Dog ACL/CCL Tear: Symptoms, Surgery Options (TPLO vs TTA vs Lateral Suture) & Recovery
Published: 2026-05-31 · Updated: July 2026
A cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear — equivalent to a human ACL tear — is the most common orthopedic injury in dogs. The CCL stabilizes the knee joint; when it tears (partially or completely), the femur slides backward on the tibia during weight-bearing, causing pain,...
Behavior Profile
| Behavior Type | Orthopedic Injury / Surgical Condition |
|---|---|
| Common Triggers | Obesity, breed predisposition (Labradors, Rottweilers, Newfoundlands, Golden Retrievers), knee conformation (steep tibial plateau angle), sudden twisting, chronic degeneration |
| Associated Emotions | Financial stress, Caregiving commitment, Recovery anxiety |
A cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear — equivalent to a human ACL tear — is the most common orthopedic injury in dogs. The CCL stabilizes the knee joint; when it tears (partially or completely), the femur slides backward on the tibia during weight-bearing, causing pain, instability, and progressive arthritis. 40-60% of dogs who tear one CCL will tear the other within 18 months.
Symptoms
- Sudden lameness in one hind leg — often non-weight-bearing immediately after the tear, then toe-touching
- Sitting with the affected leg extended out to the side ('sit test' positive)
- Difficulty rising, jumping, or climbing stairs
- Swelling on the inside of the knee (medial buttress — a sign of chronicity)
- Audible 'click' or palpable 'drawer sign' on veterinary examination
Surgery Options & Cost
| Procedure | Best For | Cost (per knee) | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) | Medium-large dogs, active dogs, steep tibial plateau | $3,500-$6,000 | 8-12 weeks restricted activity; 90%+ success rate |
| TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement) | Large dogs, alternative to TPLO | $3,000-$5,500 | 8-12 weeks; similar outcomes to TPLO |
| Lateral Suture (Extracapsular Repair) | Small dogs (<30 lbs), less active dogs | $1,500-$3,000 | 6-8 weeks; suture may stretch over time in larger dogs |
Board-certified surgeon (DACVS) strongly recommended over general practitioner for TPLO/TTA. Post-op rehabilitation (PROM exercises, underwater treadmill, LASER therapy) adds $500-$1,500 but significantly improves outcomes. Pet insurance typically covers CCL surgery — but some policies have a 6-12 month waiting period for cruciate ligament conditions specifically.
Related Topics
References & Further Reading
- ASPCA. Common Dog & Cat Behavior Issues. aspca.org/pet-care
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Pet Behavior Resources. aaha.org
- Journal of Veterinary Behavior (Elsevier). Clinical Applications and Research. sciencedirect.com
- American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB). Position Statements & Resources. avsab.org
Citations are provided for educational reference. Content is reviewed periodically but does not replace professional veterinary advice. If your pet shows signs of illness, contact a licensed veterinarian immediately.