ACL Surgery for Pets from Our Veterinarian in Summit, NJ
When you have a pet, it becomes like a family member and one of your responsibilities as a pet parent is to help keep your pet healthy. Unfortunately, while we try our best, we can not prevent all injuries and sometimes our pets get hurt.

When your pet gets seriously injured and our veterinary team determines that your pet needs surgery, you will want to be sure your pet gets the special care it needs during pet surgery. Our staff is trained to give your pet the care and compassion it needs and help prepare it for surgery. When your pet arrives at our facility, it will be carefully monitored in pre-operative care, during the surgery, and then in the recovery area. You will also be given written instructions about how to care for your pet after surgery. Our team is here to provide your pet with comprehensive care
If you live near Summit, NJ, or in nearby Chatham, Millburn, or Madison, NJ, and want to find a veterinarian near you, our Summit Dog and Cat Hospital team invites you to introduce us to your pet. We have been working with pets in your area since 1964 and can provide all the veterinary care you need!
ACL Surgery for Your Pet
If you have a pet, one common pet surgery that is often needed after an acute injury is ACL surgery. The ACL ligament is in the knee, and if your pet tears its ACL (or CCL, cranial cruciate ligament), it is likely to require surgery. When this ligament tears, it will interfere with your dog’s ability to walk. There are three options for ACL surgery in most pets.
The most common type of ACL surgery for pets is a TPLO (tibial plateau leveling ostomy). During this surgery, the surgeon will cut the tibia. After this cut, the surgeon will turn the head of the tibia to ensure that the bone is level with the femur. During the last phase of the surgery, the surgeon will attach a metal plate to stabilize your pet’s knee.
Once the repair is completed we will monitor your pet as it recovers from anesthesia. Then we will provide you with care instructions and help you restore your pet’s knee functions.
Call Us Today for Your Pet’s Comprehensive Care in Summit, NJ
Whether your pet needs surgery, treatment for allergies, or a wellness exam, our team is ready to help you keep it as healthy as possible. Pet parents looking for a veterinarian in Summit, NJ, can be confident when bringing their pet to our animal clinic. We also provide pet service in the Union, Livingston, Springfield, Short Hills, and Westfield, NJ, areas. Call us at (908)-273-2200 for an appointment today, and get your furry friend the care it deserves.
Summit Dog & Cat Hospital
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your visit.
What is ACL surgery for dogs?
ACL surgery for dogs is a procedure used to stabilize the knee after the cranial cruciate ligament is torn or damaged. In pets, this injury is often called a CCL tear, although many pet owners refer to it as an ACL ligament injury. Surgery can help reduce pain and improve mobility.
How do I know if my dog may need ACL repair?
Your dog may need ACL repair if they are limping on a back leg, avoiding stairs, holding one leg up, struggling to stand, or showing pain after activity. A veterinary exam can help determine whether the injury involves the cranial cruciate ligament and whether ACL repair surgery is the right option.
What is the difference between ACL surgery and CCL surgery for dogs?
ACL surgery and CCL surgery for dogs usually refer to the same type of knee injury. In people, the ligament is commonly called the ACL. In dogs and cats, veterinarians often call it the cranial cruciate ligament, or CCL. Both terms describe a ligament that helps stabilize the knee joint.
Does Summit Dog & Cat Hospital offer ACL surgery for pets?
Yes. Summit Dog & Cat Hospital provides ACL surgery for pets in Summit, NJ. The team evaluates the pet’s injury, explains the surgical approach, monitors the pet before and after surgery, and provides written recovery instructions so pet owners know how to care for their dog or cat at home.
Is ACL repair considered orthopedic pet surgery?
Yes. ACL repair is considered orthopedic pet surgery because it treats an injury involving the bones, joints, and ligaments of the knee. For dogs with a torn cranial cruciate ligament, orthopedic surgery may be recommended to improve joint stability, reduce discomfort, and support better long-term movement.