyễn Văn Minh, Chuyên gia thú y, tác giả cuốn sách “Chăm sóc thú cưng”: “It’s important to remember that every dog is different, and some dogs may take longer to heal than others. It’s crucial to follow the post-operative instructions provided by your veterinarian closely to ensure optimal healing.”
2. Improper Rehabilitation
Physical therapy is crucial after ACL surgery. It helps to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joint and improve range of motion.
- Dr. Phạm Thị Hồng, chuyên gia vật lý trị liệu: “A lack of adequate rehabilitation can lead to muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, and pain, which may contribute to persistent lameness.”
[image-2|dog-acl-surgery-rehabilitation-exercises|Dog ACL Surgery Rehabilitation Exercises: Step-by-Step Guide|This image showcases a variety of common exercises used in dog ACL surgery rehabilitation programs, highlighting the importance of gradual progression and tailored approaches based on individual dog needs and healing stages.]
3. Underlying Conditions
Sometimes, persistent lameness can be a sign of an underlying condition, such as osteoarthritis, arthritis, or a re-tear of the ACL.
- Dr. Lê Hồng Quân, chuyên gia chỉnh hình: “If your dog continues to limp after a year, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian. They may recommend further diagnostics, such as x-rays or a physical examination, to rule out any underlying conditions.”
4. Other Injuries
It’s possible that your dog has sustained another injury, such as a sprain, strain, or fracture, that is causing the limp.
[image-3|dog-acl-surgery-post-operative-care-tips|Dog ACL Surgery Post-Operative Care Tips: Ensuring Optimal Recovery|This image provides a visual guide to essential post-operative care tips for dog owners, emphasizing the importance of rest, medication, pain management, and proper diet to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.]
What To Do If Your Dog Is Still Limping
If your dog is still limping after ACL surgery, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian for a thorough examination. They will be able to assess the situation and recommend the appropriate course of action. This may include:
- Physical therapy: Your veterinarian may recommend a customized rehabilitation program to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joint.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs or pain relievers can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Surgery: In some cases, additional surgery may be required to address the underlying condition or repair a re-tear of the ACL.
- Lifestyle adjustments: Your veterinarian may recommend lifestyle changes, such as limiting strenuous activities, to prevent further injury.
Tips To Help Your Dog Recover
- Rest: Your dog needs to rest and avoid strenuous activity for at least the first 6-8 weeks after surgery.
- Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on your dog’s joints.
- Nutrition: Ensure your dog is eating a nutritious diet to support healing.
- Physical therapy: Follow your veterinarian’s instructions for physical therapy, which is crucial for a successful recovery.
- Patience: Healing takes time, so be patient with your dog and allow them to recover at their own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take for a dog to fully recover from ACL surgery?
A: Full recovery can take up to a year or longer, depending on the individual dog and the severity of the tear.
Q: What are the signs that my dog’s ACL is not healing properly?
A: Signs that your dog’s ACL is not healing properly include persistent lameness, swelling, and pain in the knee joint.
Q: What are the risks of ACL surgery?
A: Risks of ACL surgery include infection, bleeding, and re-tear of the ACL.
Q: Can I avoid surgery for my dog’s torn ACL?
A: In some cases, non-surgical treatments, such as rest, medication, and physical therapy, may be effective in managing a torn ACL.
Q: How can I tell if my dog’s limp is caused by something else?
A: If your dog is limping for reasons other than ACL, it could be due to other injuries, such as a sprain, strain, or fracture.
Q: What are some alternative treatments for dog ACL injuries?
A: Some alternative treatments for dog ACL injuries include stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and regenerative medicine.
Conclusion
It’s important to understand that even after a year, your dog may still be limping following ACL surgery. However, it’s crucial to address this issue with your veterinarian. They will provide a proper diagnosis and help create a plan to help your dog recover fully. Remember, patience and understanding are key to helping your dog through this challenging time.
If you need help or have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at iLoveMyPet! We are here to help! Contact us at 0372960696, email us at [email protected] or visit us at 260 Cầu Giấy, Hà Nội. We have a 24/7 customer service team ready to assist you.
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