Cruciate Ligament Injuries

Cruciate ligament injuries are one of the most common orthopaedic conditions seen in dogs, and they can have a significant impact on your pet’s comfort, mobility, and long term joint health. At IP Vet Physiotherapy, we provide expert physiotherapy for dogs with cruciate problems.

We offer mobile physiotherapy services across Cheshire, Manchester, Derbyshire, and surrounding areas, delivering personalised, evidence-based treatment in your dog’s own home.

What is a cruciate ligament injury?

The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in dogs is the equivalent of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans. It plays a vital role in stabilising the knee joint. A rupture or tear- whether partial or complete- can cause pain, instability, and inflammation within the joint, often leading to a condition called cruciate disease.

Cruciate ligament injuries can be caused by:

Sudden trauma (e.g. jumping or twisting movements)
Gradual degeneration over time, particularly in middle-aged or overweight dogs
Breed-related predispositions (e.g. Labradors, Rottweilers, Boxers)

Signs of cruciate problems in dogs

The symptoms can develop gradually or appear suddenly depending on the type of injury. Common signs include:

Hind limb lameness (sudden or intermittent)
Difficulty rising, climbing stairs, or jumping
Swelling around the knee joint
Reluctance to bear weight on one leg
Sitting with the affected leg extended to the side
Muscle wasting in the affected limb if left untreated
A diagnosis is typically made by your vet through clinical examination and sometimes imaging such as X-rays. Veterinary physiotherapy is often recommended after diagnosis to aid recovery.

Veterinary physiotherapy after cruciate injury or surgery

At IP Vet Physiotherapy, we offer physiotherapy for dogs recovering from cruciate surgery (TPLO, TTA, lateral suture, etc.) as well as those being managed conservatively without surgery. Each treatment plan is tailored to your dog’s individual needs, and may include:

Manual therapy and massage to relieve muscular compensation and improve comfort
Rehabilitation exercises to gradually rebuild strength, coordination, and proprioception
Laser therapy or PEMF to reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair
Hydrotherapy recommendations where appropriate to support low-impact strengthening
Owner-led home programmes with step-by-step guidance for daily rehabilitation exercises

We liaise closely with your vet to ensure a coordinated, safe approach to your dog’s recovery, helping prevent complications such as osteoarthritis or re-injury.

Vet physiotherapy in Cheshire

Cruciate injuries are serious but manageable with the right care. Whether your dog is a young, active pet or an older companion, veterinary physiotherapy can make a vital difference in their recovery and quality of life.

To find out more about cruciate rehabilitation or to book a home visit in Cheshire, Manchester or surrounding areas, please contact us today.