If your dog has suddenly started limping, refuses to put weight on a back leg, or struggles to get up after resting, they may have suffered a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury. A torn CCL is one of the most common orthopedic injuries seen in dogs and, without surgical treatment, can lead to chronic pain, joint instability, and arthritis.
At Animal Works, we provide surgical treatment for dogs with CCL injuries. Our experienced veterinary team will evaluate your dog’s size, age, activity level, and overall health to recommend the surgical procedure that offers the best opportunity for a successful recovery.
What Is a CCL Injury?
The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in dogs performs the same important function as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans. It connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone), helping stabilize the knee joint during movement.
When this ligament tears—either suddenly during activity or gradually through degeneration—the knee becomes unstable. As the tibia shifts forward, every step becomes painful. Left untreated, this instability causes damage to the cartilage and surrounding bone, leading to progressive osteoarthritis and reduced mobility.
Because the ligament cannot heal on its own, surgery is typically the recommended treatment for restoring stability and allowing your dog to return to an active, comfortable life.
Surgical Options at Animal Works
Every dog is different. The ideal procedure depends on several factors, including your dog’s size, age, weight, activity level, and the severity of the injury.
At Animal Works, we offer two proven surgical options:
Extracapsular Suture Repair (ACL Band Surgery)
This technique has been successfully used in veterinary medicine for decades and remains an excellent choice for many small and medium-sized dogs.
During surgery, a strong nylon suture is placed outside the knee joint to mimic the function of the damaged ligament. This stabilizes the joint while scar tissue develops to provide long-term support.
This procedure is often recommended for:
-
Small and medium-sized dogs
-
Less active or calmer pets
-
Dogs where a less invasive procedure is appropriate
Recovery requires approximately 16 weeks of restricted activity and careful home management. Following your post-operative instructions—including keeping your dog confined and preventing excessive activity—is essential for a successful outcome.
MMP: Our Preferred Surgical Option for Larger Dogs
For many larger or more active dogs, Animal Works offers the Modified Maquet Procedure (MMP).
MMP is an advanced orthopedic procedure that changes the mechanics of the knee rather than replacing the torn ligament. During surgery, a controlled cut is made in the tibia, allowing a portion of the bone to be repositioned. A specialized porous titanium wedge and staple hold the bone in its new position while it heals.
This new alignment allows the powerful patellar tendon and surrounding muscles to stabilize the knee naturally, eliminating the abnormal forward movement caused by the torn ligament.
The MMP is an evolution of the older Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) procedure, using improved implants and surgical techniques designed to reduce operating time and minimize complications.
MMP vs. TPLO: What’s the Difference?
Many pet owners researching CCL surgery hear about TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) and wonder how it compares to MMP.
Both procedures are designed to accomplish the same goal: stabilizing the knee without replacing the torn ligament. Instead of repairing the ligament itself, both surgeries change the biomechanics of the joint so the knee remains stable during weight-bearing.
The primary difference lies in how they achieve this.
TPLO involves cutting the top of the tibia, rotating it to change the angle of the joint surface, and securing it with a bone plate and screws.
MMP repositions the front portion of the tibia using a titanium wedge and staple, allowing the patellar tendon to naturally stabilize the joint.
Both procedures have excellent success rates when appropriately selected. At Animal Works, we have chosen to offer MMP for many larger breed dogs because it is a proven, effective technique with excellent clinical outcomes while utilizing a streamlined surgical approach.
Our veterinary team can help you determine whether MMP is the right surgical option based on your dog’s individual anatomy, size, activity level, and overall health.
Recovery After Surgery
Regardless of which surgical procedure your dog receives, recovery is just as important as the surgery itself.
Most dogs undergoing MMP begin placing some weight on the leg within just a few days, with many showing nearly normal weight-bearing after about a month. Bone healing and muscle rebuilding, however, continue for several weeks afterward, making activity restriction extremely important.
Dogs undergoing Extracapsular Suture Repair generally require a longer period of restricted activity while scar tissue develops to stabilize the joint.
While complications from either procedure are uncommon, they are most often associated with excessive activity before the leg has fully healed. Following all post-operative instructions gives your dog the best chance for a smooth recovery.
Helping Your Dog Get Back on Their Paws
A torn CCL doesn’t have to mean a lifetime of pain or reduced mobility. With prompt surgical treatment and proper home care, most dogs return to walking, playing, and enjoying life again.
At Animal Works, our focus is providing affordable surgical care for dogs with CCL injuries. We’ll evaluate your pet, discuss the available surgical options, and help determine the procedure that’s best suited to their individual needs.
If your veterinarian has diagnosed your dog with a CCL injury or recommended surgery, contact us today to schedule a surgical consultation. Our team is here to help your pet get back to living an active, comfortable life.