Introduction
When an owner suspects that their dog may have injured or even ruptured a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL, which in people is more commonly referred to as the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL), it is important to get that dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible. If left untreated, CCL injuries can become progressively degenerative, and any chance of recovery wanes without treatment. Moreover, a dog that favors an injured leg for a long period of time runs the risk of damaging the other leg that is being used to support its weight.
Treating CCL Injuries in Dogs
The goals of treating CCL injuries in dogs are to relieve pain, improve function and minimize progression of the degenerative changes in the stifle joint.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
For cases that present acutely, medical management is possible with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), supportive care, rest and possibly steroid therapy. However, surgical stabilization of the stifle joint is the only truly effective way to address this injury. Damaged, torn or ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments will not reattach without surgical intervention.
Surgical Treatment Options
There are several surgical options to correct damaged cranial cruciate ligaments in dogs. Your veterinarian is best suited to assess your dog’s injuries and select the best procedure in a given case. Surgical correction has an excellent prognosis. Post-operatively, the dog will be managed with anti-inflammatory medications and possibly additional medication to promote healthy cartilage development (called chondroprotective agents). Weight control, dietary restrictions, exercise moderation and controlled on-leash walks are also important in the healing process.
In some cases, if the dog is older or if the cranial cruciate ligament is only partially torn, a more conservative approach can be used. This method involves controlling the dog’s activity and using low-impact walking and swimming to strengthen the muscles around the stifle/knee joint.