What is a CCL Injury?

Did you know that certain breeds are more prone to CCL injuries? These include Labrador retrievers, Newfoundlands, German shepherds, Rottweilers, and Golden Retrievers. This information is not meant to scare you but educate pet parents on an issue that is seen very commonly by vets and ourselves. Our hope is you will never need this information, but if you do, you have it. ​

Did you know that certain breeds are more prone to CCL injuries? These include Labrador retrievers, Newfoundlands, German shepherds, Rottweilers, and Golden Retrievers. This information is not meant to scare you but educate pet parents on an issue that is seen very commonly by vets and ourselves. Our hope is you will never need this information, but if you do, you have it. 

What is a CCL Injury?
To really understand what a CCL tear is we need to understand the function of the CCL. CCL is the abbreviation for “cranial cruciate ligament” and connects the bone above the knee to the bone below the knee which stabilizes it. When the CCL is torn or injured, the shin bone slides forward and overlaps the thigh bone. 
A CCL tear is one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs and can be extremely painful. However, if treated properly it can completely recover.

CCL stands for Cranial Cruciate Ligament. It is the tearing of an important ligament located in the dogs knee, resulting in partial or complete joint instability, pain, and lameness. It is equivalent to a human tearing their ACL.

Signs your Dogs may have an injury:
​The primary signs your dog could be experiencing a CCL injury is limping or refusing to put weight on the leg. There could also be some swelling visible and tender to the touch.

Do you worry your dog might be showing these signs? First, reach out to your Vet then fill out our inquiry form to get in contact with us!