Dog ACL Surgery in Fairlawn, OH
TTA Surgery and CCL Repair for Dog Knee Injuries
If your dog suddenly begins limping on a back leg or struggles to rise after rest, a torn ACL may be the cause. In dogs, this ligament is called the cranial cruciate ligament, or CCL. A CCL tear is one of the most common causes of knee pain and instability in dogs.
At Copley Fairlawn Veterinary Clinic, we carefully evaluate dogs with suspected knee injuries and explain treatment options clearly. When surgery is recommended, we guide you through every step so you understand the procedure, recovery, and long-term expectations.
We provide dog ACL surgery and TTA surgery for families in Fairlawn, Copley, and the Akron area.
What Is a Torn ACL in Dogs?
The cranial cruciate ligament stabilizes the knee joint. When this ligament tears, the knee becomes unstable. This instability leads to inflammation, pain, and progressive joint damage if left untreated.
Signs of a torn CCL often include:
- Sudden back leg limping
- Difficulty rising or climbing stairs
- Sitting with one leg extended
- Decreased activity or reluctance to jump
- Swelling around the knee
Some tears occur suddenly during activity. Others develop gradually due to ligament degeneration.
What Is TTA Surgery?
TTA stands for Tibial Tuberosity Advancement. It is a surgical technique used to stabilize the knee after a CCL tear.
Rather than replacing the torn ligament, TTA surgery changes the mechanics of the knee so it can function without the damaged ligament. This stabilizes the joint and reduces pain during movement.
TTA surgery is commonly recommended for medium to large breed dogs and active dogs with significant instability. During your consultation, we explain why this approach may be appropriate for your dog’s specific condition.
Abdominal Exploratory Surgery
If your pet is vomiting, experiencing abdominal pain, or may have swallowed a foreign object, exploratory surgery allows us to identify and treat problems such as intestinal obstruction, foreign bodies, or abdominal masses. In some cases, biopsies are taken to better understand chronic digestive issues.
What to Expect During Dog ACL Surgery
On the day of surgery, your dog is admitted in the morning. Anesthesia is administered carefully, and vital signs are monitored continuously throughout the procedure.
During TTA surgery:
- The knee is stabilized using specialized implants
- Alignment is adjusted to improve joint function
- The surgical site is closed carefully
- Pain management begins before recovery
We monitor heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and temperature during the procedure.
Most dogs return home the same day unless additional monitoring is needed.
How We Diagnose ACL and CCL Injuries
A physical examination is the first step. We assess joint stability and evaluate pain levels. In many cases, radiographs are recommended to assess joint changes and rule out other causes of lameness.
We may also recommend bloodwork before surgery to evaluate organ function and support anesthesia safety.
Recovery After TTA Surgery
Recovery is structured and gradual. Proper aftercare plays an important role in successful healing.
Most dogs require:
- Strict activity restriction for several weeks
- Controlled leash walks only
- No running or jumping early in recovery
- Follow-up examinations to monitor healing
Improvement is often gradual over 8 to 12 weeks. We provide detailed discharge instructions and remain available if you have concerns during recovery.
What Happens If ACL Surgery Is Not Performed?
When the CCL is torn, the knee remains unstable. Over time, this can lead to worsening arthritis, muscle loss, and chronic discomfort.
Some small or less active dogs may be managed conservatively, but many benefit from surgical stabilization to improve mobility and reduce long-term joint damage. We evaluate each patient individually before making recommendations.
Is Dog ACL Surgery Safe?
All surgery carries some level of risk. We reduce that risk by performing thorough pre-surgical exams, recommending bloodwork when appropriate, and monitoring closely during anesthesia.
Pain management is provided before, during, and after surgery to support comfort.
If your dog has other health conditions, we discuss how those factors may influence surgical planning.
Why Families in Fairlawn Choose Us for ACL Surgery
Choosing dog knee surgery is a significant decision. Families in Fairlawn and Copley trust us because we focus on:
- Clear diagnosis and explanation
- Careful anesthesia monitoring
- Structured recovery guidance
- Ongoing follow-up care
Dr. Ashley Staycheff and our team work together to provide thoughtful, individualized care for each patient.
For more information about our broader surgical services, visit our Advanced Surgery page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog ACL Surgery
How do I know if my dog tore their ACL?
Sudden limping in a back leg, difficulty standing, or reluctance to jump are common signs. A veterinary exam confirms the diagnosis.
How long does recovery take after TTA surgery?
Most dogs require approximately 8 to 12 weeks of controlled recovery. Activity must be restricted early to allow proper healing.
Can a torn CCL heal without surgery?
The ligament does not heal back to normal. Some dogs can be managed without surgery, but many benefit from stabilization to reduce ongoing joint damage.
Will my dog develop arthritis?
Arthritis commonly develops after a CCL tear. Surgery helps stabilize the joint and may slow progression compared to leaving the knee unstable.
Is ACL surgery painful?
We use structured pain management protocols to help keep your dog comfortable during and after surgery.
Can the other knee tear later?
Some dogs experience CCL injury in the opposite knee over time. We monitor for early signs during follow-up visits.
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Introducing Vello
A Better Way to Stay Connected
We’re excited to announce that starting August 4th, our clinic is using Vello, a convenient text messaging app designed to make communication with us easier than ever. With the Vello app, you can easily get appointment reminders, request visits, text our team, and enjoy faster, more convenient service - all from your phone.
We encourage all appointment requests to go through the Vello app beginning August 4th, so you can enjoy a smoother, more connected experience with our team.
Schedule a Dog ACL Surgery Consultation in Fairlawn
If your dog is limping or has been diagnosed with a torn CCL, we are here to help you understand your options.
We will evaluate your dog’s knee, discuss whether TTA surgery is appropriate, and guide you through the recovery process.
Schedule a Surgical Consultation
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Different Procedures We Offer
Spay/Neuter
Spaying is the surgical removal of a female dog’s reproductive organs to prevent reproduction. Neutering involves removing both testicles in male dogs to render them infertile.
Exploratory Surgeries and Biopsies
Cytology involves examining cell samples under a microscope to help diagnose tumors, fluid buildup, or issues in organs like the liver or lungs. A biopsy is the surgical removal of tissue for detailed microscopic analysis of suspicious lesions.
TTA/CCL Repairs
A common knee injury in dogs is a tear in the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), similar to the ACL in humans. This ligament helps stabilize the knee, and when torn, it causes the shin bone to move abnormally, leading to pain, lameness, and joint damage. Over time, this instability can result in osteoarthritis.
MPL Procedures
A luxating patella occurs when the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal position in the groove at the end of the thighbone. This condition causes instability in the knee joint and can lead to discomfort or difficulty walking.
Amputation Services
Amputation is a surgical procedure to remove a pet’s limb, often due to cancer, severe injury, infection, or chronic pain. Forelimb amputations usually involve removing the entire limb, while hindlimb amputations are done at the hip or upper thigh. In some cases, modifications may be made to allow for a prosthetic limb.
Fracture Repairs
In many cases, surgical stabilization is recommended for treating fractures in pets. Unlike humans, dogs and cats often fracture major bones like the femur or humerus, which can't be easily treated with splints or casts.
Mass Removals
Finding a lump under your pet’s skin can be alarming and should be checked by a vet. Many are harmless lipomas (fatty tumors), but some may involve mast cells, which are part of the immune system. Proper diagnosis is important to determine if the lump is benign or cancerous.
Splenectomy
The spleen is a tongue-shaped organ located below the stomach with a texture similar to the liver. While dogs can live without it, the spleen plays a supportive role in overall health.
Cystotomy
Bladder stones are mineral formations that develop in the urinary bladder, ranging in size from tiny grains to larger rocks. They often result from bladder disease or inflammation and can appear as a single stone or a mix of various sizes.
Perineal Urethrostomy (PU)
A perineal urethrostomy (PU) is a surgical procedure for male cats with urinary blockages. It widens the urethral opening to make urination easier and reduce the risk of future obstructions.
C-Sections
A caesarean section (C-section) is a major surgery to deliver puppies, often done in emergencies when natural birth is difficult. Most dogs recover quickly, but if labor was prolonged before surgery, recovery may be slower and require extra care.
