Cruciate ligament disease is a common orthopaedic problem that results in back leg lameness. It usually requires surgery for treatment. Dogs of large and giant breeds are more prone to this condition, but it can affect dogs of any breed or age.

The most common form of knee ligament injury is a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL). It may result from trauma or be due to an inherited weakness. Within one year of undergoing surgery, 20-50% of cases develop a ligament tear in the opposite knee, so treatment should begin as soon as possible to prevent further injury. This disease can also be called CrCL rupture, CrCL tear, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) disease, or torn knee ligaments.

What is cruciate ligament disease in dogs?

What are the signs of cruciate ligament disease in dogs?

Are some dogs more at risk of cruciate ligament disease?

How vets diagnose cruciate ligament disease in dogs

Vet treatment for dogs with cruciate ligament disease

How to help your dog at home if they have cruciate ligament disease

Living with a dog with cruciate ligament disease

Is post-operative care difficult?

There are a few points that can cause frustration due to the length of the treatment time. These are the exercise restrictions and physiotherapy.

• Activity is highly restricted for 6-8 weeks after surgery.

• The activity restriction may be less if a TPLO or TTA has been performed.

• Within 3 months, good function should return to the limb if you follow your vet’s instructions and keep up with the physiotherapy.

Many joint supplements are available; which one should you choose?

The key ingredient a joint supplement should contain is:

• Green lipped mussel extract (a bivalve mollusc extract)

• Omega-3&6 fatty acids (polyunsaturated fatty acids)

Other ingredients that may also have an effect are:

• DPLA (a protein that is believed to have pain relief and mood elevating effects)

• SAMe (a compound found naturally in the body)

• CBD (an active ingredient in cannabis extracted from hemp plant)

• Hyaluronic acid (a component of joint fluid that gives it elasticity)

• Chondroitin sulphate (extracted from mammalian cartilage, normally cow windpipes)

• Collagen hydrosylates (also known as gelatin; it’s made from collagenous structures of mammals such as bovine tendons)

• Glucosamine (a natural compound found in cartilage)

• Vitamin E

Are physiotherapy and rehabilitation important?

• ACL tears typically require expensive surgery and physiotherapy to improve limb function and quality of life.

• Physiotherapy supports successful recovery and prevention of injury to the other knee.

• Physiotherapy can begin the day after surgery and should continue for 8-12 weeks.

You can use the following links to find qualified professionals:

• Physiotherapy: The Register of Animal Musculoskeletal, Practitioners (RAMP), The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT), National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVP)

• Hydrotherapy: National Association of Registered Canine Hydrotherapists, Canine Hydrotherapy Association

The progression of arthritis

Unfortunately, all dogs who suffer ACL rupture will develop arthritis, which will worsen over time. To slow the progression of the disease, we recommend starting your dog on a good joint supplement as well as modifying their exercise regime over time.

See our arthritis article for more information.

How to prevent your dog from getting cruciate ligament disease?

When you should be worried about your dog with cruciate ligament disease?