Dog CCL Surgery · Chantilly, VA
CCL repair is one of Dr. Masood's most performed procedures — performed throughout his entire career with an exceptionally low failure rate. Lateral suture available immediately with a full repair guarantee. TPLO referrals also available.
What our clients say after CCL surgery.
“Dr Masood’s extremely accurate surgical and care talents and Keshia’s heartfelt post-op care gave my 11 year old Rocky a new lease on living pain and limp free after he completely tore his left rear knee ACL. I’m taking all my pets to Dr Masood and Keshia now even though it’s at least a 2+ hours round trip drive away from my home.”
“I took my dog there for a diagnosis (CCL) and she was treated great. Dr. Masood explained what she had and what was the best option for her considering her age and current state. We were able to schedule the surgery right away and the surgery went great — she was walking and in great condition when we picked her up the next day. We are super happy!”
Understanding CCL injuries
The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) stabilizes your dog's knee by preventing the tibia from sliding forward beneath the femur during weight-bearing. When it becomes stretched, partially torn, or completely ruptured, the knee becomes unstable, painful, and prone to rapidly progressing arthritis. Most dogs develop CCL disease gradually — the ligament weakens over time due to degeneration, breed predisposition, excess body weight, or chronic joint inflammation.
CCL rupture is the leading cause of rear-leg lameness in dogs. It can happen suddenly — during a sprint, a jump, or an awkward landing — or gradually through ligament degeneration over months or years. Certain breeds are predisposed, but we see it across all ages, sizes, and breeds.
Without surgical stabilization, most dogs will not recover meaningful function on their own. The joint continues to destabilize, cartilage breaks down, and the window for the best possible outcome narrows. Surgery is almost always recommended — and the sooner, the better.
Signs your dog may have a CCL injury
Don't wait on these symptoms
Joint damage accelerates with every step on an unstable knee. Same-day evaluations available — (703) 378-9791
Our process
No dog gets a default recommendation at Nova Pets. Before Dr. Masood suggests a technique, he looks at the full picture — because the right surgery depends on factors most practices never even discuss with you.
Our primary technique
After evaluating your dog's tibial plateau angle, size, activity level, and overall health, the answer for most dogs is lateral suture — and the science backs that up. It has been performed for over 30 years and is, in the words of a board-certified veterinary surgeon published in dvm360, “quick, affordable, and safe.” Dr. Masood has refined this technique across more than 1,000 procedures.
The research
TPLO has become the default recommendation in many practices, particularly for larger dogs. But a complete reading of the research tells a more nuanced story — and pet owners deserve to see it.
“TPLO is certainly not markedly superior in clinical outcome to the less expensive, less risky, and more easily performed LSS.”
Source: McCarthy, dvm360; Pacchiana et al. JAVMA 2003, Priddy et al. JAVMA 2003, Fitzpatrick & Solano Vet Surg 2010, Casale & McCarthy JAVMA 2009
Side by side
After surgery
The surgery stabilizes the knee. What happens in the following 8–12 weeks determines how well your dog heals for the rest of their life. We have a structured post-op program — and we coordinate everything through one practice.
Adequan (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) inhibits destructive cartilage enzymes, stimulates healthy joint fluid production, and actively supports cartilage repair. We've seen consistently strong outcomes with this protocol.
Fish oil supplementation
Omega-3 fatty acids have well-documented anti-inflammatory properties that complement the Adequan protocol. We'll give you dosing guidance based on your dog's weight.
Having trouble keeping your dog calm?
We can prescribe gabapentin to take the edge off during the critical healing window — safe, simple, and protects the repair.
Why Nova Pets
Not every practice has the surgical time, equipment, or orthopedic experience to handle CCL cases. Dr. Masood will assess the patient, perform the appropriate procedure, and communicate findings and post-operative status directly back to your practice.
How to refer: Call us directly to discuss the case before scheduling — (703) 378-9791. We're happy to talk through the clinical picture, the most appropriate surgical approach, and timing. Records and post-operative reports returned to your practice after every case.
Joint damage progresses with every step on an unstable knee. The sooner the joint is stabilized, the better the long-term outcome. Schedule an evaluation — your consultation fee applies toward surgery if you proceed with us.
Serving Chantilly, Centreville, Fairfax, and Northern Virginia since 2001 · 3935 Avion Park Ct Suite A102, Chantilly, VA 20151