Login
Call us 1300 952 790
Get Your Free Quote
Pet Insurance
About Us
Members Benefits
Vets
Pet Hub
Insurance Hub
Tail Talk Blog
Contact Us

Understanding Cruciate Ligament Damage in dogs and cats

Causes, symptoms, and treatment

Key symptomsLimping, stiffness, swelling around the knee, reluctance to bear weight, reduced mobility
CommonalityVery common in dogs, rare in cats
TransmissionNot contagious
Impact on healthModerate to Severe depending on severity
Treatment cost~$1,500 to $7,000 AUD
(depending on surgery type and recovery)
Treatment duration 6 weeks to 6 months
(depending on treatment)
Ease of preventionDifficult

Most affected dog breeds

  • Labrador Retriever
  • Rottweiler
  • Boxer
  • German Shepherd
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • Golden Retriever
  • Newfoundland
  • Saint Bernard

Most affected cat breeds

  • Rare but can occur in overweight or older cats

What is Cruciate Ligament Damage

  • For the Non-Vets:

The cruciate ligament is like a strong rope inside your pet’s knee joint that keeps the bones stable when they walk or run. When this ligament stretches or tears, it causes pain and makes the leg unstable. You might notice your pet limping or holding their leg up.

  • The Vet’s Version:

Cruciate ligament damage involves partial or complete rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in dogs or the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) in cats. This ligament stabilises the stifle (knee) joint, preventing the tibia from sliding forward under the femur. Rupture leads to joint instability, inflammation, and progressive osteoarthritis.

Key takeaways

  • Cruciate ligament damage is one of the most common causes of hind leg lameness in dogs.
  • It occurs when the ligament in the knee joint tears or ruptures, leading to pain and instability.
  • Surgery is often the most effective treatment for moderate to severe cases.
  • Recovery takes time but most dogs regain full mobility with proper care.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight and joint health can help reduce the risk 
of injury.

Importance for pet owners

Cruciate ligament injuries are painful and can greatly affect mobility. Without treatment, pets may develop chronic arthritis or permanent lameness. Early diagnosis and appropriate management, including surgery or physiotherapy, can restore function and quality of life.

Understanding Cruciate Ligament Damage

The cruciate ligament connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone) inside the knee. When this ligament tears, the bones move abnormally, causing pain and swelling.

There are two cruciate ligaments in each knee:

  • Cranial (anterior) cruciate ligament (CCL/CrCL): Most commonly injured.
  • Caudal (posterior) cruciate ligament: Rarely affected.

Damage can range from a mild sprain to a full rupture. In most dogs, the injury develops gradually due to degeneration, not just trauma.

Causes of Cruciate Ligament Damage

Degenerative changes

Over time, the ligament weakens and becomes more likely to tear, especially in middle-aged or large-breed dogs.

Obesity

Excess weight puts strain on the knees, increasing the risk of tearing the ligament.

Sudden movement or trauma

A sudden twist or jump can cause the ligament to rupture, especially during play or exercise.

Genetics and breed predisposition

Some breeds are more prone to ligament injuries due to their anatomy or rapid growth patterns.

Poor conditioning

Weak muscles and limited exercise increase the risk of ligament injury by reducing joint stability.

Symptoms of Cruciate Ligament Damage

Early signs:

  • Limping or favouring one hind leg
  • Difficulty rising or jumping
  • Stiffness after rest or exercise

Advanced signs:

  • Inability to bear weight on the affected leg
  • Swelling around the knee joint
  • Sitting with the leg out to the side
  • Audible clicking or popping sound
  • Decreased activity or reluctance to walk

Tip:

If your dog suddenly limps or can’t put weight on a hind leg, book a vet visit immediately. Early intervention helps prevent further joint damage.

Diagnosis of Cruciate Ligament Damage

Physical examination

Your vet will test for instability in the knee using the cranial drawer test or tibial thrust test.

Imaging

  • X-rays: Help identify fluid buildup, bone changes, or arthritis.
  • MRI or CT scans: Used in complex or unclear cases

Sedation

In some cases, sedation may be required for accurate assessment, as muscle tension can mask instability.

Treatment for Cruciate Ligament Damage

Treatment depends on the size, age, and activity level of your pet, as well as the severity of the tear.

  • Non-surgical management

For small dogs, cats, or partial tears:

  • Rest and restricted activity: Usually 6 to 8 weeks.
  • Weight management: Reducing stress on the knee.
  • Anti-inflammatory medication: To reduce pain and swelling.
  • Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy: To strengthen surrounding muscles and support recovery.
  • Surgical treatment

Surgery is usually recommended for larger dogs or complete ruptures. Common techniques include:

  • TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy): Alters the knee structure to stabilise it without the ligament.
  • TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement): Changes the angle of the joint to prevent instability.
  • Lateral Suture (Extracapsular Repair): Uses a strong suture to stabilise the joint, suitable for small or medium dogs.

Your vet will recommend the most suitable option based on your pet’s size, age, and activity level.

Postoperative care for Cruciate Ligament Damage

Recovery

Most pets stay at the vet for one to two nights after surgery. Full recovery typically takes 8 to 12 weeks. Controlled rest, gradual exercise, and physiotherapy are essential.

Rehabilitation

Hydrotherapy, stretching, and muscle strengthening exercises help restore movement and prevent stiffness.

Long-term care

Weight control, regular vet checks, and joint supplements such as glucosamine can help prevent arthritis and support long-term health.

Cost of treatment for Cruciate Ligament Damage

Costs vary based on surgery type, pet size, and recovery requirements.

  • Consultation and X-rays: $200 to $500
  • Lateral suture repair: $1,500 to $3,000
  • TPLO or TTA surgery: $3,000 to $7,000
  • Physiotherapy sessions: $80 to $200 each
  • Medication and aftercare: $100 to $300

Prices vary by clinic and location. Pet insurance can help manage the high cost of surgery and rehabilitation.

Prevention tips for Cruciate Ligament Damage

Maintain a healthy weight

Keeping your pet at a healthy weight reduces pressure on their joints.

Regular exercise

Moderate, consistent exercise helps strengthen muscles and ligaments. Avoid sudden high-impact play or rough surfaces.

Joint supplements

Provide supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids to support joint health.

Warm-Up before activity

Gentle warm-ups before exercise can reduce the risk of sudden strain.

Early intervention

If your pet shows any signs of limping or stiffness, seek veterinary attention before the condition worsens.

Getting Cruciate Ligament Damage covered with pet insurance

What is Petsy Pet Insurance?

Petsy reimburses 80% or 90% of eligible vet costs for unexpected illnesses or injuries once exclusion periods have passed. You can customise your cover, and your vet can often submit claims directly for faster processing.

Petsy also offers a complimentary Pre-Existing Condition Assessment to help clarify what is covered based on your pet’s medical history.

What is a pre-existing symptom or condition?

Petsy covers eligible costs for cruciate ligament damage as long as it’s not pre-existing and no signs or symptoms of cruciate ligament damage appeared during the exclusion period. Starting your policy early ensures your pet is protected before any symptoms arise.

Cruciate ligament damage is a Specified Condition that has a 6 month exclusion period. Once this period has passed without symptoms, it may be covered if it is not pre-existing.

Does Petsy cover Cruciate Ligament Damage?

Petsy covers eligible costs for cruciate ligament damage as long as it’s not pre-existing and no signs or symptoms of cruciate ligament damage appeared during the exclusion period. Starting your policy early ensures your pet is protected before any symptoms arise.

How Petsy pet insurance can help

Surgical repair and rehabilitation for cruciate ligament damage can be expensive. Petsy Pet Insurance can help to cover eligible costs for surgery, medication and rehabilitation related to cruciate ligament damage. Optional Extra Benefits including coverage for rehabilitation and specialised therapies is available for pets younger than 3 years old at the time of adding it onto the policy.

qet a quote now

Waiver form

You can apply to reduce the 6 month exclusion period for Specified Conditions including cruciate ligament damage.

How to apply:

  1. Complete Part 1 of the Waiver Form.
  2. Have your vet examine your pet and complete Part 2.
  3. Submit the completed form and your pet’s medical history within 14 days 
of the visit.
  4. Petsy will review it and issue an updated Certificate of Insurance if approved.

You can find the form under Policy Documents on our website or contact us directly to request a copy.

Waiver form

Conclusion

Cruciate ligament damage is a painful but treatable condition that commonly affects dogs. With early diagnosis, the right surgery, and careful rehabilitation, most pets regain full mobility and return to their normal activities. Maintaining a healthy weight, monitoring for early signs, and having pet insurance in place can make managing this condition much easier

Frequently asked questions about cruciate ligament damage

It is an injury to the ligament in the knee joint that stabilises movement. A tear or rupture causes pain and instability.

Large and active breeds such as Labradors, Rottweilers, and Boxers.

Yes, but it is rare. It usually occurs in overweight or older cats after trauma.

Treatment can include rest, physiotherapy, or surgery depending on severity.

You can reduce risk by maintaining a healthy weight, providing regular exercise, and avoiding excessive jumping.

Specified Conditions includes:

  • Cruciate ligament damage
  • Intervertebral disc disease
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patella luxation
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Cherry eye
  • Entropion
  • Ectropion,
  • Osteochondritis dissecans (‘OCD’)
  • Lumps

Lumps means the protuberance or localised area of swelling or unusual growth that can occur anywhere on or in the body including tumours, warts, cysts, growths, mucoceles, haematomas and abscesses.

You can apply to reduce the 6-month exclusion period for Specified Conditions by using our request for Waiver Form. Simply take this form to your next vet visit and submit the completed form back to [email protected] within 14 days of the visit.

Pet Insurance
About Us
Members Benefits
Vets
Pet Hub
Insurance Hub
Tail Talk Blog
Contact Us
Claims Process
Get Your Free Quote
Login
Contact Us

Optional Extra Benefits

During the application process You will be provided with the option to include Optional Extra Benefits that cover certain conditions and Treatments which are not otherwise covered under the Policy.

The Optional Extra Benefits are:

Alternative Therapies, Behavioural Problems, and Dental Illness.

Examples of Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy.

Examples of Behavioural Problems: Excessive licking, fur pulling, pacing and destructive chewing.

Examples of Dental Illnesses: Dental diseases, gingivitis, periodontal disease.