Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Dogs
What You Need to Know
Is your dog suddenly limping or reluctant to bear weight on a hind leg? One common cause could be a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture, the canine equivalent of an ACL injury in humans.
What is it?
The CCL stabilises the knee (stifle) joint. When it tears, it causes pain, swelling, and instability—making it hard for your pet to walk or play.
Signs to Watch For:
Signs to Watch For:- Sudden limping or lameness
- Difficulty rising or jumping
- Swelling around the knee
- Sitting with the leg out to one side
What causes it?
It can be a result of trauma or, more commonly, gradual wear and tear over time—especially in active or overweight dogs.
🧠 How can we help?
At Vet Rehab NI, we support dogs recovering from cruciate rupture with:
✅ Hydrotherapy
✅ Laser therapy
✅ Physiotherapy
✅ Pain management
✅ Muscle strengthening and gait retraining
Early intervention leads to better outcomes. If you’re concerned about your dog’s mobility.
Cruciate Ligament Surgery in Dogs
What Are the Options?
If your dog has a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture, surgery is often the best route to restore comfort and mobility. But did you know there are several types of cruciate repair surgeries?
Here’s a quick guide to the most common procedures your vet may recommend:
🩺 Best for small to medium-sized dogs. A strong nylon suture is placed outside the joint to stabilise the knee.
✅ Less invasive, cost-effective
⚠ Less suitable for larger or very active dogs
🛠 The top of the shin bone is cut and rotated to change joint mechanics. Often chosen for large or highly active breeds.
✅ Excellent long-term outcomes
⚠ More invasive with a longer recovery time
🔩 The tibial tuberosity is moved forward to stabilise the joint during motion.
✅ Promotes dynamic stability
⚠ Requires a bone cut and implant; best for active, large breeds
🦿 A newer, less invasive variation of TTA that uses a titanium foam wedge to reposition the tibia.
✅ Quicker recovery, lower implant weight
⚠ Still involves bone surgery and implant placement; best for medium to large dogs
Why Rehab Matters
Regardless of the procedure, post-op rehabilitation plays a vital role in recovery and long-term success. At Vet Rehab NI, we offer:
✅ Tailored hydrotherapy
✅ Physiotherapy for pain relief + strength
✅ Laser therapy
✅ Gait re-education and muscle rebuilding
🏥 We collaborate with your vet surgeon to support your dog through every step of the healing journey.