The equivalent of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans, the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) is vital to stabilizing the middle joint in the back of a canine leg (referred to as a knee or stifle joint). When the cranial cruciate ligament ruptures, it can cause damage to the meniscus—responsible for helping the joint to absorb shock, sense position and carry weight. A rupture of the canine cruciate ligament is a common cause of hind limb problems, such as lameness, pain, and knee arthritis. Cranial cruciate ligament tears are most common in larger dogs, where there is more weight being placed on the joint. It is common for dogs that develop a cranial cruciate ligament tear in one knee to also develop a similar problem in the other knee. The most prevalent risk factors for cranial cruciate ligament tears are poor physical body condition and obesity. The correlation between a genetic link and a torn knee ligament has not been defined. The majority, if not all, breeds have the painful possibility of a cranial cruciate ligament, with some breeds seeing an increase in chance.

Symptoms of a cranial cruciate ligament tear in canines are similar to those of an ACL tear in humans. Symptoms are usually more noticeable for acute cases, in which the tear occurs quickly, as opposed to progressively. Some common symptoms of cranial cruciate ligament tears include:

There are two primary distinctions when it comes to cranial cruciate ligament tears. These two categories are identified primarily by the progression of the cranial cruciate ligament tearing:

Cranial cruciate ligament tears are often a combination of multiple causes that are putting excessive force and wear on the ligament. Some of these possible causes include:

On average, it is easier to diagnose a complete tear of the cranial cruciate ligament than a partial tear. However, the following diagnostic tests can help your veterinarian form a diagnosis:

Treatment for tears of the cranial cruciate ligament depends on a number of factors, including your pet’s activity levels, size, age, skeletal makeup and severity of the injury, as well as any other individualized health factors your veterinarian or surgical specialist may find. There are both surgical and non-surgical treatment options available. In most cases, a well thought out combination of the two may yield better results.

While recovery and management depend largely on the treatment, the overall prognosis is good. It’s important to limit activity following surgical procedures. If your pet is overly active, it can reverse the effects of surgery and may require additional surgeries to repair the damage. Rehab, while offered as a non-surgical remedy, can also aid in the improvement and management following surgery. Rehabilitation should include passive range of motion, balance exercises and controlled walks on leashes. It is possible that your pet will develop arthritis as a result of the cranial cruciate ligament tear; this occurs less rapidly if surgery is used to treat the problem. If your pet is overweight, weight loss is an important part of recovery. Identifying and addressing causes of the condition can aid in avoiding future problems with the same knee and other knees as well.

The total estimated cost for diagnostic tests, which includes a physical exam, x-rays, and palpitation techniques, is $425 - $800 Treatment may include surgery (tibial plateau leveling, tibial tuberosity advancement, extracapsular suture stabilization, tightrope technique), activity restriction, anti-inflammatories, rehabilitation, and custom knee braces. These costs will depend on the condition of the canine and specialists required treatment. The cost will vary between $1,850 to $5,800.