Cruciate Ligament Surgery
Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury is one of the most common causes of lameness in dogs. At Animal Surgical Care of PA, our orthopedic surgeons offer multiple cruciate repair techniques tailored to your pet's needs, including TPLO, extracapsular repair, and TTA.
We use advanced diagnostic tools, including radiographs and physical assessment, to evaluate joint stability and determine the most effective surgical solution for each patient. For dogs with a partial tear, we may also discuss options such as PPLO as an alternative to a full TPLO. Our goal is always to restore comfort, function, and long-term joint health.
Each surgery is performed under strict sterile conditions with continuous anesthesia monitoring. Our surgeons use precision implants and instruments to ensure stability and strength, minimizing the risk of complications during the healing process.
Pain control, rehabilitation, and client education are key components of our approach to cruciate repair. We provide clear postoperative instructions and physical therapy guidance to support the best possible outcome for your dog's activity level and lifestyle.
Most pets return to normal activity within weeks and enjoy lasting improvement in quality of life. If your dog is limping or showing signs of knee instability, contact Animal Surgical Care of PA at (484) 886-8612 to schedule a diagnostic evaluation, or learn more about our full orthopedic offerings on our Veterinary Surgical Services page.
Cruciate Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury in dogs?
A CCL injury occurs when the ligament in the knee becomes torn or damaged, causing pain, instability, and lameness, and often requiring surgical repair.
What cruciate surgery options does Animal Surgical Care of PA offer?
We offer TPLO, extracapsular repair, and TTA, with the recommended procedure based on your pet's size, activity level, and specific injury.
How is the best surgical option determined for my pet?
Advanced diagnostics evaluate joint stability, ligament damage, tibial slope, and overall knee condition to guide the recommendation.
What happens during cruciate surgery?
Procedures are performed under sterile conditions with continuous anesthesia monitoring and precision implants to restore stability.
What should I expect during my pet's recovery?
Recovery includes pain control, structured rehabilitation, and home-care instructions, with most pets returning to normal activity within weeks.
Is a full or partial ligament tear treated differently?
Partial tears may sometimes be addressed with modified techniques such as PPLO, while complete tears typically require full stabilization procedures like TPLO.