Cruciate Surgery

A cruciate ligament rupture is one of the most common causes of sudden limping or lameness in dogs. It can happen during active play, like chasing a ball or running at the park, or develop more gradually due to ongoing wear and tear. 

At Belconnen Veterinary Centre, we can diagnose and treat cruciate disease with a range of advanced surgical options. 

What Is Cruciate Disease? 

The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in dogs is similar to the ACL in humans. When this ligament tears or ruptures, it causes joint instability, pain, and swelling — often leading to a sudden limp or an inability to bear weight on the leg. 

Signs your dog may have a cruciate rupture include: 

  • Limping or lameness in a back leg (may come on suddenly) 

  • Difficulty rising, jumping, or climbing stairs 

  • Reluctance to exercise or play 

  • Weight shifted to the front legs while standing 

  • "Toe touching" – the injured leg barely touches the ground when walking 

  • Swelling around the knee joint 

  • Muscle loss in the affected hind leg over time 

  • Yelping or signs of pain when moving or touched near the knee 

If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, book an appointment with our experienced team for a lameness and joint assessment in Belconnen 

Advanced Cruciate Surgery Options 

We perform several types of cruciate repair surgery and tailor our approach to suit your dog’s breed, size, activity level, and individual anatomy. 

  • The TPLO is the most common cruciate procedure we perform. It’s a reliable and effective solution for most dogs with cruciate rupture. The procedure stabilises the knee joint by altering the angle of the tibial plateau, allowing your dog to bear weight comfortably again. 

  • For dogs with an excessively steep tibial plateau angle, we may recommend a CORA-based Cranial Closing / Caudal Opening Wedge Osteotomy — a refined variation of the Closing Wedge Osteotomy. This technique provides precise correction and excellent outcomes in select cases. 

At Belconnen Veterinary Centre, we’re proud to be one of Canberra’s most affordable providers of dog cruciate surgery. We offer transparent pricing and flexible payment options including VetPay, ZipPay and Insurance. This ensures your dog can access the care they need — without financial stress.