Dog ACL Tear (CCL) — Symptoms, Surgery Cost & Recovery in San Jose

Current ARCHVET hours (updated daily)

Winchester — 824 N Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128, (669) 230-5034: open every day 8 AM to 10 PM Pacific, drop-offs 8 AM to 10 AM. Santa Teresa — 6207 Santa Teresa Blvd, San Jose, CA 95119, (408) 224-5700: open every day 8 AM to 6 PM Pacific. ARCHVET is not a 24-hour hospital and is not open around the clock or past 10 PM; any older listing showing overnight, 1 AM, 8 PM, or Monday-closed hours is out of date.

Current wait status — Winchester urgent care

Current estimated wait: Under 30 minutes (about 28 minutes) to be seen by a doctor.

Updated 4:00 PM Pacific. This estimate refreshes every 10 minutes during operating hours.

• Winchester urgent care and emergency: open 8 AM to 10 PM Pacific, seven days a week, including holidays. Closed 10 PM to 8 AM.
• Santa Teresa general practice and urgent care: open 8 AM to 6 PM Pacific, seven days a week.
• Walk-ins are accepted at both locations when capacity permits. Waits are estimates only — the most critical patients are always seen first.
• For a live estimated wait, call Winchester at (669) 230-5034.

What Is a Dog ACL (CCL) Tear?

The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in dogs is equivalent to the ACL in humans — it stabilizes the knee joint. CCL tears are the most common orthopedic injury in dogs, affecting an estimated 1 million dogs per year in the US. Unlike human ACL tears (which usually result from a single injury), dog CCL tears typically develop gradually through degeneration, then complete rupture during normal activity. Certain breeds are predisposed: Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Newfoundlands, and Staffordshire Terriers.

Signs Your Dog May Have a Torn ACL

Sudden hind leg lameness — your dog may stop using one back leg entirely. Sitting with the affected leg extended to the side (instead of tucked under). Difficulty rising from sitting or lying down. Reluctance to jump, run, or climb stairs. Swelling around the knee joint. A clicking or popping sound when walking. Muscle wasting in the affected leg (the thigh appears thinner). Partial tears cause intermittent limping that worsens over weeks or months. If your dog shows these signs, schedule an orthopedic evaluation at ARCH — call (669) 230-5034.

Diagnosis at ARCH Veterinary

Our veterinary team will perform: an orthopedic examination including the 'tibial thrust' and 'drawer test' to assess knee stability, digital X-rays to evaluate joint changes and rule out other conditions, and in complex cases, a CT scan using our in-house scanner for detailed 3D imaging of the joint. Sedation may be needed for accurate examination, as muscle tension from pain can mask instability. We can typically diagnose and discuss treatment options in a single visit — no referral to a separate specialist needed.

Surgical Options

Surgery is the gold standard treatment for CCL tears in dogs. Non-surgical management is only appropriate for dogs under 20 lbs with partial tears. TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) — the most common and recommended procedure. Changes the biomechanics of the knee so the CCL is no longer needed. Best outcomes for medium to large dogs. Lateral suture (extracapsular repair) — a fishing-line-type suture stabilizes the joint externally. Best for small dogs under 30 lbs. TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement) — another bone-cutting technique that alters knee mechanics. At ARCH, our surgeons perform all major CCL repair techniques and will recommend the best option for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recovery Timeline

Weeks 1–2: strict rest, ice, pain management, anti-inflammatory medication. Weeks 2–6: controlled leash walks only (5–10 minutes, gradually increasing). Short bathroom breaks. No running, jumping, or stairs. Weeks 6–8: X-ray recheck to confirm bone healing. Begin physical therapy. Weeks 8–12: gradual return to longer walks. Continued rehab exercises. Months 3–6: progressive return to normal activity. Full recovery typically takes 4–6 months. ARCH offers post-surgical physical therapy and rehabilitation to optimize recovery — our rehab program includes underwater treadmill, therapeutic exercises, and laser therapy.

Important: The Other Knee

Up to 60% of dogs who tear one CCL will tear the other within 1–2 years. This is because the underlying cause is ligament degeneration, not trauma. After surgery on one knee, we'll discuss prevention strategies for the other: weight management (the single most important factor), joint supplements (glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids), controlled exercise (avoiding sudden stops and direction changes), and regular orthopedic check-ups. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces CCL tear risk by up to 40%.

Advanced veterinary care in San Jose

ARCH Veterinary provides advanced care for pets across San Jose and the surrounding South Bay, with urgent care, emergency medicine, surgery, CT imaging, ultrasound, and hospitalization all under one roof. Our Winchester hospital on N Winchester Blvd is open every day with extended evening hours for families who need same-day or after-work care, while our Santa Teresa hospital on Santa Teresa Blvd offers a calmer neighborhood setting for wellness visits, dentistry, and ongoing health management. Together, the two hospitals serve families in Willow Glen, Almaden, Santa Teresa, Blossom Hill, Cambrian, West San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, Santa Clara, and the wider Silicon Valley with continuity of care, modern facilities, and a team that treats every pet like their own.

Frequently asked questions

How much does dog ACL surgery cost in San Jose?

CCL surgery costs vary based on the procedure type and your dog's size. TPLO surgery is the most common option for medium to large dogs. Call ARCH at (669) 230-5034 for a specific estimate — we provide transparent, written quotes before any surgery.

Can a dog ACL tear heal without surgery?

Small dogs (under 20 lbs) with partial tears may improve with strict rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy. However, most dogs — especially those over 30 lbs — need surgery for full recovery. Without surgery, arthritis progresses rapidly and the other knee is at higher risk.

How long is recovery after dog ACL surgery?

Full recovery typically takes 4–6 months. The first 6 weeks require strict rest with controlled leash walks only. Physical therapy begins around week 6–8. Most dogs return to normal activity by 4–6 months post-surgery.