The CCL (called ACL in people) is a strong band inside your dog’s knee (stifle) joint, connecting the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). Its job is to keep the knee stable and stop the shin bone from sliding forward.
The Cause is usually NOT a sudden traumaĀ (like a football injury in people) in dogs. Instead, it’s typically aĀ slow, progressive degenerationĀ of the ligament over time, kind of like a rope slowly fraying. This weakening is multifactorial, influenced by genetics, conformation, and excess weight, eventually leading to a partial tear or a complete rupture with everyday activity.
ā ļø The Risk of the Other Leg
If your dog has CCLD in one knee, they are unfortunately at aĀ high riskĀ for it to happen in the other knee as well. Studies suggest anywhere fromĀ 22% to over 50%Ā of dogs with an initial tear will rupture the CCL in theĀ contralateralĀ (opposite) leg, often within 1-2 years. This is why managing the underlying disease process is so important forĀ bothĀ legs!
š ļø The Most Common Surgery: TPLO
For most dogs, especially medium to large breeds, surgery is the gold standard for long-term stability. The most common and successful procedure is theĀ Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO).
- What it entails (simply):Ā Instead of trying to fix the damaged ligament (which usually fails), the TPLO procedure changes theĀ angleĀ of the top of the shin bone (the tibial plateau).
- The “How”:Ā A surgeon makes a semi-circular cut into the top of the tibia, rotates that top section, and then secures it with a metal plate and screws.
- The Result:Ā This rotation essentially “levels” the slope of the bone, so when your dog stands or walks, the natural forces of the joint no longer push the shin bone forward. The knee is stableĀ without needing the ligament anymore!Ā This surgery success rate and the goal is always that the dog returns to 100% activity. *IMPORTANT: even though this is the mostĀ common surgery, the surgeon may decide a different course of action depending on the individual case.
š§ Our Role: Integrative Rehabilitation
This is where the power of integrative medicine comes in! Whether your dog is aĀ non-surgical candidateĀ (due to health, size, or other reasons) or recovering from a TPLO, a comprehensive rehab plan is key to a full recovery and managing the other leg.
- Management for Non-Surgical Candidates:Ā We focus on pain control, strength building, and weight management to create “muscle stability” around the joint.
- Pre- and Post-Op Rehab:Ā We useĀ Therapeutic Exercises (Therex)Ā to build strength and range of motion. Pre-op rehab primes the leg, and post-op is crucial for a fast, safe return to function, preventing muscle loss, and ensuring the bone heals well.
- Advanced Pain Management:Ā We use targeted, multimodal techniques to maximize comfort and healing:
- šĀ Joint Injections:Ā To directly reduce inflammation and support the joint cartilage.
- šĀ Acupuncture:Ā To decrease pain, relax muscle spasms, and promote healing by improving blood flow.
- ā”Ā Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT):Ā A non-invasive technology that delivers sound waves to stimulate bone and soft tissue healing, often used for chronic pain and accelerating recovery.
Remember, a strong recovery is a partnership! We work with you, your primary veterinarian and the surgeon to create the best plan for your furry friend to get back to chasing squirrels and enjoying walks!
Is your dog struggling with a limp? Send us a message to discuss a personalized rehabilitation plan!