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My dog has ACL, hip dysplasia, and joint disease. What are my options?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | 43 lbs

My 6 year old dog has just had x-rays, the vet said she has a partial ACL rear Right rear leg , hip displacia, and degenerative joint disease. What can I do as far as diet, massage ect. Should I get the ACL surgery ?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 16th, 2017

I'm sorry Rookie has so many problems at the moment! Talk to your vet to see if they feel she needs to lose weight, as keeping a healthy weight is important for her joints. I would recommend getting surgery for her ruptured cranial crucial ligament (that's how it's referred to in animals, ACL is humans). Studies have shown that medical management isn't effective for large dogs, and surgery is the recommended treatment to bring them back to full function or as close to it as possible. You can help her lose weight if needed by following your vet's diet recommendations, and finding out of there are any places near where you live that do hydrotherapy for dogs. The swimming will help her build muscles in a low impact way, and the warm water will be soothing for her joints. Acupuncture may help as well, and you can see if there is a veterinarian who is certified in acupuncture in your area. First step is the surgery. I hope this helps!

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