Cruciate Ligament Repair (Dog ACL Surgery) in Clovis & Fresno
At Armstrong Pet Hospital in Clovis, near Fresno, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries, also known as ACL tears, in dogs. This is by far the most common orthopedic injury we see in our practice. Without treatment, a torn ACL causes pain, lameness, and long-term arthritis — but with proper surgery, most dogs return to an active, happy life.
What Is Cruciate Ligament Disease?
The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in dogs functions like the ACL in humans. When torn or ruptured, the knee becomes unstable and painful. This can happen suddenly during play, or gradually over time as the ligament weakens.
Typical symptoms include:
Limping or non-weight-bearing on a back leg
Difficulty rising or jumping
Stiffness after rest
Swelling or discomfort in the knee joint
ACL Surgery Options at Armstrong Pet Hospital
We tailor each cruciate ligament repair to the size, age, and activity level of the pet:
Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO)
Best for medium to large active dogs
Levels the tibial plateau to stabilize the knee
Allows for strong, long-term function
Extracapsular Repair (Lateral Suture Technique)
Common for small dogs and cats
Uses a suture outside the joint to stabilize the knee
Reliable, less invasive option with quicker recovery for small patients
Comprehensive Care & Faster Recovery
Every patient receives full case management from start to finish. To support healing and minimize pain, we also provide:
Laser therapy to reduce inflammation
Physiotherapy consultations to rebuild strength and mobility
Customized aftercare instructions to help owners manage recovery at home
Schedule a Cruciate Ligament Consultation
If your dog shows signs of a torn ACL, early treatment can prevent arthritis and get them back on their feet sooner.
Call Armstrong Pet Hospital in Clovis at 559-472-7065 to schedule your cruciate ligament consultation today.
Learn more about our Orthopedic Surgery and TPLO Surgery.