Cruciate Ligament Rupture Repairs

What is a Cruciate Ligament Tear?

The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) helps stabilize your dog’s knee. When it tears or ruptures, the knee becomes unstable, painful, and prone to arthritis if left untreated.

In humans, ACL tears are usually acute, traumatic injuries, whereas dogs rarely tear this ligament from a single injury. In most cases, it’s a progressive condition caused by wear, genetics, and body mechanics.

 Signs pet owners may notice:

• Limping or sudden lameness, ranging from a slight limp to not bearing weight at all

• Difficulty standing up or sitting down, hesitation with stairs or jumping

• “Toe-Touching” 

• Stiffness, especially after rest

• A "popping" or "clicking" sound from the knee

• Muscle atrophy (wasting) in the affected limb due to lack of use

• Decreased activity or playfulness

"Some dogs show subtle signs at first, which can make early diagnosis tricky. If any of these signs sound familiar, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to guess."

How we evaluate a suspected CCL injury

Because the signs of a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury can be subtle and sometimes mimic other orthopedic issues, diagnosis is more than just watching how a dog walks.

Here’s what a veterinary evaluation typically includes:

Physical examination

Your pet will be placed on his/her side, and the veterinarian will feel the knee for a “cranial drawer motion”. Which will assess your dog’s knee stability, muscle tone, and range of motion. Cranial drawer motion refers to an abnormal forward sliding of the tibia (shin bone) relative to the femur (thigh bone) in a dog's knee, resembling a drawer opening. Any instability or excessive movement signifies a positive test, pointing to ligament damage. 

“Diagnosis isn’t based on just one test. We look at the whole picture: the exam, imaging, and how the dog is using the leg before making recommendations.” — Dr. Johnson

X-rays

While X-rays don’t show the ligament itself, they are an important tool. They help rule out other causes of lameness, assess joint changes, and look for signs of arthritis or inflammation associated with CCL disease.

The full picture

Diagnosis isn’t based on just one finding. Age, breed, activity level, body condition, and how long symptoms have been present all factor into determining the best next steps.

Because CCL injuries are often progressive, early and accurate diagnosis is key to protecting the joint and preventing further damage. Once a CCL injury is confirmed, treatment options are discussed based on your dog’s size, lifestyle, and long-term joint health.

“From the first exam to imaging, we are focused on your pet’s comfort and safety before, during, and after surgery.” — Amber, Surgery Nurse

Next up: why surgical stabilization is often recommended and when a TPLO may be the best option.