Cruciate ligament injuries are one of the most common causes of hind leg lameness in dogs. Diagnosing these injuries involves assessing your dog’s movement, examining the knee joint, and sometimes using imaging to confirm the problem.

During your dog’s consultation, we will begin by discussing what changes you may have noticed at home. Limping, difficulty rising, or reduced activity can all provide important clues about what may be happening.

Your veterinarian will then perform a gentle orthopaedic examination. This includes feeling the knee joint for swelling, checking the range of motion, and assessing stability of the joint. When the cruciate ligament is damaged, the knee may move in an abnormal way.

Because dogs can be uncomfortable during this type of examination, some patients may require light sedation so the joint can be assessed safely and without causing additional stress.

In some cases, X-rays may also be recommended. While X-rays do not show the ligament itself, they help identify signs of joint inflammation, fluid within the joint, or early arthritis. Imaging also helps rule out other causes of lameness such as fractures or bone disease.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, we will discuss the most appropriate treatment options for your dog and help guide you through the next steps.

→Cruciate Surgery