Canine Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease
Tailored surgical solutions & compassionate care to help your dog walk comfortably again.
The Cranial Cruciate Ligament
The cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL), also known as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans, is a vital structure that stabilises the stifle (knee) joint in dogs. It connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). It is essential for joint stability as it functions to prevent over-rotation of the stifle, and the tibia from sliding forwards relative to the femur during weight bearing.
What is Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease?
CrCL disease is the most common cause of hind limb lameness in dogs. It is caused by a combination of factors i.e. age-related degeneration, excess body weight, skeletal conformation and breed predisposition. Chronic progressive degeneration and weakening of the ligament occurs over months and years, eventually leading to a partial or complete rupture.
While CrCL disease often affects medium to large breed dogs, it can occur in dogs of any size and breed.
Signs & symptoms of Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease
- Stifle pain.
- Lameness (ranging from mild to non weight bearing).
- Swelling of the stifle joint.
Is surgery required and why?
Yes, surgery is recommended to stabilise the stifle joint. Without surgical intervention, ongoing instability leads to the development and progression of osteoarthritis, resulting in long-term pain. An unstable joint also increases the risk of meniscal (cartilage) injury, which can cause significant acute lameness and discomfort.
What does surgery involve?
If CrCL instability is suspected, the following procedures are carried out under a single general anaesthetic:
- Radiographs (X-rays) of the stifle.
- Stifle Arthroscopy – a minimally invasive procedure used to confirm the diagnosis and treat any concurrent meniscal injury. Arthroscopy differs from arthrotomy (open joint surgery) in that it requires specialised training and equipment to perform, and results in less pain and faster recovery.
- TPLO (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy) surgery – this surgical procedure stabilises the joint by altering the biomechanics of the stifle. It involves a precise cut of the tibia and fixation using plate and screws.
What is the recovery process?
After surgery, your pet will need to rest to allow for proper healing. Running, jumping and usage of the stairs should be avoided for 8 weeks following surgery. Gradual, controlled weight bearing and walking on the operated leg is encouraged during this period to promote healing. Left untreated, each time the kneecap dislocates, it rubs against the joint, straining soft tissues and eroding cartilage, which leads to arthritis and persistent pain over time.
For this reason, while not urgent, surgical correction is recommended as early as possible to prevent long-term damage.
Meet Our Team
Dr Derniese Goh
Dr Amanda Yew
Raniel Dalisay
Nicole Uriona
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