If your dog has been diagnosed with a cruciate ligament injury (often called a cranial cruciate ligament or CCL rupture — the canine equivalent of a human ACL), you’re not alone: it’s one of the most common causes of rear-leg lameness in dogs. Below I’ll explain what the problem is, common surgical options, what a local practice such as Malahide Veterinary Clinic can offer, and practical expectations for recovery and follow-up care. I’ll also point out when referral to a specialist hospital in Dublin may be recommended.
What is a cruciate injury and how is it diagnosed?
The cranial cruciate ligament stabilises the knee (stifle). When it tears or degenerates, the joint becomes unstable, painful and rapidly develops arthritis. Dogs may collapse, hold the leg up, or be lame only intermittently at first. Diagnosis is usually made from your dog’s history and a physical exam (a positive “drawer” or “tibial thrust” test), and is confirmed with radiographs (X-rays). In some cases your vet may recommend referral for advanced imaging.
Treatment choices — why surgery is usually recommended
Conservative (non-surgical) management — rest, pain relief and physiotherapy — can help smaller or low-activity dogs, or dogs with medical problems that make anaesthesia risky. However, surgery is generally recommended because it corrects the mechanical instability and reduces long-term pain and progression of arthritis. There are multiple accepted surgical techniques; the choice depends on your dog’s size, age, activity level, the slope of the tibial plateau and the surgeon’s experience.
Common surgical techniques
- Lateral fabellar suture (extracapsular repair): a strong synthetic suture is placed outside the joint to stabilise it. It works well in small to medium dogs and is often performed by first-opinion practices.
- Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO): a circular cut in the tibia is rotated to change joint geometry so the knee is stable during weight bearing. TPLO is frequently chosen for large, active dogs.
- Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA): another tibial osteotomy technique that changes forces across the stifle to neutralise instability.
Referral hospitals and orthopaedic specialists commonly offer TPLO and TTA and will select the technique most likely to give the best long-term outcome for your dog. (NOAH | Specialist Veterinarian | Dublin)
What can Malahide Veterinary Clinic do?
Local clinics such as Malahide Veterinary Clinic provide routine and access to specialist orthopaedic surgeons in dedicated operating theatres that perform many cruciate repairs, provide anaesthesia and immediate post-op care, and manage follow-up visits and physiotherapy referrals. If your dog’s case is complex (e.g., very large dog, chronic injury, concurrent orthopaedic disease), your vet may discuss referral to a specialist centre in Dublin for advanced surgical options i.e. NOAH. Contact details, appointment and emergency numbers are published by Malahide Veterinary Clinic. (Malahide Vets)
Referral to a specialist — when and why
If your dog is a large/working animal, if the injury is chronic with severe arthritis, or if initial surgery failed, your vet may recommend referral to a specialist surgeon. Specialist centres in Dublin (for example, NOAH Veterinary Specialists) offer advanced orthopaedic surgery, specialist anaesthesia, CT/MRI if needed, and intensive post-op physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. Specialist input can improve outcomes for complicated cases. (NOAH | Specialist Veterinarian | Dublin)
What to expect on the day of surgery
- Pre-op checks: blood tests, physical exam and anaesthesia assessment.
- Surgery: usually takes 1–2 hours depending on technique and any concurrent procedures.
- Recovery monitoring: dogs stay under observation until they are safely awake and temperature, pain control and limb circulation are satisfactory. Your vet will give instructions for pain relief, wound care and restricted activity. Clinics will also provide an emergency contact number for overnight problems. (Malahide Vets)
Post-operative care and rehabilitation
Good post-op care is essential for a successful outcome:
- Strict rest: typically 6–8 weeks of controlled lead walks only; no running, jumping or stairs except as directed.
- Pain relief & anti-inflammatories: administered as prescribed.
- Wound checks & suture removal: usually 10–14 days after surgery.
- Physiotherapy / hydrotherapy: beginning with gentle range-of-motion and progressing to controlled strengthening and water treadmill/hydrotherapy dramatically improves recovery and reduces muscle wasting. Many clinics in Dublin provide canine hydrotherapy or will refer to specialists. (Malahide Vets)
Risks and expected outcome
Every anaesthetic and operation carries risks (infection, implant failure, delayed healing, anaesthetic complications). Large studies and specialist experience show most dogs improve substantially after properly selected cruciate surgery and rehabilitation, although some degree of osteoarthritis is inevitable over time. Your vet or the referral specialist will discuss specific risks for your dog and the likely long-term outlook.
Costs and decision making
Costs vary with the technique, the need for referral, imaging, hospital stay, and post-op physiotherapy. Because prices can vary, ask your Malahide vet for an estimate that covers pre-op tests, surgery, implants, hospitalisation and follow-up.
Practical next steps
- Follow your vet’s advice about stabilising pain and limiting activity immediately.
- Arrange diagnostic X-rays if not already done.
- Ask your vet whether your dog is a candidate for referral to a specialist is recommended.
- Plan for a strict rehabilitation programme — arrange physiotherapy/hydrotherapy early.
- Keep a written record of medications, wound checks and exercise restrictions
