Oakley, a 2-year-old Gordon Setter, loves to run and play. When she began limping and seemed uncomfortable, her owner—veterinary surgeon Jérôme Auger, DVM, DACVS—knew she needed examination.

Oakley was diagnosed with bilateral CCL tears, meaning the stabilizing ligaments in both knees were damaged. For many pet owners, this scenario can feel overwhelming; the next step is working with a veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis and discuss treatment options.

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Getting a Diagnosis for Joint Injury

A veterinary visit typically includes a hands‑on exam and imaging to guide the treatment plan:

• Physical exam: Checks for knee instability, swelling, and painful areas.
• X-rays: While they don't show the ligament itself, they can reveal signs of injury such as fluid in the knee.
• Advanced imaging as needed: Some cases may use ultrasound, CT, or MRI for additional detail.

With Oakley’s results, Dr. Auger confirmed she had partial CCL tears in both hind legs, which explained her pain and difficulty staying active.

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What Does a Bilateral CCL Tear in Dogs Mean?

Just like ACL tears are normal in humans, the same goes for CCL tears in dogs. Genetics, body mechanics, age, weight, and activity all contribute to making CCL tears one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs.

“Oakley had bilateral partial CCL tears, meaning the ligament that stabilizes the knee was damaged in both hind legs,” Dr. Auger explained. “This is common in dogs of her size and left her unable to enjoy normal activity without pain.”

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TPLO Procedure Helps Oakley’s Bilateral CCL Tears

To restore stability and help Oakley move comfortably again, Dr. Auger performed TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) surgery on both knees using the Arthrex TPLO Locking Plate System with InternalBrace™ repair.

TPLO adjusts the angle at the top of the shinbone so the tibia doesn’t slide forward when a dog stands or walks. This makes the joint stable again and helps pets return to normal activities.

Dr. Auger added InternalBrace repair to the procedure. The InternalBrace technique is designed to neutralize internal-external rotation in combination with an osteotomy. It uses a strong suture‑based reinforcement—similar to a seat belt—to provide extra support against twisting and forward‑backward motion while the bone heals.

“The plates fit her anatomy perfectly with no need for contouring,” Dr. Auger said. “The surgery went very smoothly.”

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Oakley Returns to Play After Bilateral CCL Surgery

Oakley followed a structured recovery plan with multiple important steps—strict rest at first, short controlled walks, gradual increases in activity, and regular check‑ins. Soon, Oakley returned to pain‑free movement and the playful routine she loves.

“She’s doing great, overall,” Dr. Auger said shortly after the procedure.