Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease is one of the most frequent causes of hind limb lameness in dogs, and one of the most rewarding to treat surgically. At Knox Veterinary Surgery, we offer several proven surgical options for CCL repair, including TPLO, TTA, and lateral suture stabilization, all performed by Dr. Ferraz at your practice.
Understanding Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease
The cranial cruciate ligament stabilizes the knee (stifle) joint. When this ligament tears partially or fully, the femur slides abnormally against the tibia, a condition called "cranial tibial thrust." This instability leads to pain, inflammation, and progressive arthritis.
Dogs with CCL disease may show signs of:
- Lameness or stiffness in the hind limb
- Difficulty rising, jumping, or exercising
- Muscle atrophy in the affected leg
- Swelling or pain around the stifle joint
Surgical Options for CCL Repair
We tailor each repair approach based on the dog’s size, age, activity level, conformation, and overall health. All procedures include detailed preoperative planning, radiographic assessment, and post-op guidance.