Cruciate Ligament Disease in Dogs – A Guide by Your Family Vets

What is Cruciate Ligament Disease?

Cruciate ligament disease (CLD) is a common cause of lameness in dogs and occurs when the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in the knee (stifle) joint becomes damaged or ruptured. This ligament plays a crucial role in stabilising the knee, and when injured, it can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis if left untreated.

Symptoms of Cruciate Ligament Disease:

Sudden or progressive lameness in one or both hind legs

Difficulty rising, jumping, or using stairs

Swelling around the knee joint

Clicking or popping sounds when moving

Muscle wastage in the affected leg

Reluctance to exercise

Diagnosis of Cruciate Ligament Disease

At Your Family Vets, we diagnose CLD through a combination of:

Physical Examination – Checking for pain, swelling, and instability in the knee.

Manipulation Tests – Assessing the ‘cranial drawer sign’ or ‘tibial thrust’ for instability.

X-rays – Identifying joint changes and ruling out other conditions.

Advanced Imaging (if necessary) – MRI or CT scans for complex cases.

Treatment Options – Surgical Solutions

Surgery is often the best treatment for cruciate ligament disease to restore function and reduce arthritis risk. We offer various advanced surgical techniques:

1. Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA)

TTA changes the angle of the knee joint to reduce instability without replacing the damaged ligament. It involves repositioning the tibial crest and securing it with a titanium implant. Benefits include a quicker recovery and excellent long-term stability.

2. TTA Rapide

A variation of TTA, this method involves a specially designed titanium implant that simplifies surgery, reducing the procedure time and promoting faster healing.

3. Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO)

TPLO involves cutting and rotating the top of the tibia to eliminate the need for the cruciate ligament. This is a highly effective procedure for medium to large breed dogs and active dogs due to its strong and stable outcome.

4. Cranial Closing Wedge Osteotomy (CCWO)

CCWO is an alternative to TPLO, where a wedge of bone is removed to realign the tibial plateau. It is beneficial for certain anatomical variations in dogs and provides long-term stability.

5. Lateral Suture Technique

Also known as the extracapsular repair, this technique uses a strong synthetic suture to stabilise the knee externally. It is typically used for small dogs or less active pets and can be an effective alternative in specific cases.

Post-Surgical Care and Recovery

Recovery is crucial for success and includes:

Rest and Restricted Activity – Strict rest for 6-8 weeks with controlled leash walking.

Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy – Aids muscle rebuilding and joint mobility.

Pain Management – Anti-inflammatory medications and supplements for joint health.

Follow-Up Appointments – Regular check-ups to monitor healing.

Recommendations & Booking an Appointment

If your dog is showing signs of cruciate ligament disease, early intervention is key. At Your Family Vets, we offer expert surgical care tailored to your pet’s needs.