Dog Cruciate Ligament Surgery
Choose Sydney Animals Hospitals’ cruciate ligament dog surgery to help your dog regain full function of their knee and eliminate pain and lameness.
What Is a Cruciate Ligament Injury in Dogs?
A cruciate ligament rupture in dogs is the most common cause of hind limb lameness. Just as football players suffer cruciate ligament injuries, so do dogs – the knee is one of the weakest joints in the body.
Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Dogs Can Occur for Several Reasons
Obesity or excessive weight is a risk factor for cruciate ligament injury. The ligament can become weakened due to chronic heavy loading on the joint – this causes it to tear easily. Obesity can slow recovery time and make the other knee more prone to injury.
Some breeds are more susceptible to degeneration of the cruciate ligament. It is most common in medium to large-breed dogs, often over the age of four years.
Cruciate ligament injuries may lead to:
- Knee pain
- Inflammation.
- Effusion (accumulation of fluid in the joint).
- Arthritis.
In some cases the cartilage or meniscus inside the joint may also tear.
Signs of Cruciate Ligament Injury in Dogs
Cruciate ligament disease tends to occur in two forms.
The first, chronic form, occurs in dogs with mild ongoing lameness, which may initially resolve with rest and pain relief. Eventually the lameness worsens and does not respond to pain relief.
The second, acute form, occurs in dogs with sudden onset lameness. These injuries are often more obviously painful.
The first, chronic form, occurs in dogs with mild ongoing lameness, which may initially resolve with rest and pain relief. Eventually the lameness worsens and does not respond to pain relief.
Lameness (limping) in the hind limbs.
Reluctance to walk or exercise.
Whimpering or yelping when bearing weight on the affected leg.
How to Diagnose Cruciate Ligament Injury in Dogs
An injured cruciate ligament in a dog can be diagnosed by your Sydney Animal Hospitals veterinarian. As affected animals are often very sore, sometimes sedation or anaesthesia is required to examine the knee thoroughly.
Radiographs are used to confirm cruciate ligament dog symptoms, assess the viability of other joints in the leg, and to plan surgery.
How Are Dogs With Cruciate Ligament Injuries Treated?
Cruciate ligament surgery in dogs is the mainstay of treatment. Our veterinary surgical services include inspecting and cleaning the joint, removing any damaged cartilage or artificially stabilising the knee.
The type of surgery performed will depend on the nature of the injury and the size of your dog. Pain relief, before and after surgery, is very important as is post-operative rest and eventually, physiotherapy.
It is important that cruciate ligament surgery is tailored to your dog after a full veterinary examination. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to this condition.
Other important components in the treatment plan for a dog with cruciate ligament injury, in conjunction with surgery, include:
- Chondroprotective agents to promote joint health.
- Anti-inflammatory agents to reduce inflammation in the joint and associated pain.
- Post-operative exercises.
What Happens if Your Dog Doesn’t Get Surgery?
Very occasionally, a dog that has a ruptured cruciate ligament will no longer limp – but arthritis will occur and result in lameness reappearing, usually within a few months. This lameness is usually permanent.
Some degree of arthritis will result even where surgery is performed – but as the joint is stabilised, this arthritis is much less severe.
What is Sydney Animal Hospitals’ Approach to a Cruciate Ligament Injury in Dogs?
As joint instability leads to worsening arthritis over time, it is important for dogs with lameness to be assessed as early as possible.
Ensure a Smooth Recovery for Your Pet
Our Rapid Recovery Pack is designed to support your pet's healing journey post-surgery. With comprehensive care tailored for a faster, more comfortable recovery, you can rest assured your furry friend is in safe hands. Ask us about how we can help your pet bounce back stronger and healthier.
Post-Operative Cruciate Ligament Care For Dogs
- Cage rest
- Things to avoid
- Post Operative Exercises
- Exercises to perform each session
- Longer term follow up and care
Your pet must be strictly rested for the first six weeks following cruciate ligament surgery.
This means:
- Your pet should be confined to a small room or quiet area for the six-week rest period
- Only short (maximum 10 minutes) exercise is allowed – your pet may be slow walked on a leash in order to go to the toilet
- Walking up and down flights of stairs, jumping up or any uncontrolled activity
- Slipping when walking on wet or smooth surfaces as this places strain on the recovering limb
After surgery, there are a number of good exercises you can perform with your pet once any bandages have been removed. To best help your pet make a speedy recovery you must:
- Allocate time for two or three exercises sessions each day.
- Concentrate on all joints in the injured limb, not just the affected knee joint.
- Flex and extend each joint on the injured limb a minimum of 10 times.
- Cycle the injured limb through its full, pain free range-of-motion 10 times.
- DO NOT FORCE THE JOINTS OR CAUSE PAIN. It is very important that you gently manoeuvre the limb through a range of motion that causes your pet no discomfort
There are a number of follow-up and general strengthening exercises that you can perform with your pet after the six-week rest period has expired. It is also highly recommended that your pet to receives a radiograph of the operated joint to see how the healing process is coming along.
1) Controlled leash walks for periods of no longer than 20 minutes twice a day.
2) Sit and stand exercises. These can be done during leash walks simply by commanding your pet to “sit” and, just before it assumes the sitting position, the “walk- on” command is given. This routine should be repeated 10 or more times every walk as it helps build up the rear leg muscles, which is highly important in your pet’s rehabilitation.
3) Running and jumping should be avoided until at least week 12 of recovery.
Between weeks 8 and 12:
- Exercise can be increased slowly to 30-minute to 40-minute sessions.
- Deep-water swimming is encouraged – no longer than 15 minutes several times a week.
Keep in mind that pets recover at different rates but if your pet is not at near normal activity levels by weeks 12–16 an appointment should be made for reassessment.
Interesting Facts about Cruciate Ligament Disease in Dogs
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In small breeds, cruciate ligament disease tends to appear at an older age – possibly because of slower degeneration of the cruciate ligament.
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It was once believed that cruciate ligament rupture occurred solely as the result of trauma to the knee. It is now believed that the majority of dogs with cruciate ligament injuries are predisposed due to inherent weakness of the cruciate ligament.
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If you have any further questions about cruciate ligament injuries, please speak with one of our friendly veterinary team at your local Sydney Animal Hospitals.
What Happens After Surgery?
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Providing Animal Hospital Care with Flexible Payment Options
To help with these unexpected costs Sydney Animal Hospitals offer a number of payment options such as Afterpay, Zip, VetPay, cash and credit card.
If you have pet insurance you may be able to claim on the spot and only pay the gap with GapOnly™
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions pet owners ask regarding cruciate ligament surgery for dogs
What Is a Crucial Ligament Injury and What Causes It?
A cruciate ligament injury, commonly referred to as a torn ACL or CCL in dogs, involves damage to the ligaments in the knee joint. It often occurs due to sudden twisting motions, excessive strain during physical activity, or degenerative changes over time.
What Are the Symptoms of a Cruciate Ligament Injury in Dogs?
Symptoms include limping, difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg, swelling around the knee joint, reluctance to move or exercise, and signs of pain or discomfort when walking or standing.
How Is a Cruciate Ligament Injury Diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination by a veterinarian, followed by medical imaging.
What Treatment Options Are Available for Dogs with Cruciate Ligament Injuries?
Treatment options may include surgical interventions like Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO), Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA), or extracapsular repair, as well as non-surgical approaches such as rest, physical therapy, pain management, and weight management.
How Much Does Cruciate Ligament Dog Surgery Cost?
The cost of cruciate ligament surgery for dogs varies depending on the type of surgery, your dog’s size and breed, and the complexity of the procedure. Generally, prices range between $2,500 and $7,000. It’s important to also consider pre-surgical diagnostics (like X-rays) and post-operative care, including medication and follow-up appointments, which can add to the total cost. To get an accurate quote for your dog’s needs, please contact our clinic for a consultation.
What Is the Prognosis for Dogs with Cruciate Ligament Injuries?
The prognosis depends on various factors including the severity of the injury, the chosen treatment approach, the age and overall health of the pet, and compliance with post-operative care. With appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, many pets can regain function and lead active lives.