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Is surgery the only fix for my dog's cruciate ligament injury?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | unneutered | 2 years and 1 month old | 79 lbs

my lab Chibby hurt his hind leg two months ago the vet said it's prolly his cruciate ligament and gave him anti inflammatory meds since then it'll get better but soon as he starts playing or, getting in & out of the car etc he goes right back to limping again she says surgery's only thing that will fix this i'm wondering if that's true?

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1 Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 8th, 2017

I'm sorry Chibby has had problems with his cruciate ligament. Yes, your vet is correct, surgery is the only thing that will fix it. Research has shown that large breed dogs like labs do not respond well to medical management of cruciate problems, and that surgery is the best option for returning them to full function. In large breed dogs, surgery is typically the recommended treatment. Given that you have tried medical management without success, my advice would be to have the surgery done. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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