Most dogs that have damaged their CCL will be obviously lame on one of their hindlimbs. Sometimes, if both knees are affected by CCL disease, then lameness is less obvious. These dogs may have difficulty jumping, rising and going up stairs.
To diagnose CCL disease, we will take a thorough history, perform a clinical examination and radiograph (X-ray) the stifle joint. Occasionally joint fluid analysis and further methods of imaging including arthroscopy or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be needed.