Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries—more accurately called Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) injuries in dogs—are among the most common orthopedic issues affecting canine mobility.

At West Vets Emergency Veterinary Clinic in Westerville, Ohio, we’re here to guide you through understanding this injury, your dog’s treatment options, and how to help them recover stronger than ever.

What Is an ACL Injury in Dogs?

The Crucial Role of the CCL in Stability

The CCL stabilizes the knee joint by preventing forward motion of the tibia relative to the femur. When this ligament tears—partially or completely—your dog may suddenly limp, avoid putting weight on a leg, or show signs of chronic discomfort. Over time, untreated injuries can lead to joint instability, cartilage damage, and arthritis.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • Sudden twists during running or jumping
  • Chronic wear-and-tear over time
  • Obesity, which puts extra strain on the joints
  • Breed predisposition (e.g., Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, giant breeds)
  • Poor conditioning or rapid stop-start movements

Learn more from Colorado State University’s overview on CCL injuries.

Recognizing Signs of a Torn ACL

Key Symptoms to Watch For

  • Sudden limping or inability to bear weight on one leg
  • Difficulty rising, jumping, or using stairs
  • Stiffness after rest, especially in the morning
  • Swelling or instability in the knee joint
  • Audible clicking or shifting when walking

The AKC offers further guidance on recognizing mobility issues.

When to See a Veterinarian

Don’t delay—Not only are they painful, ACL injuries worsen over time and can lead to additional damage in the opposite knee. Contact West Vets if your dog is showing any of these symptoms.

Diagnosing ACL Injuries at West Vets

Our Diagnostic Approach

We begin with a thorough orthopedic exam to assess joint stability and pain levels. The “drawer sign” and “tibial thrust” tests help evaluate ligament damage. To confirm the diagnosis or rule out other issues like fractures or bone tumors, we may use:

Early diagnosis gives us the best chance to restore mobility and comfort.

Treatment Options for a Torn ACL

Non-Surgical Management

Not every dog is a surgical candidate. Smaller dogs, dogs with partial tears, or those with health limitations may benefit from conservative treatment, which may include:

  • Rest and activity restriction
  • Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication
  • Joint support supplements
  • Custom orthopedic bracing
  • Weight management and structured rehabilitation

For long-term mobility, however, surgery remains the gold standard for complete tears.

Surgical Treatment Options

We offer advanced surgical techniques tailored to your dog’s size, activity level, and overall health. The two most common are:

Each method has pros and cons depending on the dog and the extent of the injury. We’ll walk you through every option.

Post-Operative Care and Rehabilitation

Recovery success depends as much on post-op care as it does on the surgery itself. Our team creates a personalized rehab plan that may include:

For detailed recovery support, visit TPLOInfo’s rehab and recovery guide.

Struggling with crate rest? Try these crate survival tips from Preventive Vet.

Preventing ACL Injuries in the Future

Lifestyle Tips for Joint Health

  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint strain
  • Incorporate low-impact exercise like swimming or leash walking
  • Avoid intense fetch or jumping games on hard surfaces
  • Focus on warm-ups and cool-downs before activity
    (See guidelines from CARE)

For senior dogs, AAHA’s Mobility Matters guide offers strategies to stay active with joint-friendly routines.

Long-Term Support for Healing and Wellness

Enrichment During Recovery

Mental stimulation is vital during reduced activity. Try:

Monitor for Complications

Be alert for signs like:

  • Reinjury or worsening limp
  • Muscle atrophy
  • Inflammation in the opposite leg

If your dog starts showing changes post-recovery, contact us for a follow-up evaluation.

FAQs: ACL Injuries in Dogs

Can a torn ACL heal without surgery?
 Partial tears may respond to conservative care, but full tears usually require surgery to restore stable movement.

How long is the recovery after surgery?
 Most dogs take 8–12 weeks for initial healing and 4–6 months for full recovery. Rehab accelerates progress and minimizes complications.

Will my dog develop arthritis?
 Arthritis is a common long-term outcome of cruciate injuries, but early surgical intervention and proper management significantly reduce its severity.

Can I prevent a second ACL injury?
 Yes—regular exercise, weight control, and balanced movement can protect the other leg, which is at higher risk after a unilateral tear.

Trust West Vets to Restore Your Dog’s Mobility

At West Vets Emergency Veterinary Clinic, we bring together expertise in orthopedics, diagnostic imaging, internal medicine, and rehabilitation to deliver complete care for ACL injuries. Whether your dog needs advanced surgery or conservative support, we’ll develop a plan that meets their needs—and yours.

Contact our team to take the first step toward restoring your dog’s mobility and comfort.