The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in dogs, analogous to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans, plays a pivotal role in stabilizing the knee joint (stifle). Injury to this ligament is one of the most common causes of hind limb lameness in dogs.

• Degeneration: Over time, the ligament may weaken due to age or repetitive stress.
• Trauma: Sudden movements, such as abrupt turns while running, can cause acute tears.
• Obesity: Excess weight increases stress on the joints, elevating the risk of ligament damage.
• Breed Predisposition: Certain breeds, including Labradors, Rottweilers, and Boxers, are more susceptible to CCL injuries.

• Physical tests like the cranial drawer sign or tibial thrust to assess joint stability
• Imaging: X-rays to detect joint effusion, arthritis, or other abnormalities
• Sedation: In some cases, sedation may be necessary for accurate assessment.

• Conservative Management: For small dogs (<10kg), strict rest and anti-inflammatory medications may suffice
• Surgical Intervention: Larger or more active dogs often require surgery to stabilise the joint
  • Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO)  - this is considered the gold standard for treating CCL injuries in dogs. This surgery alters the dynamics of the knee joint, eliminating the need for the damaged ligament and restoring stability
  • Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA): Adjusts the patellar ligament's angle to stabilize the joint.
  • Extracapsular Repair: Uses sutures to mimic the function of the damaged ligament, suitable for smaller dogs.