A torn or ruptured cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in dogs and cats is the equivalent of an ACL injury in humans. It’s a common complaint that often requires our dog ACL surgery in Northridge to repair and to prevent permanent damage to the joint.
What is the CCL?
The CCL ligament connects the bones above and below the knee. It stabilizes the area by keeping the tibia and femur in place. This ligament can become damaged for a number of reasons, including:
- Strenuous activity
- Weight/obesity
- Breed
- Age
Symptoms of a CCL injury
- Lameness in one of the hind legs
- An inability to bear weight on the affected leg
- Swelling along the inside of the knee
The first step: Examination + diagnosis
At the first sign of a torn CCL, schedule an appointment for a consultation for our cat or dog knee surgery in Northridge. During that appointment, we will perform a comprehensive examination, which will include:
A full physical exam
When you arrive at the office, we will assess your pet’s knee. One of the telltale signs of a torn CCL is the ability to pull the tibia forward while holding the femur in place.
Removing Masses
In addition to the physical examination, we will take x-rays of your pet’s knee to determine the severity of the damage and to rule out any other causes for the symptoms.
FAQ: Can a torn CCL heal with conservative measures?
In small dogs, the symptoms associated with a partially torn or ruptured CCL may improve with rest in about six weeks. However, the CCL will still be unhealthy and damaged, which can cause bone spurs, pain, arthritis and a decreased range of motion – especially in large animals.
As such, CCL or our dog ACL surgery in Northridge is recommended for most of our Northridge patients. In addition, surgery should be scheduled quickly after the injury to relieve pain and prevent irreversible joint damage.
Your surgical options
We offer several CCL and ACL surgery options for our patients. We will help you select the right technique for your pet based on his or her breed, activity level and the extent of the injury.
Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO)
The TPLO procedure provides stability to the injured knee by leveling the tibial plateau.
Tight Rope
The Tight Rope is a minimally invasive technique that stabilizes the knee with a special implant.
Tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA)
The TTA approach moves the patellar tendon forward to stabilize the knee and offer the CCL some relief.
Lateral suture / extracapsular stabilization
This procedure stabilizes the knee and reinforces the CCL with suture material.
Competitive pricing. Specialized procedures. Care you can trust.
The Northridge Animal Medical Center is proud to be one of a handful of clinics in the area capable of performing complex knee surgery procedures – and we do so at an affordable cost.
Contact us today to learn more- Monday 9:00am 6:00pm
- Tuesday 9:00am 6:00pm
- Wednesday 9:00am 6:00pm
- Thursday 9:00am 6:00pm
- Friday 9:00am 6:00pm
- Saturday 9:00am 2:00pm
- Sunday Closed