Cruciate Ligament Injury in Dogs | Mobile Canine Physiotherapy Uttoxeter, Burton, Derby & Lichfield

Cruciate ligament injuries are one of the most common causes of hind limb lameness in dogs. If your dog has suddenly started limping, avoiding weight-bearing, or struggling to get up, a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury may be the cause.

At Wag Rehab, we provide mobile veterinary physiotherapy across Uttoxeter, Burton upon Trent, Derby and Lichfield — supporting dogs before and after cruciate surgery in the comfort of their own home.

Early rehabilitation can improve recovery outcomes.

What Is a Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Injury?

The cranial cruciate ligament stabilises your dog’s knee (stifle joint). When it partially or fully tears, the joint becomes unstable, painful and inflamed.

This can happen:

• Suddenly during exercise

• Gradually due to degeneration

• Secondary to conformation or excess weight

  
  

Without treatment and structured rehabilitation, cruciate injuries often lead to muscle wastage and progressive arthritis.

Signs Your Dog May Have a Cruciate Injury

Dog owners in Uttoxeter, Burton, Derby and Lichfield often contact us after noticing:

• Sudden back leg lameness

• Toe-touching or non-weight bearing

• Difficulty jumping into the car

• Sitting with one leg out to the side

• Reduced enthusiasm for walks

• Swelling around the knee

If you notice these signs, consult your vet promptly for diagnosis.

Cruciate Surgery Is Only Step One — Rehabilitation Is Essential

Common surgical procedures include TPLO, TTA and lateral suture stabilisation. While surgery corrects joint mechanics, it does not restore:

• Muscle strength

• Balance and coordination

• Full joint range of motion

• Confidence in movement

  
  

This is where professional canine physiotherapy is vital. Research shows structured post-operative rehabilitation:

• Improves weight-bearing faster

• Reduces pain and swelling

• Minimises scar tissue

• Reduces re-injury risk

• Helps protect the cruciate ligament in the other hind limb

  
  

Up to 50% of dogs who rupture one cruciate ligament will rupture the other within 1–2 years — targeted strengthening reduces this risk.

Mobile Cruciate Physiotherapy in Uttoxeter, Burton, Derby & Lichfield

As a mobile veterinary physiotherapy service, Wag Rehab brings expert care directly to your home. This reduces stress for your dog and allows us to assess movement in their natural environment. Your dog’s personalised rehabilitation plan may include:

Early Stage (0–2 Weeks)

• Pain management techniques

• Manual therapy

• Gentle range of motion work

• Swelling control

  
  

Mid Stage (2–8 Weeks)

• Controlled strengthening exercises

• Exercise progressions

• Proprioception and balance training

• Gait re-education

  
  

Advanced Stage (8+ Weeks)

• Progressive muscle building

• Functional strengthening

• Return-to-activity planning

• Sports-specific rehab (where appropriate)

We work closely with your veterinary surgeon to ensure safe progression at every stage.

Hydrotherapy & Cruciate Recovery

Where appropriate, hydrotherapy can be incorporated into recovery. Water reduces joint loading while encouraging safe muscle activation — particularly beneficial for dogs recovering from TPLO or TTA surgery. If you're based in Derbyshire or Staffordshire, we can advise on integrating hydrotherapy alongside physiotherapy for optimal outcomes.

Can Physiotherapy Help Without Surgery?

In some cases — particularly partial tears or small breed dogs — conservative management may be recommended by your vet.

Physiotherapy can:

• Improve muscular support of the knee

• Reduce discomfort

• Slow arthritic progression

• Improve quality of life

Early intervention is always preferable.

Why Choose Wag Rehab?

✔ Mobile veterinary physiotherapy across Staffordshire & Derbyshire✔ Evidence-based cruciate rehabilitation✔ Individualised home exercise plans✔ Collaboration with your vet✔ Calm, compassionate handling

We are proud to support dogs and their owners across:

• Uttoxeter

• Burton upon Trent

• Derby

• Lichfield

• Surrounding villages in Staffordshire and Derbyshire

  
  

Our goal is simple: restore strength, stability and confidence — so your dog can return to the activities they love.

Book a Cruciate Physiotherapy Assessment

If your dog has been diagnosed with a cruciate ligament injury and you are based in Uttoxeter, Burton upon Trent, Derby or Lichfield, early rehabilitation makes a significant difference.

Visit www.wagrehab.co.uk to book your mobile assessment today.

Because recovery doesn’t end with surgery — it begins with rehabilitation.