Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture is the most common orthopedic injury in dogs. Surgical repair offers the best welfare outcomes, but the choice of surgical technique matters.
CCL rupture causes acute pain from joint instability and progresses to chronic arthritic pain without treatment. The welfare decision about surgical treatment is important: conservative management (rest and anti-inflammatories) rarely restores function satisfactorily in larger dogs, leaving them with ongoing joint instability and pain. Surgery significantly improves long-term welfare outcomes for large and medium-sized dogs. The recovery period itself requires careful welfare management - cage rest for 12-16 weeks is physically and psychologically taxing for active dogs. Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy during recovery maintain muscle mass, reduce pain, and support mental health during restricted movement. Post-recovery monitoring for contralateral limb signs prevents delayed diagnosis of the frequently occurring second CCL injury.