Cranial Cruciate injury in Dogs

TPLO Surgery for Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Tears in Dogs

At St Lukes Veterinary Centre, one of the most common orthopaedic problems we see in dogs is a tear of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) – the canine equivalent of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans. This condition can cause significant lameness, pain, and long-term arthritis if not managed properly. Fortunately, modern surgical techniques such as the Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) can restore comfort and mobility for many dogs.

What is a Cranial Cruciate Ligament Tear?

The cranial cruciate ligament is a key stabilising structure inside the knee (stifle) joint. It prevents the tibia from sliding forward in relation to the femur and helps keep the joint stable during movement.

When the ligament tears—either partially or completely—the knee becomes unstable. Dogs with this injury may suddenly become lame on a back leg, or you may notice a gradual worsening limp over time. Left untreated, instability leads to pain, muscle loss, and progressive arthritis in the joint.

Common signs include:

• • Limping or reluctance to bear weight on a back leg
• • Difficulty rising, jumping, or climbing stairs
• • Sitting with the leg held out to the side
• • Swelling around the knee
• • Stiffness after rest or exercise

Why Does the Ligament Tear?

Unlike in humans where ACL injuries often happen during sport, in dogs the ligament usually degenerates over time until it weakens and tears. Certain breeds (such as Labradors, Rottweilers, and Boxers) are more prone, and being overweight significantly increases the risk. Often, both knees can eventually be affected.

How TPLO Surgery Works

The Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) is one of the most advanced and effective surgeries for cruciate ligament tears. Instead of replacing the ligament, TPLO changes the biomechanics of the knee to restore stability.

Here’s how it works:

1. 1. The top of the tibia is cut with a special half circle saw and rotated to make the tibial plateau horizontal.
2. 2. A stainless-steel plate and screws secure the bone in its new position.
3. 3. Thisrealignment prevents the tibia from sliding forward during weight-bearing, eliminating the need for the damaged ligament.

By stabilising the knee in this way, the dog can comfortably return to walking, running, and playing again after recovery.

Benefits of TPLO Surgery

• • Excellent return to function, even for large and active dogs
• • Reduced risk of re-injury compared to other surgical options
• • Allows a quicker return to normal activity
• • Helps slow the progression of arthritis

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery after TPLO surgery is crucial to success. At St Lukes Veterinary Centre, we will provide detailed aftercare plans tailored to your dog, which usually include:

• • Strict rest for the first few weeks, with gradual reintroduction of controlled exercise
• • Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication
• • Regular check-ups and X-rays to monitor bone healing
• • A rehabilitation program to rebuild strength and mobility

Most dogs are walking comfortably within a few weeks and can return to normal off lead activity levels after about 3–4 months.

Is TPLO Right for My Dog?

In most cases a TPLO surgery will be the preferred procedure to repair this injury.Sometimes in smaller dogs or less active pets we may suggest an alternative procedure. Our veterinary team will assess your dog’s size, age, activity level, and degree of injury to recommend the best treatment option.

Supporting Your Dog’s Recovery

A cruciate ligament tear can be stressful for both pets and owners, but with advanced techniques like TPLO surgery, the outlook is very positive. Our experienced team at St Lukes Veterinary Centre is here to guide you and your dog through diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation—helping your best friend get back on their feet.

If you think your dog may have a cruciate ligament injury, contact us today to book an orthopaedic consultation.

On the day your pet's surgery, they will be admitted in the morning, and once prepped for surgery the TPLO procedure will be performed. We may reccomend keeping your pet overnight or transfer to the after hours clinic for ongoing monitoring and pain relief to ensure they have a smooth and comfortable recovery, alternatively where appropriate we will send them home for the night. Stitches are removed after 10 days and an x-ray is performed at 6 weeks to confirm the bone is healing well. Then a controlled return to lead exercise is started so that by 10 weeks postoperatively your pet should be having up to 20 to 30 minutes walking once or twice a day.