What is the CCL, Cruciate, or ACL in dogs?
In dogs, the cranial cruciate ligament (often refered to as the CCL, ACL or cruciate) is a strip of tissue that connects the tibia (the bone below the knee) to the femur (the bone above their knee). In humans this ligament is known as the anterior cruciate ligament or ACL.
Unlike the ACL in humans, a dog's CCL is always a load bearing ligament because the dog's leg remains bent when standing. If your dog's CCL becomes injured or torn, your dog's knee will become painful and unstable, reducing your dogs ability to run and walk normally.
Signs & Symptoms of a CCL Injury in Dogs
Signs of a CCL injury in dogs may appear suddenly but usually develop gradually. Common signs of a CCL injury include:
- Hind leg lameness and limping
- Stiffness after rest, following exercise
- Swelling around the knee
- Difficulty rising and jumping
If your dog has a mildly injured CCL but continues to have an active lifestyle including long walks, running and jumping, the injury will likely worsen and symptoms will become increasingly more pronounced.
It is estimated that 60% of dogs with a CCL injury in one leg will go on to injure the other knee.
TPLO - Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy Surgery
TPLO or Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy surgery is often recommended for dogs suffering from a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL).
TPLO surgery eliminates the need for the CCL ligament by reconfiguring the knee, rather than supplementing the CCL with an artificial ligament through an Extracapsular Repair.
When your dog has TPLO surgery a curved cut is made in the tibia from the front to the back, then the top section (the tibial plateau) is rotated backward until the angle between the tibia and femur is appropriately level. Once the tibial plateau is in the desired position a metal plate is attached to the bone to stabilize the two sections while the bones heals in their new configuration.
Recovery from TPLO Surgery in Dogs
Recovery from a ccl injury takes time, however recovering from TPLO surgery is relatively quick. Many dogs will be walking on the leg as soon as 24 hours after surgery, and most will be bearing moderate amounts of weight on the leg within 2 weeks.
Following your vet's post-operative instructions is essential in order to avoid further injury to the leg while it heals. Your vet may recommend reducing your dog's activity for 12-16 weeks following TPLO surgery.
After about 6 months your dog should be able to return to full physical activity, including chasing balls, jumping and running.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.