Caudal Cruciate Ligament Injury

The caudal cruciate ligament is one of two major stabilising bands inside the stifle (knee). When it tears or stretches beyond function, the lower leg bone can shift in ways the joint was not designed to accommodate. This is much less common than injury to the other cruciate ligament, and the patterns of instability differ. Owners often notice limping that may appear suddenly after vigorous activity or develop more gradually. The leg may seem stable at rest but give way during movement, and some dogs show stiffness or reluctance to bear full weight. Because the mechanics differ from the more familiar cruciate injury, the picture can be less clear-cut, and the leg may seem to improve and worsen unpredictably. This page explores what signs may suggest involvement of this ligament, the forces and structures at play inside the joint, how the injury is investigated, and the range of approaches—both surgical and non-surgical—that exist for managing it. The aim is to help you understand what may be happening and the shape of the decisions ahead.