A ligament injury in dogs can cause sudden or progressive lameness, pain, swelling and difficulty bearing weight on a leg. When it affects a hind limb, one of the most common causes is an injury to the cranial cruciate ligament of the knee, which is similar to the anterior cruciate ligament in humans.
You should suspect a ligament injury if your dog stops putting weight on a leg after running, jumping or turning, sits with the affected limb shifted to one side, walks stiffly, or shows signs of lameness that improve with rest but reappear during exercise.
These signs may also occur in the case of fractures, dislocations, muscle injuries, patella problems or osteoarthritis. For this reason, it is not possible to confirm a ligament injury simply by observing how the dog walks. A veterinary check-up in Benissa It enables you to pinpoint the source of the pain and decide which tests you need.
Symptoms of a ligament injury in dogs
Symptoms depend on which joint is affected and whether the ligament is swollen, partially torn or completely torn. The most common symptoms are:
- Sudden lameness or lameness that gradually worsens.
- Difficulty or reluctance to put weight on a leg.
- Stiffness when getting up after resting.
- Pain when walking, running, climbing stairs or jumping.
- Reduced activity or reluctance to play and go for walks.
- Swelling around a joint.
- Difficulty sitting down or standing up.
- An abnormal sitting position, with one hind leg shifted to one side.
- Loss of muscle mass in the affected limb.
- A clicking sound or a feeling of instability in the knee.
- Limping that disappears temporarily and returns after exercise.
A complete tear can cause sudden, severe lameness. In partial tears, the symptoms may be milder and intermittent, which means that some dogs continue to walk even though the joint is already damaged.
Which ligament is most commonly injured?
One of the most common ligament injuries in dogs affects the cranial cruciate ligament, located in the knee. Its function is to help keep the joint stable and prevent abnormal movement between the femur and the tibia.
When this ligament deteriorates or tears, the knee loses stability. This causes pain, inflammation and progressive cartilage wear, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.
Although some injuries occur after a jump, a run or a sudden turn, in many dogs the ligament weakens gradually. For this reason, lameness may develop during everyday activity without any obvious accident having taken place.
Which dogs are most at risk of cruciate ligament injury?
The injury can affect dogs of any size and age, but the risk may be higher in animals that are overweight, in poor muscular condition, have abnormalities in the structure of their legs, have a history of joint problems, or engage in intense physical activity without a gradual build-up.
Dogs that have already suffered a cruciate ligament injury in one knee may also develop problems in the other leg. Maintaining a healthy weight and managing activity levels helps to reduce the strain on the joints, although it does not completely eliminate the risk.
In cases of excess weight or joint disease, an assessment of veterinary nutrition for dogs It can form part of the treatment to reduce the strain on the knees and aid recovery.
How is a ligament injury diagnosed?
The diagnosis begins with an orthopaedic examination. The vet observes the dog walking and examines its joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments to identify any pain, inflammation or instability.
Where a cruciate ligament injury is suspected, specific tests may be carried out to check for abnormal displacement of the tibia relative to the femur. These tests are known as the drawer test and the tibial push test. Some dogs require sedation because pain or muscle tension makes the examination difficult.
The veterinary X-ray of the knee It does not directly show the ligament, but it does enable the detection of joint inflammation, osteoarthritis and bone abnormalities, and helps to rule out fractures or other causes of lameness.
In cases of complex injuries, or when a more detailed examination of the joint is required, a Veterinary CT scans for traumatic injuries or other imaging tests, as appropriate.
The veterinary arthroscopy It allows the inside of a joint to be viewed using a small camera. It can be used in certain patients to confirm injuries and treat some joint damage using a minimally invasive technique.
How can you tell the difference between a ligament injury and a muscle injury?
A muscle injury usually occurs following physical exertion and can cause pain when moving or touching a muscle group. In contrast, a ligament injury affects the stability of a joint and can lead to inflammation, clicking sounds, persistent limping or difficulty bearing weight.
However, the symptoms can be very similar. It is also not advisable to bend, stretch or manipulate the limb at home in an attempt to pinpoint the injury, as this could increase the pain or make the injury worse.
An assessment of veterinary orthopaedics and traumatology It enables the differentiation of injuries to ligaments, muscles, tendons, bones and joints, and the determination of the appropriate treatment.
What to do if you suspect a ligament injury
Restrict your dog’s activity immediately. Avoid running, jumping, vigorous play, stairs and slippery floors. Only take him out on a lead, and only for as long as it takes for him to do his business.
If your dog cannot put weight on its leg, is in severe pain, or has started limping following an accident, prevent it from walking and move it carefully. For large dogs, it may be helpful to use a blanket as a support, taking care not to put strain on the affected joint.
Do not give your dog ibuprofen, paracetamol, aspirin or any other medicines intended for human use. Some of these may be toxic to dogs or cause digestive, kidney or liver problems.
Does a ligament injury require surgery?
Treatment depends on the ligament affected, the severity of the injury, the dog’s size, age, weight, activity level and general health. Some minor or partial injuries can be managed with controlled rest, pain relief, weight management and rehabilitation under veterinary supervision.
In cases of cruciate ligament tears that cause knee instability, surgical treatment may be recommended to stabilise the joint, reduce pain and slow the progression of osteoarthritis. The decision must be made on a case-by-case basis following a clinical examination and the necessary tests.
When an intervention is required, the Veterinary Orthopaedic and Traumatology Surgery Unit It enables the most appropriate technique to be assessed based on the injury and the characteristics of each patient.
Pain management and recovery
Pain management is a fundamental part of treatment. Medication must be tailored to the dog’s weight, age, breed and clinical condition. At Benivet Benissa, the veterinary pain unit It enables the creation of personalised plans for acute injuries, post-operative recovery and associated osteoarthritis.
Recovery may include controlled rest, walks on a lead, weight management, progressive exercise and regular check-ups. Returning to activity too soon may delay recovery or exacerbate joint instability.
When to make an appointment in Benivet Benissa
Book an appointment if your dog is unable to put weight on a paw, is in pain or has swelling, has been limping for more than 24 hours, starts limping again after exercise, or has difficulty standing up, sitting down, climbing stairs or jumping.
At Benivet Benissa, we can carry out an orthopaedic examination and assess whether the lameness is related to a ligament injury, a muscular problem, a fracture, a dislocation, osteoarthritis or another mobility issue.
If you suspect your dog has a ligament injury and you live in Benissa, Calpe or the Marina Alta, you can contact Benivet Benissa to book an orthopaedic consultation.
Benivet Benissa
Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa
Tel. +34 622 325 271
Email: info@benivetbenissa.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-18:30 - Sat 10:00-13:00
