Understanding CCL injuries in Dogs:Rehab Support for a Stronger, Safer Recovery
Dr. Mary Beth’s own kiddo- 12 yo American Staffordshire Tardis went through his own PT plan to manage bilateral CCL tears repaired with TTA surgery. Another daily reminder why this work matters-every pet deserves to age with comfort, dignity, and love!
A torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs. Learn how physical therapy supports healing-before or after surgery!
If your dog suddenly starts limping or avoids using one of their back legs, a torn CCL might be to blame. This injury, similar to an ACL tear in humans, is one of the most frequently seen orthopedic issues in dogs.
At Aligned Animal Rehab and Fitness, we support pets recovering from CCL injuries every day-whether they’ve had surgery or are pursuing conservative care. With the right rehabilitation plan, your dog can regain comfort, confidence, and function!
What is a CCL injury?
The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is a vital stabilizer in your dog’s stifle (knee). It functions similarly to the ACL in humans and keeps the knee joint aligned and secure during movement.
Through direct trauma or more often, gradual degeneration the CCL becomes partially or fully torn resulting in joint instability. This often also causes pain, inflammation, and significant difficulty using leg.
It’s especially common in :
Senior dogs- older dogs are more likely to have degeneration making them at increase risk for injury/rupture
Some breeds are more genetically predisposed including Labs, Rottweilers, and even small breeds like Yorkshire terriers
Trauma
Obese pets-excess weight places increased strain on the joints
Signs Your Pet May Have a CCL injury
Not all CCL injuries happen from one big jump-many occur gradually from strain, degeneration, or repetitive use. Watch for:
Toe-touching (holding back paw lightly off the ground)
Trouble rising or reluctance to walk
Shifting weight to the front legs
Sudden or intermittent hind limb lameness
Limping after rest or activity
Pain and swelling around the knee joint
“Sloppy Sit” they may choose to straighten out their leg to the side vs under them
Irritability-pain can cause mood changes
Clicking sounds in their knee
These behaviors aren’t “just getting old”!
Treatment options: Surgery or Conservative Management
Once your vet has seen your dog they will perform special tests to determine if a tear is indeed present and the severity of the injury. Then there are two options depending on the dog and it’s situation: surgery or conservative management.
Surgery-Procedures like TPLO (Tibial Pleateau Leveling Osteomy), TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement), or lateral sutures like Extracapsular Repair stabilize the knee structurally.
Conservative Management-There are many things that may make surgery not an option including age, partial tears, non surgical candidate, family choice. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian when making this choice to make an informed decision. This route focuses on reducing inflammation, strengthening supportive muscles, and improving biomechanics—all through targeted rehab.
How Physical Therapy Helps
No matter what route you and your vet decide to take, rehabilitation is critical for optimizing return to function. Post-injury therapy helps to speed up recovery and empower you and your pet through the recovery journey! It also serves as a way to help with:
Reducing inflammation and pain
improving joint mobility and flexibility
Strengthening surrounding muscles like the quads, glutes, and core muscles and helping to reduce risk of atrophy
Restoring confidence in movement
Supporting the opposite knee (which has a 50-60% chance of rupture!)
Home modification strategies
We work with you and your vet to develop a gradual progressive and controlled program to get your pet moving as safely and quickly as possible!
Home Modifications That Make a Big Difference
Small changes in your home can prevent setbacks and support recovery, especially post CCL injury. We’ll guide you on exactly how best to help your dog in your own situation as every home set-up and healing timeline is different but these are just a few strategies to get you started:
Use non-slip rugs or yoga mats over hardwood and tile floors
Block off stairs or jumping zones
Provide ramps or pet stairs
Keep walks short and controlled- no zoomies right now!
Real Hope for Real Healing
Whether your dog just had surgery, is showing early signs of a tear, or is recovering with conservative care, there is so much we can do to help.
We’d love to support you through every step of the healing journey. Contact us to book a consultation or learn more about how physical therapy can make all the difference for your dog’s CCL recovery.
Because movement is medicine and your pet deserves to thrive!
