Cranial cruciate ligament rupture is the most common orthopedic injury in dogs. Surgical repair restores function and welfare for the majority of affected animals.
CrCL rupture causes significant acute lameness pain and, if untreated, progressive chronic suffering from joint instability and secondary osteoarthritis. Dogs with ruptured cruciate ligaments in the acute phase show obvious lameness and pain that impairs normal movement and behavior. Without surgical stabilization, the joint instability continues to cause pain and progressively worsens as meniscal damage and arthritis develop. Surgery eliminates joint instability and allows healing, with most dogs returning to comfortable normal function within 3-6 months. The welfare case for surgical treatment in dogs above 15kg is compelling because conservative management in these dogs rarely achieves the joint stability needed for comfortable function. Post-operative rehabilitation physiotherapy significantly improves outcomes and reduces recovery time.