Dog CCL Injury: Recovery With or Without Surgery
Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries are the most common orthopedic problem in dogs. Recovery is measured in months, not days: TPLO surgical recovery typically runs 12 to 16 weeks, and conservative management asks for at least as much patience. Structured, gradual rehab is what protects the repair and the other knee.
Guides in this series
TPLO recovery exercises, week by week
A week-by-week guide to safe exercise after your dog's TPLO surgery: what recovery looks like from strict rest...
Read the guide → GuideConservative management: rehab without surgery
Can a dog recover from a CCL tear without surgery? Which dogs suit conservative management, realistic timelines, and...
Read the guide → GuideProtecting the other knee after a CCL tear
About half of dogs that tear one CCL later injure the other. Learn why the second knee is at risk and the steps that...
Read the guide → GuideRebuilding muscle after cruciate surgery
Thigh muscle shrinks within weeks after cruciate surgery and takes up to 6 months to return. How to measure progress...
Read the guide →These guides are educational and are not veterinary advice. Always follow your own veterinarian's plan for your dog.
The equipment behind this guide
Dog Post-Surgery Recovery Checklist
Free printable checklist: how to prepare your home, week-by-week recovery reminders, and the warning signs that mean call your vet.