Cruciate Ligament Rupture (CCL)

Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in a dog is a common cause of lameness.

Dogs which go suddenly lame in one back leg, usually after running through the bush or beach are likely candidates for this injury.

The cruciate ligament is the main stabilising ligament in the knee (stifle) joint. It stops internal rotation and forward displacement of the tibia with respect to the femur.

Rupture of the CCL causes instability and, this excess movement, damages the cartilage within the stifle. Left untreated the medial meniscus will get tears and folds and arthritis will progress rapidly. Within 6-12 months you will have a dog with end-stage arthritis in that knee!

Diagnosis is easy by an experienced veterinary surgeon. Xray is not necessary for diagnosis but may help plan the surgery.

An early surgical treatment is essential in stabilising the knee to limit the amount of arthritis in the future.

At LVC we undertake surgery on these ASAP, sometimes the same day as diagnosis. For extra large dogs we refer to a specialist surgeon who comes and does a TPLO procedure, here, at LVC. The procedure requires specialised equipment and implants.

Most CCL cases do not require the TPLO. These are done using a different implant.

Post CCL surgery we strongly recommend using a course of cartrophen injections. This medication is the only type of drug in the world which actively slows done the progression of arthritis. Used properly it will offset how quickly the joint deteriorates. Helping your pet in the immediate AND the distant future.