Companion Animals

Companion Dog Cruciate Ligament Injury

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture is the most common orthopedic injury in dogs and a significant source of pain and disability.

Key Facts

CCL rupture affects an estimated 600,000 dogs annually in the US alone
Obesity is a major risk factor for CCL disease
Surgical repair is the most effective treatment but costs $3,000-7,000
Untreated CCL rupture causes progressive osteoarthritis and chronic pain

Welfare Considerations

CCL disease causes acute pain at rupture and chronic pain from osteoarthritis without treatment. Many dogs go without adequate pain management due to financial barriers to surgery. The high prevalence and significant pain make CCL injury a major welfare priority in companion dogs.

What You Can Do

Maintain healthy weight in dogs to reduce CCL injury risk
Purchase pet insurance before injuries occur to enable treatment
Consult an orthopedic surgeon for dogs showing lameness after exercise
Support access to veterinary orthopedic care through charitable programs