If your dog suddenly begins limping on a back leg or avoids putting weight on it, a cruciate ligament injury may be the cause. These injuries are one of the most common orthopedic conditions seen in dogs, especially in large breed dogs.
In this blog, Dr. Andrew Nguyen from our sister hospital, Columbia Pike Animal Hospital and Emergency Center, explains cranial cruciate ligament disease and how TPLO surgery, short for Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy, can help dogs return to a comfortable, active life.
What Is Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease?
The cranial cruciate ligament is a small but critical ligament located deep inside your dog’s knee, also known as the stifle joint. Its job is to keep the knee stable during everyday movement such as walking, running, and jumping.
When this ligament becomes damaged or torn, the knee becomes unstable. This instability causes inflammation, pain, and a buildup of inflammatory fluid within the joint. Over time, arthritis and chronic discomfort can develop if the condition is left untreated.
Cruciate ligament injuries can occur in dogs of any breed, but they are especially common in large breed dogs. Many dogs show signs of sudden lameness in one hind leg, although some injuries may develop more gradually.
How Is a Cruciate Ligament Injury Diagnosed?
Your veterinarian will perform a thorough orthopedic exam to assess knee stability. This typically includes specialized tests such as the drawer test and the thrust test. X-rays are also an important part of the diagnostic process. While the ligament itself does not appear on X-rays, imaging helps identify joint swelling, arthritis, and other changes that support the diagnosis.
At Town and Country Animal Hospital, we evaluate your dog and guide you through the next steps, including referral to our sister hospital when advanced surgical care is recommended.
What Is TPLO Surgery?
TPLO surgery is a specialized orthopedic procedure that stabilizes the knee using biomechanics rather than replacing the torn ligament.
In a normal knee, the top of the tibia is slightly angled. Without a healthy cruciate ligament, this angle allows the femur to slide backward, causing instability and pain. During a TPLO procedure, the surgeon makes a precise semicircular cut in the tibia, rotates the bone to level the joint surface, and secures it with a plate. This adjustment prevents the sliding motion and restores stability to the knee.
By changing how the joint functions, the knee can remain stable and comfortable even without the damaged ligament.
What Does Recovery Look Like After TPLO Surgery?
TPLO surgery is a major orthopedic procedure, and it is normal for pet owners to feel concerned about recovery. The good news is that most dogs begin to regain comfort within two to four weeks after surgery.
Bone healing continues over several months, with full healing of the surgical site typically occurring around five to six months. Most noticeable improvement happens within the first two to three months, especially when post-operative care instructions are followed closely.
With proper recovery and rehabilitation, most dogs are able to return to normal activity levels and enjoy an excellent long-term outcome.
Advanced Surgical Care Through Our Sister Hospital
Town and Country Animal Hospital works closely with Columbia Pike Animal Hospital and Emergency Center, our sister hospital, to provide advanced orthopedic procedures such as TPLO surgery.
Columbia Pike is equipped with experienced surgical teams, advanced anesthesia protocols, and comprehensive pain management to support your dog before, during, and after surgery. This partnership allows our patients to receive specialized care while continuing routine and follow-up care with the team they know and trust at Town and Country.
If your dog is limping or has been diagnosed with a cruciate ligament injury, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our team to discuss evaluation, treatment options, and referral for TPLO surgery if appropriate.
Contact Information
Town and Country Animal Hospital
9836 Fairfax Blvd
Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: (703) 273-2110
Website: https://www.townandcountryanimalh.com
Sister Hospital:
Columbia Pike Animal Hospital and Emergency Center
4205 Evergreen Lane
Annandale, VA 22003
Phone: (703) 256-8414
Website: https://www.columbiapikeanimalh.com
Open 24/7 for emergency and advanced surgical care