How Do You Know if Your Dog Needs Knee Surgery?

How do you know if your dog needs a TPLO or has a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL)? Primarily you must have a vet diagnosis it. Because we had such a difficult time getting a diagnosis (the 4th vet we consulted diagnosed it), I'll list some of the symptoms and signs here; I don't want other pet owners incurring so many bills and such worry.  Please be aware that I am only a pet owner, not anyone qualified to diagnosis a dog.

First, dogs only have knees on their back legs.  Knees bend forward; elbows bend back.  You have knees and elbows and so does your dog.  An elephant, however, has four knees.  Your dog only has a cruciate ligament on his knees.

The first big sign may be that your dog sometimes limps. You may think s/he is limping, look more closely but s/he is not. You may notice a light limp one day and not see it again for a week or a month. ACL tears or ruptures often show up this way initially.  Although you check the dog's foot for cuts, scapes, and foreign matter, there will be nothing.

You may also notice that your pet does not put full weight on the injured leg. If it seems that the dog's toes are just touching the floor, s/he s probably not bearing weight on that leg. If you can gently sweep the dog's foot, s/he is not weight bearing.

Your dog may sit differently, with one leg outstretched or to the side.  The picture of Buster in the pool shows improper position in both legs.  The picture of Buster in the cone of shame demonstrates proper leg position.  Initially Buster sat with his left leg to the side but after his TPLO on the left, he extended his right leg.  Your dog should sit with both legs under his butt.

As time goes on, the pain will worsen. Your dog may begin to carry the injured leg. When a dog carries, s/he holds the leg up by its side.

Your dog may spend a lot of time checking or licking the foot.  This can also mean that your dog is anxious, bored, or cleaning his foot.  This cannot be your sole determinant.

If you dog shows any of these signs, document them in writing or with photos and head to the vet.  The signs covered in this post are all things that you can observe.  Your vet will check different things and we'll discuss some of those in another post.