Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury (CCL/ACL)

Book Canine Torn CCL Injury Appointment

A CCL tear (cranial cruciate ligament injury) in dogs is a common orthopedic condition where the ligament that stabilizes the knee joint becomes partially or completely torn. This ligament, similar to the ACL in humans, helps keep the knee stable during movement.

When it is damaged, the joint becomes unstable, leading to pain, inflammation, limping, and difficulty walking.

Degenerative Condition

CCL tears in dogs often develop over time due to degeneration rather than a sudden injury, especially in active or overweight pets.

Common Signs of a CCL Tear (Knee Injury) in Dogs

Limping or Favoring a Hind Leg

Limping or favoring a hind leg

Stiffness or Changes in Gait

Stiffness or changes in gait

Swelling Around the Knee Joint

Swelling around the knee joint

Difficulty Getting Up

Difficulty getting up or rising from rest

Decreased Activity

Decreased activity or reluctance to run/jump

What Options Are There for My Pet with a CCL Tear?

If your dog is diagnosed with a CCL tear (cranial cruciate ligament injury), surgery is often recommended—but may not be the only option.

At Healing Paws Center, a holistic and integrative veterinary clinic in Fort Lauderdale, we offer non-surgical CCL treatment options for dogs to help restore mobility and reduce pain without immediately resorting to surgery.

Many dogs with CCL injuries can successfully recover through a customized rehabilitation plan designed to support healing and joint stability.

Each treatment plan is tailored to your dog's specific needs and may include targeted natural supplements, and advanced integrative therapies such as laser therapy, physical rehabilitation, manual therapy, controlled therapeutic exercise, and/or custom bracing.

Our goal is to improve function, reduce inflammation, and help your dog regain strength safely and effectively.

If surgery is necessary, we work alongside you every step of the way—before, during, and after the procedure—to optimize recovery and long-term outcomes.

Our Integrative Treatment Approach

Physical Rehabilitation

Targeted exercises to restore strength and joint stability

Learn More →

Laser Therapy

Reduces inflammation and pain while promoting tissue healing

Learn More →

Underwater Treadmill Therapy

Low-impact aquatic exercise to rebuild muscle without stressing the healing joint

Learn More →

Therapeutic Exercises

Carefully designed movement programs to rebuild function safely

Learn More →

Custom Bracing

Supportive orthotic devices to stabilize the knee joint during healing

Learn More →

Targeted Joint Supplements

Joint support and anti-inflammatory botanical formulas to improve comfort and mobility

Benefits of Our CCL Treatment Program

Restored mobility without surgery

Reduced pain and inflammation

Improved joint stability

Regained strength and function

Reduced risk of re-injury

Better long-term outcomes

Non-invasive, holistic approach

Optimized post-surgical recovery (when needed)

Canine Torn CCL Injury Appointments BOOK NOW

Whether you're exploring non-surgical options or need post-surgical rehabilitation, our team is here to support your dog's recovery with comprehensive, integrative care. Let us help your dog regain mobility and live pain-free.