What is a CCL Tear in Dogs?
The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is a key stabilizing ligament in your dog’s knee joint. Similar to the ACL in humans, it connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia), keeping the knee stable during movement.
When this ligament tears, either partially or completely, the joint becomes unstable. Dogs may limp, avoid putting weight on the leg, or show signs of pain and stiffness. Once the CCL is compromised, some degree of arthritis becomes inevitable. The real question is how quickly it progresses and how much it ultimately affects your dog’s quality of life — and the right rehabilitation approach can meaningfully influence both.
At Canine PT and Me, we work with dogs at every stage of a CCL injury, helping them regain comfort and strength through customized rehabilitation programs.
Recognizing a CCL Tear
Pet parents are usually the first to notice when something isn’t right. Signs of a CCL tear may include:
- Limping or sudden lameness in a back leg
- Difficulty rising, jumping, or climbing stairs
- A “toe-touching” stance, where only the toes of the injured leg rest on the ground
- Swelling around the knee joint
- Muscle loss in the affected leg over time
If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, our team can perform a thorough evaluation and design a treatment plan focused on restoring mobility and reducing pain.
How a CCL Tear Is Diagnosed
Confirming a CCL Tear in Dogs
A good diagnosis starts with a complete veterinary physical examination. Your veterinarian will check the knee for swelling, pain and instability and often will perform what is called a “cranial drawer test” or “tibial thrust test” to feel for abnormal movement between the femur and the tibia. These practical techniques will help to determine if a dog has a partial or completely torn CCL and if one or both knees are involved.
Imaging and the Cranial Cruciate Ligament
X-rays are commonly used to rule out fractures, evaluate joint changes, and check for early signs of arthritis. In some cases, your vet may recommend an MRI or refer your dog to an orthopedic specialist for a closer look at the cranial cruciate ligament and surrounding soft tissue, especially if the injury is subtle or the diagnosis is unclear.
Our team at Canine PT and Me works closely with your veterinarian to build a rehabilitation plan suited to your dog’s specific injury, age, and activity level.
Orthopedic Examination
To confirm a CCL tear, your veterinarian will perform a hands-on orthopaedic exam that typically includes two key clinical tests: the Cranial Drawer Test and the Tibial Thrust Test. The Cranial Drawer Test checks for abnormal forward movement of the tibia relative to the femur, which is one of the clearest indicators of cruciate ligament instability.
The Tibial Thrust Test fills in this gap by evaluating the stability of the joint under simulated weight bearing, providing your vet with an understanding of how the knee functions under a load similar to when standing or walking. These tests help confirm a diagnosis and guide you on the right treatment path for your dog.
The Role of Sedation During Diagnosis
If a CCL tear is suspected, a cranial drawer test (to check the knee joint for instability) may be done by the vet as part of the diagnostic process. But dogs that are tense, anxious or in pain often tighten the muscles around the joint without knowing it. This guarding response can mask the instability the vet is trying to detect, sometimes resulting in a false negative even when a tear is present.
Mild sedation is often recommended to get a good look at the joint. Sedation enables the muscles in your dog to relax completely, allowing the vet to get a better and more reliable look at any looseness or instability in the knee. It will also make the exam more comfortable for your dog and will reduce stress during what can already be a painful and confusing experience for them.
X-Rays and Imaging
In a dog with a CCL tear, X-rays are a very important diagnostic tool. While the ligament itself won’t show up on the image, X-rays will confirm joint effusion, the build-up of fluid that is often a sign of injury inside the knee. Imaging may also help to exclude other causes of similar symptoms such as fractures, bone tumours or luxation of the patella. If your dog is a candidate for surgery, X-rays help with surgical planning, giving the surgeon a clear view of joint alignment and bone structure before proceeding with treatment.
Causes of CCL Tear in Dogs
While any dog can experience a CCL tear, some are more at risk than others. Common causes and contributing factors include:
Ligament degeneration
Over time, the ligament weakens and becomes more prone to tearing.
Sudden trauma
Jumping, twisting, or slipping on a surface can cause acute injury.
Breed predisposition
Larger breeds like Labradors, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers are more commonly affected.
Excess weight
Added pressure on the joints increases risk. Every extra pound of body weight multiplies the load passing through the knee joint during normal movement, accelerating ligament degeneration and making rupture more likely even during routine activity.
Age
Middle-aged and older dogs are more susceptible.
Bilateral risk
Dogs with a torn CCL are at much greater risk of tearing the other knee, often within 12-18 months. Part of this is related to compensation patterns, where the uninjured leg takes more of the strain during the recovery process, and part is related to underlying degenerative changes that tend to affect both knees equally.
At Canine PT and Me, we take these factors into account when tailoring a treatment plan. Our goal is not just recovery, but also protecting your dog’s long-term joint health.
Types of Dogs more prone to getting a CCL Tear
What Breeds are most affected:
While any dog can suffer from a Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) tear, certain breeds and body types are more susceptible. Large and giant breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Mastiffs, Pitbulls, and Newfoundlands are at higher risk due to the increased strain placed on their knee joints from their size and weight. However, smaller breeds are not immune, particularly those that are overweight or genetically predisposed. Dogs with a more active lifestyle, including sporting or working dogs, may also face a higher risk as repeated stress on the knee joint can weaken the ligament over time. Additionally, age plays a role, with middle-aged to older dogs more likely to experience ligament degeneration, which can make the joint more vulnerable to injury.
Understanding which dogs are at greater risk allows owners to take preventive measures, such as maintaining a healthy weight, providing controlled exercise, and seeking early veterinary assessment if lameness develops.
Symptoms of a CCL Tear in Dogs
The symptoms of a CCL tear can range from subtle to severe, depending on whether the tear is partial or complete. One of the most common signs is lameness in the affected leg, which may appear suddenly after exercise or gradually over time. Dogs may hold the injured leg off the ground, or shift their weight to the opposite limb to avoid pain. Owners might notice stiffness, especially after rest, or difficulty rising from a sitting or lying position.
Other signs include swelling around the knee joint, audible clicking noises when the dog walks, or an unwillingness to run, jump, or climb stairs. In cases of partial tears, symptoms may come and go, giving the impression of improvement before recurring. A complete tear often leads to significant instability in the knee, causing the dog to “toe-touch” or hold up the leg entirely. Left untreated, CCL injuries can progress to long-term joint instability, arthritis, and chronic pain.
Prompt recognition of these symptoms and veterinary intervention are essential to prevent further damage and to explore treatment and rehabilitation options that will restore comfort and mobility.
Treatment of CCL Tear in Dogs
Surgical Treatment vs Conservative Management
No two dogs are the same. The same goes for a CCL tear. That’s why we take an individualized approach to therapy, considering your dog’s age, breed, activity level, and whether or not surgery has been performed.
There are two main avenues of support:
Surgical Treatment
For many dogs with a complete CCL tear, surgery is recommended to restore stability to the knee joint.
Common Surgical Options Explained
If your veterinarian recommends surgery, you’ll likely hear a few procedure names come up. While choosing between them is a conversation for you and your surgeon, here’s a quick overview so the terms feel less overwhelming.
TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) is the most common surgery for medium-to-large dogs. It changes the angle of the tibia so the knee is stabilized without relying on the torn CCL.
TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement) works on a similar biomechanical concept and may be chosen instead of TPLO depending on a dog’s individual tibial anatomy.
Lateral Suture (Lateral Fabellotibial Suture) is often used for smaller dogs, typically under 15 kg. Rather than adjusting bone angles, a synthetic suture acts as an internal splint while scar tissue forms to stabilize the joint.
Whichever surgery your dog has, the next step is the same: a guided rehabilitation plan to support healing and restore mobility.
At Canine PT and Me, we work closely with your veterinarian to create a post-surgical rehabilitation plan tailored to your dog’s needs. This may include controlled weight-bearing exercises, laser therapy to reduce swelling and pain, and progressive strengthening programs to restore mobility. Our goal is to help your dog regain confidence, prevent compensatory injuries, and return to their normal level of activity as safely and quickly as possible.
Conservative Management
Not all dogs are candidates for surgery and in some cases conservative management is the preferred route. This approach is normally used with small dogs, older pets or when surgery is not feasible. Veterinary guidelines suggest that dogs weighing less than 15 kg (33 lb) may be able to manage CCL injuries conservatively, particularly with good pain management, weight optimization and a structured rehabilitation program. Larger or more athletic dogs may need surgical stabilization but rehabilitation is still required in both cases.
Conservative management at Canine PT and Me includes pain reduction and muscle strength to support joint stability. Treatments can include therapeutic exercises, weight management programs, and modalities including massage and laser therapy. With consistent care, many dogs can achieve an excellent quality of life and remain active, even without surgical intervention. Our team supports owners every step of the way, ensuring that each dog receives the right level of therapy to maximize comfort and mobility.
Weight loss alone can result in a significant decrease in pain and a meaningful improvement in limb function in dogs with a CCL injury, with some research suggesting benefits like those of NSAID therapy. A leaner body condition reduces the load on the stifle joint, helps slow the progression of secondary arthritis, and promotes better outcomes through rehabilitation. Canine PT and Me can help design customized exercise plans that support safe, gradual weight loss without putting extra stress on the injured joint, giving dogs the best possible foundation for recovery.
What to Do Right Now: First Steps After a Suspected CCL Injury
Try to stay calm — panic won’t help your dog, but quick action will.
- Stop all activity. No walks, stairs, or jumping until your dog is seen.
- Keep them confined. A crate or small room limits further strain on the knee.
- Check for swelling or heat around the joint but avoid forcing the leg to move.
- Call your vet first thing for an exam — don’t wait it out.
- Skip human pain meds. Many are toxic to dogs.
Once your vet confirms a CCL tear, we’re here to guide the recovery.
Restrict Movement Immediatel
Confine to a small space, no stairs, no jumping, no running.
Use a Towel Sling for Bathroom Breaks
Use a towel sling under the belly to support weight during bathroom breaks.
Call Your Veterinarian
Call your veterinarian to determine urgency and book an evaluation; mention that partial tears can progress to complete ruptures within days if the dog stays active.
What Is the Meniscus and Why Does It Tear?
Inside your dog’s knee, sitting between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone), is a small C-shaped piece of cartilage called the meniscus. Think of it as a cushion or shock absorber — its job is to help the bones glide smoothly and distribute weight evenly every time your dog takes a step.
When the CCL ruptures, the knee loses its normal stability. The femur and tibia begin to shift against each other in ways they shouldn’t, and with every step, the medial meniscus can get pinched between the two bones. Over time, this repeated pinching wears on the cartilage. It’s common for this added stress to cause a secondary meniscal tear, usually showing up about 3–6 months after the original CCL injury.
This is one of the key reasons early intervention matters so much. The longer a CCL tear goes untreated, the more chances the meniscus has to sustain its own damage on top of the initial injury.
Recognizing the Signs of a Secondary Meniscal Injury
One of the most frustrating patterns reported by pet parents is when a dog seems to be improving and then suddenly takes a turn for the worse. Many dogs will improve steadily after a CCL injury as swelling decreases and they begin to put more weight on the leg. A secondary meniscal injury can often come out of the blue and halt progress. A dog that was walking, weight bearing, even trotting can suddenly be non-weight bearing again, sometimes overnight. This sudden regression, particularly after a period of apparent recovery, is one of the clearest red flags that the meniscus, the knee’s shock-absorbing cartilage, has been compromised. Some dogs will also have an audible click or clunk in the knee when they walk, a sign that torn cartilage is catching inside the joint.
You know how uncomfortable this is for them. Meniscal pain, vets say, is like walking with a pebble in your shoe: small, but sharp, persistent and impossible to ignore with each step. In fact, many dogs find this pain worse than the original CCL rupture itself, which is why sudden lameness after initial improvement should never be considered a setback to simply wait out. The sooner your dog is evaluated, the better the chances for a comfortable, long-lasting recovery.
The Meniscus: Why Lameness Often Returns 3–6 Months After Injury
The meniscus is a tiny but vital bit of cartilage that acts as a cushion for your dog’s knee and absorbs shock with every step. A cranial cruciate ligament tear causes instability that puts stress on this cartilage, and a meniscal tear is often present with the initial injury.
This is why some dogs that initially appear to be healing well start to limp again, often 3 to 6 months after their CCL tear or surgery. A meniscal tear is a common explanation for a return of lameness which can be unsettling for pawrents who thought recovery was on track. In an unstable knee the medial meniscus is the first to take the brunt of the altered forces and is therefore most vulnerable to injury as scar tissue forms and the joint continues to settle.
If your dog’s limp returns after a period of improvement, it’s worth having the joint re-examined by your veterinarian or a canine physical therapist instead of assuming the original injury just isn’t healing. We can adapt your dog’s rehabilitation program to factor in this injury, manage discomfort and protect the joint from further wear and tear to keep recovery on track.
How Rehabilitation Supports Meniscal Recovery
A meniscal tear frequently accompanies a CCL injury, since the meniscus absorbs and distributes the same joint loads that the cruciate ligament is meant to stabilize. It can tear at the moment of the original injury or develop progressively as the unstable knee continues to shift abnormally. When this happens, treatment may involve partial meniscectomy to remove the damaged tissue, leaving the joint with even less natural cushioning and shock absorption than before.
This is where rehabilitation comes into play. Early swelling is controlled by a structured program that reintroduces weight bearing activity in carefully measured steps so the joint is not asked to do more than the healing tissue can manage, while returning full range of motion. Therapy shifts the focus of exercises to strengthening the muscles around the knee, to enable the limb to function well despite altered anatomy inside the joint. Rehab after a meniscal injury or meniscectomy is still key. Controlled rehab reduces the risk of re-tear and rebuilds the muscle support that compensates for compromised joint mechanics.
Physical therapy is one of the most important aspects of recovery from a Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) tear. Whether your dog has undergone surgery or is being managed conservatively, targeted rehabilitation supports healing, restores mobility, and reduces the risk of long-term complications.
The Role of Physical Therapy in CCL Tear Recovery
At Canine PT and Me, we combine proven therapeutic techniques with state-of-the-art equipment to give dogs the best chance at recovery. Each treatment plan is carefully adjusted as your dog progresses.
Laser Therapy:
Using low-level infrared light we can help reduce inflammation and pain in the affected areas, promoting faster healing or damaged tissues and nerves.
Therapeutic Exercises:
Tailored exercises help improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength. These can include simple activities like assisted walking, balance exercises, and controlled movements that prevent further injury.
Massage Therapy:
Regular massages can relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and reduce pain, contributing to the dog’s overall comfort and well-being during recovery.
Hydrotherapy:
Water-based exercises, such as swimming or walking on an underwater treadmill, reduces the stress on the spine while allowing dogs to build muscle strength and improve their range of motion.
Recovery of Dogs from CCL Tear
Recovery from a Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) tear can vary greatly depending on the severity of the injury, the chosen treatment path, and the individual dog’s health, age, and lifestyle. Regardless of whether surgery or conservative management is undertaken, rehabilitation and consistent care are essential to achieving the best possible outcome.
Following surgery, most dogs require a period of strict rest to allow the joint to stabilize and heal. During this time, controlled activity under the guidance of a rehabilitation professional is critical. At Canine PT and Me, we gradually introduce therapies such as therapeutic exercises and strength-building routines to restore muscle tone and support the healing knee. Regular rehab visits help us adapt the program as your dog progresses, ensuring recovery stays on track. With dedicated therapy, many dogs regain normal function within 3–6 months, with ongoing improvement continuing beyond this period.
For dogs managed without surgery, recovery focuses on building strength and stability in the surrounding muscles to support the injured joint. Rehabilitation may include low-impact exercises, balance training, weight management, and pain-relieving modalities like massage or laser therapy. While recovery timelines vary, owners can expect to see gradual improvements over several months. Consistency is key. Dogs often achieve a good quality of life and remain active with careful management and ongoing support.
The first 8–12 weeks after a CCL injury or surgery is when dogs are most vulnerable to re-injury. This is the window when pain and inflammation have eased enough that your dog feels noticeably better, but the joint tissues are still far from fully healed. That gap between “feeling good” and “being healed” is exactly where setbacks happen.
It’s a common pattern we see all the time. Dogs want to get back to their normal activities before their body is ready. A wagging tail and a little less limp don’t mean the knee can take a sprint across the yard or a jump off the porch. That’s why supervised rehab is so important during recovery – a structured program ensures that your dog continues to move forward without letting their enthusiasm outpace their healing.
The most common re-injury triggers are slippery floors, off-leash play, quick changes of direction, and stairs. If a dog slips on wood or tile, chasing a squirrel in the backyard or quickly turning to greet a visitor can easily strain a healing joint.
To reduce these risks at home, we recommend:
- Adding rugs or runners on slick floors — hardwood, tile, and laminate can all be a hazard for a recovering dog.
- Leash walking only during the recovery period — even in a fenced yard, keeping your dog on-leash prevents sudden sprints, lunges, or direction changes.
- Following a structured, professionally guided progression of activity — a rehabilitation professional can tell you exactly when your dog is ready for the next step, rather than letting “feeling better” set the pace.
Re-injury is one of the most preventable setbacks in CCL recovery. With the right precautions and guidance, you can help your dog heal fully the first time.
Whether surgical or conservative management is chosen, recovery from a CCL tear doesn’t end once the initial healing phase is over. Long-term joint care is important to prevent re-injury and reduce the risk of arthritis. Research and clinical experience show that dogs who continue rehabilitation, maintain a consistent weight and joint support, tend to develop arthritis more slowly and to a lesser degree than dogs that do not. This may involve maintaining a healthy weight, keeping up with low-impact exercise, and attending regular rehabilitation sessions. At Canine PT and Me, we offer provide ongoing guidance to help dogs transition from recovery to long-term mobility so they can lead active and comfortable lives.
Written & reviewed by Kelsey Jonas, PT, DPT, CCRT
8 years experience in canine physical therapy
Last reviewed: May 2026
Prevention of CCL Tear in Dogs
While not every CCL tear can be prevented, there are steps pet parents can take to protect their dog’s knees:
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints.
- Provide regular, moderate exercise to build muscle strength.
- Avoid sudden, high-impact activities like abrupt stops and turns on slippery surfaces.
- Support joint health with proper nutrition and supplements as recommended by your veterinarian.
- Schedule routine wellness checks and consult us at the first sign of lameness.
- For dogs who have already injured one CCL, maintenance rehabilitation is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of injuring the second knee.
At Canine PT and Me, we also provide maintenance programs for dogs who have recovered from a CCL injury but need ongoing support to stay active and pain-free.
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FAQs About CCL Tear in Dogs
How can physical therapy help dogs with a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear?
If a dog experiences a CCL tear, they will likely experience pain, inflammation, limping, and difficulty moving around. Physical therapy is considered essential in rehabilitation for dogs with a CCL tear. Canine physical therapists use targeted exercises, cold laser therapy, stretches, and other forms of hands-on treatment to assist in recovery. Specifically, physical therapy is designed to reduce pain and inflammation, increase the dog’s mobility, and strengthen muscles around the injury.
When a dog injures its CCL, other muscles and ligaments on the injured side experience more stress. Due to the injury, dogs often favor another leg in order to compensate. Physical therapy aims to reduce any further injury or stress on other body parts as a result of your dog’s injury. Ultimately, it’s about getting your dog back to doing what they love using the safest and most effective treatments possible.
What are the benefits of physical therapy for dogs with a CCL tear?
Physical therapy has enormous benefits for dogs with a CCL tear. The treatments provided during canine physical therapy can relieve pain, improve joint function, strengthen muscles, and improve mobility. Nobody likes to think of their furry friend in pain, so the pain relief aspect is a huge benefit.
When injured, dogs want to recover more quickly than we want them to. Without therapy, most dogs will return to normal activities too soon and risk re-injury. Expert-guided physical therapy allows your dog to recover faster, but in a safe and controlled environment.
We also can’t discount the benefits to a dog’s emotional well-being. Dogs love interacting with their humans and their environment. When they’re injured, they can’t do the things they love such as bouncing around when you arrive home or jumping up next to you on the couch. So, the quicker they can get back to doing what they love, the happier they will be.
What types of physical therapy are recommended for dogs with a CCL tear?
An experienced canine physical therapist may use several different techniques to treat a CCL tear in dogs. However, the treatment may be different depending on whether your dog is managing conservatively or recovering from surgery.
Laser therapy can be used to promote tissue healing and pain relief as well as decrease inflammation. Therapists may also use soft tissue mobilization to relieve tension and improve your dog’s blood circulation. However, exercises and stretches are the most vital for strengthening muscles and regaining mobility. Every dog is different, so it’s important to consider a range of therapies tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
How soon after surgery should physical therapy begin for a dog with a CCL tear?
While it may sound fast, surgeons typically recommend starting physical therapy two weeks following surgery. The initial treatment usually involves gentle, controlled movements to improve circulation and getting the joints moving again. Delaying your dog’s physical therapy can lead to joint stiffness, decreased muscle mass, and undue pressure on other limbs and ligaments.
Exercises will gradually increase as your dog heals, with a timeline determined by how they respond to treatment. This is why working with an experienced canine physical therapist who understands the healing process following CCL surgery is important. For the best chance of a successful recovery, start physical therapy early and as directed by your surgeon.
Can physical therapy alone heal a CCL tear in dogs without surgery?
CCL tears can vary in intensity, and as such, some are more serious than others. Partial tears for younger, healthy, active dogs can sometimes be treated conservatively by physical therapy. Surgery is not always essential, but it can depend on many factors. When deciding whether to go with surgery or another form of treatment, surgeons typically consider the dog’s age, weight, and activity level. Of course, the severity of the injury plays a major part too.
If you act quickly, your dog can respond well to physical therapy. By strengthening muscles around the joint, your dog’s condition can potentially be stabilized to the point that surgery might not be necessary right away. However, with any type of injury there are always risks. Dogs love being active, and it can be hard to limit their movements. Pawrents need to monitor their dogs carefully during recovery. If you let your dog overdo it, the ligament can be strained further, possibly requiring surgical measures. Each case should be treated individually and decisions should be made in conjunction with your veterinary health professional.
Are there any risks associated with physical therapy for dogs with a CCL tear?
Here at Canine PT and Me, we ensure a safe environment for all dogs. This means we tailor treatment programs specifically to your dog’s needs, with adjustments made constantly depending on progress. This ensures that physical therapy is completely safe, as your dog will never be pushed beyond its comfortable limits.
How long does physical therapy take for a dog with a CCL tear?
The course of physical therapy depends on each dog’s response and progress. Various things, such as age, weight, and lifestyle can affect a dog’s recovery from injury. It’s exactly the same for us humans. Every dog responds differently, and it’s important not to cause additional strain to the ligament during therapy. So, if your dog doesn’t bounce back straight away, don’t be alarmed. Maintain communication with your veterinary health professional and canine physical therapist, as they will guide your dog’s recovery in the best and safest way possible.
Can physical therapy prevent future CCL tears in dogs?
There is never a guarantee that anything can prevent a future CCL tear in dogs. However, physical therapy can decrease the risk in several ways. By maintaining good joint health and strengthening the muscles surrounding the joints, your dog can hopefully avoid injuries. There are never any guarantees because as we know, dogs can get into all sorts of mischief. But, by keeping your dog healthy and active, you give them the best chance of maintaining good mobility throughout their life.
What Pawrents Say
“I was referred to Kelsey after my dog’s (Mingus) TPLO surgery. Kelsey was fantastic! Her manner with dogs is outstanding and Mingus always greeted her with a tail wag. He is back to full strength and has had several backpacking trips since his work with her. Thanks Kelsey!”
–Doug H, Mingus’ dad
“When I began looking for physical therapy options there were not many options out there. Then I saw the link for Canine PT and Me, clicked it and started reading. What intrigued me at first was the kind of dogs she treats, specifically dogs who have just come out of surgery. My German Shepard mix, Max had just undergone TPLO surgery and needed some PT. When I sent in the intake form Kelsey responded quickly and whenever there were scheduling conflicts with work or running late she was understanding, and accommodating. During the first sessions Max would often find ways to avoid an exercise. Kelsey addressed these issues resourcefully and creatively, and this would extend into Max’s exercise schedule, until finally he had the strength and guidance that he needed to effectively do his exercises. Max went from having a knuckling back left foot to being able to have fun and joyful walks again. I’m very grateful to have that back. Thank you to Canine PT and Me.”
–Everardo T, Max’s dad
“Our 18 lb pup, Piper, had a complete CCL tear. We chose to give rehab a try prior to surgery and were referred to Dr. Kelsey by our orthopedic vet. Dr. Kelsey is incredibly kind and caring. She is mild mannered, but easily got Piper to follow along with all her exercises. We received a text with a detailed list of the exercises for us to work on between the sessions. Piper has done great and will avoid surgery. I highly recommend Dr. Kelsey!”
–Mandy B, Piper’s mom
