Treating Cruciate Ligament Tears in Dogs: In-House Surgical Options at PetMed
By PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic – Dubuque, Iowa
If your dog has suddenly started limping, is reluctant to bear weight on a back leg, or just doesn’t seem to be getting better after a mysterious “zoomie incident,” you might be dealing with one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs: a torn cranial cruciate ligament, or CCL.
That’s right—dogs can tear their version of the ACL, too. And just like in humans, it’s a painful, mobility-limiting injury that usually needs surgery to fix.
What Is the CCL and Why Does It Tear?
The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is the canine equivalent of the human ACL. It stabilizes the knee joint and keeps the tibia (shin bone) from sliding forward when your dog walks, runs, or jumps. When the ligament tears—either partially or completely—the joint becomes unstable, leading to pain, inflammation, and progressive arthritis if untreated. Tears can happen suddenly from a misstep or jump, but in many dogs, the ligament actually weakens over time due to age, weight, or genetics.
Signs Your Dog May Have a CCL Tear:
- Sudden limping or non-weight bearing on a back leg
- Sitting with the affected leg extended out to the side (“lazy sit”)
- Trouble rising, jumping, or using stairs
- Stiffness after resting
- Decreased activity or reluctance to play
- Swelling around the knee joint
How Do We Fix a Torn CCL?
At PetMed of Key West, we’re proud to offer surgical options for CCL injuries—all performed right here in our clinic. That means your dog gets expert surgical care in the clinic you already know and trust.
Here are the three most common surgical procedures:
TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement)
This technique changes the angle of the knee to eliminate the need for a CCL entirely. It’s a great option for mid to larger sized dogs and active dogs and often has a quicker recovery time.
TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy)
Another gold-standard procedure, TPLO also alters the mechanics of the knee joint to restore stability without the torn ligament. This technique is great for mid to larger sized dogs and is the gold standard for giant breeds.
(Note: While we don’t perform TPLOs in-house, we’re happy to refer cases out if that’s the best fit for your pet.)
TightRope Surgery
This less invasive method uses strong synthetic material to mimic the function of the original ligament and stabilize the knee. It can be ideal for smaller dogs or lower-activity pets. Dogs must be under 25 pounds to be considered for this surgery.
Think Your Dog Might Have a CCL Tear?
Don’t wait. Early diagnosis means less pain and better long-term outcomes. Call us to schedule an evaluation and learn which surgical option is right for your pup. Because when it comes to getting your dog back on all four paws, we believe in doing it right, doing it efficiently, and doing it right here at home.