CCL Tears: What Every Dog Owner Should Know (and How Animal Chiropractic Can Help)
- IN STRIDE
- Jul 5, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 15
By: Kaitlyn Lackey DC cAVCA
Published: July 5, 2024
Has your dog suddenly started limping or avoiding weight on a back leg? It might be more serious than a simple sprain. Many pet owners don’t realize that their dog may be suffering from a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear, one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs—especially large breeds.
This condition is similar to an ACL tear in humans and can lead to long-term pain, arthritis, and mobility issues if left untreated. In this guide, we’ll cover what causes CCL injuries, how to recognize the symptoms, and how animal chiropractic care can play a supportive role in recovery and prevention.
What is a CCL tear? Why does it happen?
👉🏻 The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) stabilizes the dog’s knee joint (stifle). When this ligament weakens or tears—whether gradually or due to sudden trauma—the knee becomes unstable. This instability causes the tibia to slide forward with each step, leading to inflammation, cartilage damage, and joint erosion.
Unfortunately, the knee joint has a poor blood supply, which means a fully ruptured CCL will not heal on its own.
A CCL tear can result from:
A sudden stop or twisting motion (e.g., while chasing a squirrel)
Long-term wear and tear
Obesity and excess joint stress
Improper conditioning or lack of exercise
Poor limb conformation
Early spay or neuter (before full skeletal development)
📌 Dogs with a CCL injury have a >50% chance of tearing the opposite knee within 6–12 months due to overcompensation.
What are symptoms of a CCL tear?
👉🏻 Symptoms of a CCL tear vary based upon if the problem started suddenly or gradually over time.
The most common symptoms include:
Sudden three-legged lameness
Swelling around the knee joint
“Lazy” or sloppy sitting
Hesitancy to use one hind leg
Difficulty rising or jumping
Clicking or popping sound in the joint
If you notice any of these signs, schedule a veterinary exam immediately. Early diagnosis makes a big difference in treatment outcomes.
Will animal chiropractic care help my dog with a CCL tear?
👉🏻 The "success" of animal chiropractic care can vary depending on the severity of the problem, the length of time a pet has been struggling with a complaint, and the quality of the provider.
Animal chiropractic is a complementary treatment that works alongside traditional veterinary medicine. It’s designed to restore healthy joint motion, reduce muscular compensation, and support proper nerve function.
While animal chiropractic won’t repair a torn ligament, it can help:
✅ Reduce strain on surrounding joints
✅ Improve posture and joint alignment
✅ Minimize compensatory pain (hips, pelvis, spine)
✅ Support recovery by maintaining balance and coordination
✅ Possibly slow progression of secondary joint damage
Dogs with CCL injuries often shift weight to the opposite limb, which can eventually cause a second tear. Chiropractic adjustments may reduce this risk by rebalancing the musculoskeletal system and improving movement patterns.
How to Choose a Qualified Animal Chiropractor
Not all practitioners are properly trained. To protect your pet:
Only veterinarians (DVM) or human chiropractors (DC) are legally eligible to pursue postgraduate education in animal chiropractic. Look for providers certified by:
American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA)
International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA)
Common certifications include:
Certified Animal Chiropractor (CAC)
Certified in Veterinary Chiropractic (CVC)
Certified Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy (CVSMT)
Certified AVCA/IVCA (cAVCA, cIVCA)
⚠️ Red flags to avoid:
No pre-treatment evaluation
No post-treatment assessment
Rough, excessive force
Vague explanations or evasive answers
No visible improvement after multiple visits
Cannot provide license number, training background, or insurance status
📋 Know the Laws in Your State
In some states, animal chiropractic care requires a veterinary referral or supervision. In others, you may be able to book directly. Always check your local laws to avoid delays in care.
In Summary
🐕 In Summary: How to Support Your Dog with a CCL Tear
CCL tears are common, especially in large breed dogs.
Look for signs like limping, swelling, or changes in gait.
Seek a veterinary diagnosis first—X-rays and physical exams are key.
Animal chiropractic care can help support healing, improve comfort, and reduce the risk of further injury.
Choose a trained and certified provider for the best outcome.
🔎 Find a trusted animal chiropractor near you
Interested in getting your pet started with us?
About the author
Kaitlyn Lackey DC cAVCA
Many people don’t know that I’ve sustained 3 very serious head injuries due to horseback riding.
When I sought medical treatment for these injuries, traditional medicine "failed me."
I'm very fortunate to have found chiropractic. Getting adjusted gave me my life back after I was struggling every day with dehabilitating migraines.
After seeing what it did for me, I thought: why isn’t this available to animals, too?
I decided against vet school and instead pursued chiropractic education. I graduated Parker University in April of 2017 with 2 Bachelors and my Doctorate then later received my AVCA certification in June of 2017.
I practiced for 2 years on humans and then shifted my focus to offering chiropractic care for animals full time in 2019. I now travel across North Dallas offering care to all sorts of animals.
I continue to do all that I can to practice evidence informed and patient centric chiropractic care to guarantee that my clients receive the best results.
DISCLAIMER
We operate in full compliance with all laws and regulations. Our services are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any specific illness or condition and should only be used as a complement to routine veterinary and/or medical care. Chiropractic may provide support and encourage the body into its most optimal state of health. The content provided herein is informational only and is not to be construed as medical or veterinary advice.
I want to let you know you came to the right place for complementary options for your pet! When choosing chiropractic for your pet, choose someone licensed, trained, and certified.
Comments