Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Treatment

Treating a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear in dogs generally involves either surgical or non-surgical methods depending on the severity and the individual dog’s needs. The treatment can also include regenerative options like Stem Cell Therapy and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, especially when combined with surgical options or as an alternative in dogs that are not good candidates for surgery.

Read how we used Stem Cell & PRP therapy to avoid surgery.

Conventional Surgical Options

  1. TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy): This surgery reconfigures the knee joint’s mechanics to eliminate the need for a functional CCL, providing stability.
  2. TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement): Similar to TPLO, this surgery stabilizes the knee by adjusting the joint’s structure, focusing on the tibial tuberosity.
  3. Extracapsular Repair: This option involves placing a synthetic suture to stabilize the knee. It’s more common for smaller or less active dogs.

Non-Surgical Management

This approach includes physical therapy, pain management, and weight control. Non-surgical treatment can be beneficial for smaller, less active dogs or those who can’t undergo surgery due to age or health issues.

Stem Cell Therapy for CCL Tears

Stem Cell Therapy is an advanced regenerative approach where a dog’s own stem cells are harvested (typically from fat tissue), then processed and injected into the knee joint to promote natural repair. This therapy can reduce inflammation, decrease pain, and help regenerate damaged tissues over time. While it may not fully replace surgery in severe cases, it is often combined with surgical repair to speed up healing and improve long-term joint health.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

PRP therapy uses the dog’s blood, processed to concentrate platelets, and is injected into the injured joint. Platelets contain growth factors that promote tissue healing and reduce inflammation. PRP is often used alongside surgery to enhance healing, but in mild cases or with smaller dogs, it can sometimes be used alone or as part of non-surgical management.

Stem Cell, PRP Therapy and Rehab