A torn cruciate ligament is the most common orthopaedic injury in dogs. It is important to repair these lesions in the knee quickly in order to prevent osteoarthritis. Cruciate ligament surgery is unavoidable in the case of a ruptured cruciate ligament. If you come to Dierenkliniek Het Zicht for a cruciate ligament operation, you can be assured of:

Treatment by an experienced veterinarian
Fast and accurate diagnosis
Lots of attention for your dog's well-being
High level of medical, orthopaedic and surgical care

Do you suspect that your dog has a torn cruciate ligament? Please contact us immediately.

Torn cruciate ligament in dogs
Costs of cruciate ligament surgery
Cruciate ligament operation in dogs
Symptoms of a ruptured cruciate ligament dog
The rehabilitation of Dana after a cruciate ligament operation

Torn cruciate ligament in dogs

The cruciate ligaments keep the bones in the legs of the dog together. They are two straps that are stretched crosswise between the tibia and thigh. When a cruciate ligament is torn, the knee is no longer stable, allowing the thigh and tibia to slide over each other. Osteoarthritis can occur as a result of the associated friction. There is also a lot of pressure on the meniscus, as a result of which it can also rupture. It is therefore important to take action immediately if you suspect that your dog has a torn cruciate ligament.

Costs of cruciate ligament surgery

For information about the rates of a cruciate ligament operation for dogs, please contact our practice.

Cruciate ligament operation in dogs

Unfortunately, a torn cruciate ligament can only be corrected by means of a cruciate ligament operation. If the knee is not operated, the dog will continue to suffer. Also, the situation can only get worse because of possible osteoarthritis and tearing of the meniscus. A commonly used technique for repairing a torn knee ligament is the Modified Maquet Procedure (MMP). This technique is also used by the veterinarians of Dierenkliniek Het Zicht. Below you can see how this operation is performed. For more information about a ruptured cruciate ligament in your dog, see our page about knee surgery in dogs.

Symptoms of a ruptured cruciate ligament dog

The symptoms of a torn cruciate ligament in your dog are similar to symptoms of knee problems. It is therefore important to have the vet make a diagnosis as soon as possible so that you can be sure that your dog's situation does not deteriorate. A torn knee ligament can also damage the meniscus. Some symptoms of a torn cruciate ligament are:

Sudden limping after playing
Not putting weight on the leg
Swelling of the knee

The rehabilitation of Dana after a cruciate ligament operation

Dana suffered from her knee at the age of four. After investigation it appeared that the meniscus in Dana's knee was broken. Then it was decided to operate on the knee and remove the torn meniscus, so that Dana would no longer have pain in her knee. During the operation it turned out that the cruciate ligament was also torn, so an artificial cross ligament was placed in Dana's knee. Below you can see how Dana recovered after the operation by means of pictures:

		Day 3: First day without bandages
		Day 5: First time carefully standing up
		Day 6: First steps
		Day 12: Standing and walking more sturdy
		Day 14: Stitches removed and fur is starting to grow back
		Dana is able to walk again and no longer has knee pains