Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Dogs
Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Dogs | Symptoms, Treatment & Surgery Dublin
A cruciate ligament rupture in dogs is a common knee injury causing lameness, pain, and difficulty walking. It occurs when the cranial cruciate ligament in the knee tears or stretches. Large and older dogs are most at risk. Early diagnosis and treatment, such as TTA Rapid surgery, help restore normal movement and prevent arthritis.
What Is a Cruciate Ligament Rupture?
A canine cruciate ligament rupture happens when the strong ligament that stabilises your dog’s knee (stifle joint) becomes torn or overstretched. This ligament, called the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), plays a key role in supporting your dog’s leg during running, sitting, or climbing. When it fails, the knee becomes unstable, causing sudden or progressive lameness.
Cara Veterinary Group treats cruciate ligament injuries daily, providing diagnostic assessment and advanced orthopaedic repair including TTA Rapid surgery at our Ballycoolin and Phoenix Park Gate clinics in Dublin.
Which Dogs Are Most at Risk?
- Large and giant breeds such as Labradors, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds
- Overweight or less active dogs
- Older dogs with weaker joints
- Pets with arthritis or previous knee injury
Excess weight and reduced muscle tone increase strain on the ligament, leading to gradual tearing rather than sudden rupture.
Symptoms of Cruciate Ligament Injury
- Limping or favouring one hind leg
- Difficulty rising or jumping
- Swelling around the knee joint
- Reluctance to walk or bear weight
- “Sitting sideways” posture to avoid pain
If your dog suddenly becomes lame, contact your vet for assessment. Untreated cruciate injuries often lead to painful arthritis.
Diagnosis
Our vets diagnose cruciate ligament rupture through a physical examination of joint stability, X-rays, and occasionally ultrasound to check for swelling or secondary damage. Early detection allows for faster recovery and less long-term joint deterioration.
Treatment Options
Depending on severity, treatment may be conservative (rest, physiotherapy, weight management, anti-inflammatory medication) or surgical. Surgery is generally advised for medium and large dogs to restore knee function and prevent further joint damage.
TTA Rapid surgery is the gold-standard technique performed at Cara Veterinary Hospital. It uses a titanium implant to stabilise the knee, reduces pain quickly, and allows dogs to regain normal mobility within weeks.
Recovery and Aftercare
- Most dogs start using the leg again within a few days post-surgery
- Strict rest and lead walks for 6–8 weeks
- Follow-up X-rays to confirm healing
- Physiotherapy to rebuild muscle strength
Our veterinary team provides a detailed rehabilitation plan to ensure a full and safe recovery.
Book an Appointment
- This is a surgical procedure and cannot be booked online.
- Please call 01 885 3253 to discuss your dog’s condition and arrange a consultation with our Vet, Sydney Nagle.
- For other routine procedures, you can BOOK ONLINE HERE.
Our Locations
Cara Veterinary Hospital - Unit 233, Blanchardstown Corporate Park 2, Ballycoolin, Dublin 15 (D15 Y384)
Cara Veterinary Clinic - 1A North Circular Road, Phoenix Park Gate, Dublin 7 (D07 HE48)