What is a cruciate ligament injury in dogs?
A cruciate ligament injury is one of the most common orthopaedic conditions in dogs. It involves partial or complete tearing of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) — the canine equivalent of the human ACL — inside the stifle (knee) joint. Without treatment, the injury causes progressive joint instability, pain, and arthritis. MaxPetz in Delhi offers veterinary surgery services to diagnose and treat cruciate ligament injuries with cutting-edge technology and compassionate care for your pet.
The CCL connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). When it tears, the tibia slides forward relative to the femur — a movement called cranial drawer — causing lameness and discomfort. Both acute trauma and chronic degeneration can cause CCL failure in dogs.
Note: The cruciate ligament injury is often referred to as a dog ACL tear, though the correct veterinary term is cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture.
How do I know if my dog has torn a cruciate ligament?
Signs of a cruciate ligament injury can appear suddenly after a misstep or gradually over weeks. Recognising them early allows for faster diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Sudden hind-leg lameness — the dog may refuse to bear weight on the affected leg
- Intermittent or persistent limping that worsens after exercise
- Sitting with the affected leg held out to the side
- Swelling or thickening around the knee joint
- Stiffness after rest, improving slightly with movement
- Muscle wasting (atrophy) in the affected hind limb over time
- Reluctance to jump, run, or climb stairs
- Audible clicking from the knee joint during movement
Warning: If your dog is completely non-weight-bearing on a hind leg for more than 24 hours, seek veterinary assessment promptly. Delayed treatment increases the risk of meniscal damage and irreversible joint degeneration.
A dog can sometimes walk with a partial CCL tear, which is why owners may delay seeking care. However, partial tears frequently progress to complete rupture without intervention.
How is a cruciate ligament injury diagnosed in dogs?
Accurate diagnosis requires a combination of physical examination and imaging. A veterinary surgeon at MaxPetz Delhi will perform the following assessments:
- Orthopaedic examination — the vet checks for cranial drawer movement and tibial thrust, both hallmark signs of CCL rupture
- Sedated examination — muscle tension in an anxious dog can mask instability; sedation allows a more reliable assessment
- Radiography (X-ray) — identifies joint effusion (fluid), bone changes, and rules out other conditions such as fractures or bone tumours
- Advanced imaging — CT or MRI may be used in complex cases to evaluate soft tissue structures including the menisci
| Diagnostic Test | What It Reveals |
|---|---|
| Cranial Drawer Test | Forward movement of tibia relative to femur — confirms CCL laxity |
| Tibial Thrust Test | Detects instability during simulated weight-bearing |
| X-ray | Joint swelling, arthritic changes, tibial plateau angle |
| CT / MRI | Meniscal tears, soft tissue detail in complex cases |
What are the treatment options for a dog's cruciate ligament injury?
Treatment depends on the dog's size, age, degree of instability, and overall health. Options range from conservative management to surgical correction.
Conservative (non-surgical) management is generally considered only for dogs under 15 kg with partial tears. It involves:
- Strict rest and controlled leash walks for 8–12 weeks
- Anti-inflammatory and pain medication as prescribed
- Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy to maintain muscle mass
- Weight management to reduce joint load
Surgical treatment is recommended for most dogs, particularly medium to large breeds, and for complete CCL ruptures. The most widely performed procedures include:
- TPLO (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy) — the tibia is cut and repositioned to change the joint's geometry, eliminating the need for the CCL. This is the most commonly recommended surgery for active and larger dogs.
- TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement) — advances the tibial tuberosity to neutralise the forces that cause joint instability
- Lateral Suture / Extracapsular Repair — a synthetic suture is placed outside the joint to mimic CCL function; typically suited to smaller or less active dogs
Tip: TPLO surgery is widely regarded by veterinary surgeons as the procedure of choice for dogs over 15 kg due to its biomechanical approach and documented return-to-function outcomes. Discuss which option suits your dog with the veterinary surgeon at MaxPetz Delhi.
How long does cruciate ligament surgery recovery take in dogs?
Recovery from CCL surgery is gradual and structured. Owners play a critical role in following the rehabilitation plan provided by the veterinary team. Below is a general week-by-week guide for dogs recovering from TPLO or TTA surgery.
| Recovery Phase | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | Strict rest; short, controlled leash walks only; wound care and pain management |
| Weeks 3–6 | Gradual increase in leash walk duration; physiotherapy exercises begin; swelling reduces |
| Weeks 7–12 | Controlled off-lead activity introduced; hydrotherapy may be added; follow-up X-ray to assess bone healing |
| Months 4–6 | Return to normal activity for most dogs; muscle mass rebuilds; ongoing joint supplements recommended |
Most dogs begin toe-touching within days of surgery and are walking more confidently by 4–6 weeks. Full functional recovery typically takes 4 to 6 months, depending on the procedure performed, the dog's size, and adherence to the rehabilitation protocol.
- Keep the dog confined to a small, non-slip area when unsupervised
- Use a harness rather than a collar to support movement on walks
- Prevent jumping onto furniture or using stairs unsupported
- Attend all scheduled post-operative check-ups
When should you bring your dog to a vet for a knee injury?
Do not wait to seek veterinary assessment if you observe any of the following signs in your dog:
- Complete non-weight-bearing on a hind leg lasting more than 24 hours
- Sudden onset of severe lameness after exercise or play
- Visible swelling or heat around the knee joint
- Limping that has persisted for more than 5–7 days without improvement
- A dog that was previously diagnosed with a partial tear and is now fully lame
- Any hind-leg lameness in a dog that is overweight, as excess body weight accelerates joint damage
Early intervention — before secondary meniscal damage or significant arthritis develops — is associated with better post-surgical outcomes. If your dog shows any of the above signs, use the booking form on this page to arrange an orthopaedic assessment at MaxPetz Delhi.
How does MaxPetz Delhi approach cruciate ligament care?
MaxPetz in Delhi provides veterinary surgery services for dogs with cruciate ligament injuries, combining clinical assessment, appropriate surgical planning, and structured post-operative rehabilitation. The team uses cutting-edge technology and delivers compassionate service throughout your pet's treatment journey — from initial diagnosis through to full recovery.
Owners are guided through each stage of the process, including pre-surgical preparation, intraoperative care, and a tailored rehabilitation plan to support their dog's return to normal activity. The focus is on evidence-informed treatment selection matched to each individual dog's size, age, and lifestyle.
For dogs with concurrent conditions or those requiring specialist input, the team coordinates care to ensure a comprehensive approach to your pet's orthopaedic health.
- Veterinary surgery for CCL injuries including TPLO and lateral suture techniques
- Diagnostic imaging to confirm injury and plan treatment
- Post-operative rehabilitation guidance and follow-up
- Pain management protocols tailored to each patient
Learn more about our veterinary surgery services or explore our TPLO surgery procedure page for detailed information. To speak with a veterinary surgeon about your dog's condition, use the booking form on this page.
Book a consultation at MaxPetz Delhi
Use the booking form on this page to arrange an orthopaedic assessment for your dog.