ACL problems genetic??

[Oscar's Mom]

Our boy Oscar, who is 16 months old, has had problems with his knees since late summer. He had TPLO surgery on his left knee in August. The diagnosis was that he had a partially torn CCL in the left but the right seemed to be doing good. Now that his left leg has healed he has started to limp on his right leg. Our regular vet figured the right ACL or CCL was probably partially torn now too. We cannot afford another TPLO surgery so for now he is on buffered aspirin to help with inflammation and pain. My question is, are ligament problems genetic? I know hip dysplasia is but wasn't sure about knee problems.

Also, if anyone has any ideas on how to help him with pain and healing I would really appreciate it. I feel so bad for him. He's so young and yet we can't let him run and play with other dogs, which he desperately wants to do.

Thanks in advance,
Myra & Oskie

 

[harleyboxer]

Ligament problems aren't hereditary, but the conformation problems that cause them are. Your dog probably has a certain angle to his back legs that put more stress on them. It's also common that once one leg is hurt the other one goes too because of the stress put on it.
I have horses and I use magnet therapy when they hurt themselves. It increases blood flow and helps healing. It really helped my one horse last time he pulled a suspensory ligament. I've also used them on myself and they usually make my sore muscles feel better. They make magnet strap ons for people.