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My dog is limping with a suspected CCL injury. Can acupuncture help?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 1 year and 2 months old | 60 lbs

My dog had x-rays taken, but the vet couldn't tell anything major from the x-rays except that he didn't like the way the knee looked and because my dog is not putting weight on her right leg, it might be a ccl injury. She has been given meloxidyl and I was wondering if acupuncture could be useful in her situation?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 4th, 2017

Acupuncture can help with the pain, but it won't heal the torn CCL. A torn CCL won't be visible on x-rays, but there will be radiographic changes such as excessive fluid in the joint and displacement of the infra patellar fat pad. Torn CCLs cannot be diagnosed from x-rays alone, and a lameness exam should be done including a tibial thrust and cranial drawer test (manipulation tests). If those haven't been done already, I recommend having them done by the vet. If Stella's CCL is torn, then surgery is the recommended treatment. As a large dog, conservative treatment is not recommended because it doesn't work. Surgery is likely the best option for Stella, and I would speak to your vet about a recommendation to a veterinary orthopedic surgeon.

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    Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Acupuncture is a really good way to treat pain and inflammation, but it won't fix her cruciate ligament if it is truly ruptured. I usually recommend a surgical repair for this problem, and acupuncture is a great addition to pain medications prior to and after the surgery.

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