CCL Surgery & Extracapsular Stabilization for Dogs
It can be difficult to see your dog limping or no longer enjoying the activities they love.
Advanced Knee Stabilization to Help Your Dog Move Comfortably Again
A torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs, causing pain, limping, and instability in the knee.
With timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, many dogs can return to the activities they enjoy and regain a comfortable quality of life.
At Litchfield Veterinary Hospital, our experienced veterinary team offers advanced CCL surgery using the OrthoSta® extracapsular stabilization system to restore knee stability, relieve discomfort, and support your dog’s recovery. Whether you’ve recently received a diagnosis or are exploring surgical options, we’re here to answer your questions and help you determine the best treatment plan for your dog.
What Is a Torn CCL?
The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is one of the primary ligaments that stabilizes your dog’s knee. It helps keep the bones properly aligned during movement, allowing your dog to walk, run, jump, and play comfortably.
When the ligament becomes partially torn, weakened, or tears completely, the knee becomes unstable. Every step can cause abnormal movement within the joint, leading to pain, inflammation, and progressive arthritis if left untreated.
Unlike people, who often tear an ACL suddenly during sports, many dogs develop CCL disease gradually as the ligament weakens over time before eventually rupturing.
Common signs of a torn CCL include
- Limping or favoring a back leg
- Difficulty standing after resting
- Reluctance to run, jump, or climb stairs
- Sitting with one leg extended outward
- Stiffness after exercise
- Swelling around the knee
- Decreased activity or interest in play
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an examination. Early diagnosis can help prevent additional damage to the knee and improve your dog’s long-term comfort.
How Does Extracapsular Stabilization Work?
Extracapsular stabilization restores stability to the knee from outside the joint using a high strength woven tape secured with titanium fixation. The woven tape supports the knee while your dog’s body heals and develops supportive scar tissue, helping reduce pain, improve stability, and restore mobility.
During your consultation, our veterinary team will evaluate your dog’s age, size, activity level, overall health, and the severity of the injury to determine whether this procedure is the most appropriate treatment option.
Benefits of Extracapsular Stabilization
- Restores Knee Stability: Reduces the abnormal movement caused by a torn ligament, helping the knee function more normally.
- Relieves Pain: A more stable joint means less painful movement, allowing many dogs to become more comfortable during recovery.
- Supports Natural Healing: The implant stabilizes the knee while the body develops supportive scar tissue that continues to strengthen the joint.
- Helps Dogs Return to an Active Lifestyle: With appropriate healing and rehabilitation, many dogs can return to walks, playtime, hiking, and other favorite activities.
What to Expect
Treatment begins with a comprehensive orthopedic examination and diagnostic imaging to confirm the injury and determine whether surgery is the best option for your dog. We’ll explain your diagnosis, discuss treatment recommendations, answer your questions, and provide detailed instructions so you know exactly what to expect.
During surgery, your dog receives an individualized anesthesia and pain management plan tailored to their age, health, and procedure. Our experienced surgical team closely monitors every patient throughout the procedure to help ensure their safety and comfort from beginning to end.
Recovery is just as important as the procedure itself. In some cases, dogs begin using the affected leg relatively soon after surgery, though complete healing takes longer.
Every pet heals at their own pace, so we’ll provide a personalized recovery plan, monitor your dog’s progress with follow-up visits, and guide you through each stage of healing.