Does Your Dog Have a Torn Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL)?

Discover Local, Expert Treatment Options at

Creekside Veterinary Clinic in Black Earth, WI

A torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs—and one of the most stressful for pet owners. If your dog has been diagnosed with a CCL tear, you're likely feeling overwhelmed, worried about their pain, and unsure what to do next. We totally get it. But here's the good news: you don’t have to drive to Madison or beyond to get expert care.

At Creekside Veterinary Clinic in Black Earth, we offer advanced, compassionate CCL treatment options—both surgical and non-surgical—right here in your community. For dogs needing surgery, we work with a board-certified veterinary surgeon who performs procedures right in our clinic. And for those who aren’t surgical candidates, we provide a full range of effective, non-invasive therapies. Whether you’re a current client or coming to us on referral from your primary vet, we’re here to help you navigate this journey with confidence.

What Is a Cranial Cruciate Ligament Tear?

The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in dogs is similar to the ACL in humans. It plays a critical role in stabilizing the knee joint (stifle), preventing the femur and tibia from sliding out of alignment during movement.

When this ligament tears or ruptures, your dog may show symptoms like:

• Sudden limping or lameness in the hind leg

• Difficulty rising, walking, or jumping

• Swelling around the knee

• “Toe-touching” (barely putting weight on the leg when standing still)

  
  

These injuries can happen suddenly—often during play or running—or develop gradually as the ligament weakens over time.

How a CCL Tear Is Diagnosed?

If your dog is limping or showing signs of knee pain, the first step is a comprehensive evaluation at our clinic.

Here’s what you can expect during your appointment:

• Gait & Pain Evaluation: We observe your dog’s walk and posture, and gently manipulate the leg to check for signs of joint instability. One key indicator of a CCL tear is the “drawer sign,” which shows abnormal movement in the knee joint.

• Sedation (if needed): Some dogs are painful or tense, so we may recommend mild sedation to perform a more thorough orthopedic exam comfortably and safely.

• X-rays: While X-rays can’t show a torn ligament directly, they are essential for ruling out other causes of lameness and identifying secondary issues like joint swelling or arthritis. They’re also vital for surgical planning, if surgery is recommended.

Why Treating a CCL Tear Matters

Unfortunately, a torn CCL doesn’t heal on its own. Left untreated, it can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, muscle loss, and even damage to the opposite leg. In fact, about 50% of dogs who tear one CCL will tear the other within a few years.

Early diagnosis and treatment can dramatically improve your dog’s comfort, mobility, and long-term joint health. The sooner we intervene, the better the outcome.

Treatment Options for CCL Injuries

At Creekside, we believe in personalized care because no two pets—or pet parents—are alike. When it comes to CCL injuries, we create a treatment plan based on your dog’s age, size, activity level, and overall health. Whether your dog is a good candidate for surgery or would benefit more from a non-surgical approach, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Read more about Creekside's Services here:

https://www.vetcarecreekside.com/currentservices

And the best part? You don’t need to leave Black Earth to access the same advanced treatments you'd find in a Madison specialty hospital.

Already working with another vet? We’re happy to provide CCL treatment on a referral basis. If your primary veterinarian has already diagnosed your dog, they can send you our way for surgery or advanced therapies.Have questions about how that works? Give us a call at (608) 767-1400—we’re happy to talk you through the process.

🏥 Surgical Treatment

If surgery is the best path for your dog, you’re in excellent hands. We partner with Dr. Javier Gallegos, a board-certified veterinary surgeon, who performs all orthopedic procedures right here at our clinic. This allows you to receive expert-level care locally, often at a more affordable cost than traveling to a specialty hospital.

👉 Learn more about Dr. Gallegos and OTRA Surgical

Surgical options may include:

• TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy): A highly effective procedure for stabilizing the knee in large or active dogs.

• Lateral Suture Stabilization: A traditional method often used in smaller or less active pets.

🌿 Conservative & Alternative Therapies

Surgery isn’t the only option—and it’s not always the best one. Smaller dogs, older pets, or those with other health concerns may do best with a conservative, non-surgical approach.

We’re proud to offer a full spectrum of alternative and supportive therapies to help your dog heal and thrive:

• Chiropractic Care

  Helps reduce pain and prevent secondary injuries by improving your dog’s posture and movement as they adjust to the injury.

• Class IV Therapeutic Laser

  A non-invasive, deep-tissue laser therapy that reduces inflammation, eases pain,

  and accelerates healing.

• Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy

  Tailored exercise plans to rebuild strength and restore mobility, either at home or under professional guidance.

• Custom-Fit Bracing

  We offer custom-fit bracing options, such as Hero Bracing or ACO braces, which provides knee support and stability, helping your dog move more comfortably without surgery. Learn more about Hero Bracing here.

• Nutritional Support & Supplements

  We recommend high-quality joint and ligament supplements, selected specifically for your pet’s condition. From muscle recovery to joint protection, we’ll help find what works best for your dog. Read more on our supplements and choosing a quality product here: https://www.vetcarecreekside.com/post/let-s-talk-supplements-and-nutraceuticals

Let’s Talk About Your Dog

We know how hard it is to see your pup in pain—but you’re not alone. Whether you’re looking for a second opinion, exploring non-surgical options, or ready to move forward with surgery, our team at Creekside Veterinary Clinic is here with expert guidance, compassion, and care you can trust.

📍 Creekside Veterinary Clinic – Black Earth, WI 📞 (608) 767-1400 🌐 www.vetcarecreekside.com

Let’s get your dog back on their feet—and back to doing what they love most.