Can a dog recover from a partial ACL tear without surgery?

Canine ACL injuries are simplified into two types. A partial tear means gradual fraying. This is a common form, which often progresses to the second type, a complete tear. In dogs, the main cause of ACL injury is degeneration, not trauma. Many breeds have a high risk of degeneration coded into their genes. The most important risk factor is excess body fat, not exercise. Overweight dogs are 4-times more likely to injure an ACL in one or both knees.
A 2014 survey of 305 board-certified specialists collected treatment advice for dogs with partial ACL tears. When the dog was large, 98% recommended surgery, and when the dog was small, 86% recommended surgery (Duerr et al, 2014). Learn more ‪@VetLessons‬www.vetlessons.com/acl
Duerr FM, Martin KW, Rishniw M, et al. Treatment of canine cranial cruciate ligament disease. Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology. 2014; 27(06): 478-483.