Skip to Main Content

Blog

ACL (CCL) Surgery in Dogs

ACL (CCL) Surgery in Dogs

The anatomy of your dog's leg means that injuries can be very common. Today our Merced vets explain the symptoms of ACL injuries in dogs and the surgeries that can be performed.

What is the ACL or CCL?

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a thin connective tissue in the middle of our knees.

When we talk about this connective tissue in dogs it's called the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) and it connects the dog's tibia (bone below the knee) to their femur (bone above the knee).

The CCL is always load bearing because the dog's knee is always bent when standing. 

Differences Between ACL & CCL Injuries

ACL injuries in people are particularly common in athletes. These injuries typically occur due to an acute trauma stemming from a sudden movement such as a jump or change of direction.  In dogs, CCL injuries tend to come on gradually, becoming progressively worse with activity until a tear occurs. 

Symptoms of ACL Injuries in Dogs

The most common signs of a CCL injury are:

  • Stiffness (typically most noticeable after rest, following exercise).
  • Difficulty rising and jumping.
  • Hind leg lameness and limping.

Continued activity on a mildly injured CCL will cause the injury to worsen and symptoms to become more pronounced.

Typically, dogs suffering from a single torn CCL will begin favoring the non-injured leg during activity which often leads to the injury of the second knee. Approximately 60% of dogs with a single CCL injury will go on to injure the other knee within a relatively short period of time. 

Treating ACL Injuries in Dogs

If your dog has been diagnosed with a CCL injury, there are a number of treatment options available from knee braces to surgery. When determining the best treatment for your dog's CCL injury, your vet will take your dog's age, size, and weight into consideration as well as your dog's energy level and lifestyle.  

Treatment Options

Knee Brace

Treating a CCL injury with a knee brace is a non-surgical option that may help to stabilize the knee joint, and give the ligament time to scar over and repair itself. Treating CCL injuries through the use a knee brace may be successful in some dogs when combined with reduced levels of activity. 

Extracapsular Repair - Lateral Suture

This surgery involves replacing the torn ligament with an artificial ligament on the outside of the joint. This ACL surgery is typically recommended for small to medium sized dogs weighing less than 50lbs. 

Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy - TPLO

With this surgical technique, the need for the CCL ligament is eliminated by cutting and flattening the tibial plateau, then stabilizing it in a new position with a plate and screws.

Tibial Tuberosity Advancement - TTA

TTA surgery also eliminates the need for the CCL ligament by cutting the top of the tibia, moving it forward, and then stabilizing it in its new position with a stainless steel metal plate.

Recovery from ACL Surgery

Every dog is unique, and not all dogs recover at the same speed. Follow your vet's advice and never force your dog to do exercises if they resist. Recovery from ACL surgery takes time! Expect your dog to require 16 weeks or longer to have complete healing and return to normal function.

If your dog is showing signs of a torn ACL contact our Merced vets to get a proper diagnosis and to see what can be done to get your pooch running around as quickly as possible.

Now Welcoming New Patients!

Your search for a veterinarian in Merced is over because our team at Santa Fe Pet Hospital is now accepting new patients! Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your cat or dog.

Contact Us

Book Online (209) 722-0249