Companion Animal Welfare

Companion Dog Canine Cruciate CCL Surgical

Surgical repair of cranial cruciate ligament rupture is the standard of care for most dogs. Tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) and other procedures significantly improve long-term welfare outcomes.

Key Facts

TPLO is the most commonly performed CCL repair in medium and large dogs
Success rates for TPLO exceed 90% with appropriate rehabilitation
Dogs that do not receive surgery experience progressive osteoarthritis and chronic pain
Post-operative rehabilitation significantly improves recovery speed and long-term function
Bilateral CCL disease requires careful staged management to maintain welfare during treatment

Welfare Considerations

CCL rupture causes severe lameness and progressive joint deterioration without surgical repair. Appropriate surgical intervention, followed by structured rehabilitation, restores comfortable mobility and significantly improves quality of life. The welfare cost of untreated CCL disease - chronic pain, muscle wastage, and progressive osteoarthritis - is substantial and justifies the investment in surgical repair.

What You Can Do

Seek orthopaedic surgical assessment promptly for dogs with suspected CCL rupture
Invest in post-operative physiotherapy and rehabilitation for best long-term outcomes
Manage body weight carefully before and after surgery to reduce joint loading