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📞 (770) 520-8700 ✉ info@mapleridgevets.com 📍 7991 Hickory Flat Hwy, Woodstock, GA 30188
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Dog CCL (ACL) & TPLO Surgery | Maple Ridge Animal Hospital
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Orthopedic Surgery for Dogs & Cats

From CCL tears, the injury most people call a dog ACL tear, to luxating patellas and fracture repair: if your pet has a lameness, we'll get to the bottom of it, with surgeon-led care right here in the Hickory Flat area.

Schedule a Surgical Consult Call (770) 520-8700

TPLO

The leading repair for CCL tears in dogs, with extracapsular repair also offered, right here in-house.

20+ Years

of experience behind every procedure, led by Dr. Marrinson.

No Referral

Advanced orthopedic surgery without being sent across town to a specialty hospital.

Orthopedic Surgery

Why Is My Dog Limping?

A torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), the canine version of the ACL, is one of the most common reasons a dog suddenly starts favoring a back leg. Kneecaps that slip out of place, called a luxating patella, and fractures are close behind.

Limping is never just a quirk. It's pain talking. The good news is you don't have to guess. We start with a hands-on exam and X-rays, and if your pet needs surgery, Dr. Marrinson performs it right here. Here's what that looks like:

Surgeon-Led Care

Dr. Marrinson's special focus is soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, and she performs these procedures herself, in-house.

Exam Plus Imaging First

We confirm the diagnosis with a thorough exam and imaging before we ever recommend a procedure.

Pain Managed at Every Step

Multimodal pain control, meaning more than one kind of pain relief working together, before, during, and after surgery.

A Clear Recovery Plan

You'll go home knowing what the next 8 to 12 weeks typically look like, with a plan tailored to your pet.

Dr. Holly Marrinson, orthopedic surgery veterinarian in the Hickory Flat area of Woodstock, GA, laughing with a happy white dog
Here's to getting back to zoomies
What We Fix

Orthopedic Procedures We Perform In-House

When the exam and imaging point to surgery, these are the procedures Dr. Marrinson performs right here at Maple Ridge. Here's what each one actually does, in plain English:

1

TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy)

Changes the angle at the top of the shin bone so the knee no longer relies on the torn ligament, which makes it the leading repair for CCL tears in most dogs.

2

Extracapsular (Lateral Suture) Repair

Stabilizes the knee after a CCL tear with a strong suture outside the joint, often a good fit for smaller or lighter dogs. Dr. Marrinson will recommend TPLO or extracapsular repair based on your pet.

3

Patellar Luxation Repair

Puts a kneecap that slips out of place back where it belongs and helps keep it there, a common problem in small breed dogs.

4

Fracture Repair

Stabilizes a broken bone with a repair matched to the break and to the patient, so the bone can heal properly.

Not sure which one your pet needs? That's our job. We'll walk you through the options, and the reasons behind our recommendation, at your consult.

Dr. Holly Marrinson examining a brown dog's leg during an orthopedic exam at Maple Ridge Animal Hospital
Steady hands, gentle heart
★★★★★

"Dr. Marrinson is truly incredible! She has performed two ACL surgeries on our husky, Nala, and the care we've received every step of the way has been exceptional. Nala actually loves going to visit her, which says everything about how warm and welcoming this team is. We always leave knowing our girl is in the best hands possible."

Kaleb Google Review

Worried about anesthesia?

That's a fair question, and we take it seriously. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork helps us confirm your pet is ready before surgery, and your pet is monitored continuously from start to finish. Read the full anesthesia story on our pet surgery page.

Cost & Financing

What Does Dog CCL (ACL) Surgery Cost?

It's one of the first questions families ask, and it deserves a straight answer: it depends on your dog. Every knee and every dog is different, so we start with an exam and give you a written estimate before anything is scheduled. No surprises, no pressure.

Nobody should have to choose between their dog and their wallet. That's why we offer CareCredit financing to help spread out the cost, and the Maple Ridge Angel Fund for families facing financial hardship.

What your surgical estimate typically includes:

✓
Pre-surgical exam
✓
Pre-anesthetic bloodwork
✓
The procedure and anesthesia
✓
Pain medication to go home
✓
Recheck visits

Get a Real Estimate, Not a Guess

An online price range can't see your dog's knee. Call us at (770) 520-8700 to schedule a surgical consult, and you'll leave with a written estimate built for your pet.

Signs To Watch For

Is It Time to Have That Limp Checked?

If any of these sound familiar, it's worth a visit. Catching an orthopedic problem early gives your dog more options.

✓
Sudden limping after play, or a yelp mid-run
✓
Holding a back leg up off the ground
✓
Stiffness after rest that loosens up with movement
✓
Bunny hopping with both back legs together
✓
Swelling around the knee
✓
Refusing the stairs or the jump onto the couch
✓
A kneecap that seems to pop in and out
✓
Limping that comes and goes for weeks

If your pet won't put any weight on a leg or you suspect a broken bone, call us right away at (770) 520-8700.

Schedule a Surgical Consult

Common Questions

Dog CCL & Orthopedic Surgery FAQs

Is an ACL tear in dogs the same as a CCL tear?
Yes. It's the same ligament with two names. In people it's called the ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament. In dogs the correct name is the CCL, or cranial cruciate ligament, because of how a dog stands on four legs. So if you've been searching for dog ACL surgery, what your dog actually has is a CCL tear, and that's exactly what we treat.
What is TPLO surgery and why is it recommended?
TPLO stands for Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy. Instead of replacing the torn ligament, it changes the angle at the top of the shin bone so the knee stays stable without relying on that ligament. It's the leading surgical treatment for CCL tears in most dogs. For some dogs, extracapsular repair is the better fit, and Dr. Marrinson will recommend the right one for your pet at your consult.
Can a cruciate tear heal without surgery?
Sometimes. Some small dogs can be managed conservatively with rest, weight control, and pain management. For most dogs, though, surgery is usually recommended to restore stability to the knee and slow the arthritis that tends to follow a tear. A hands-on exam tells us which camp your dog is in, and we'll talk through every option honestly.
How long is recovery after TPLO or knee surgery?
Recovery typically involves about 8 to 12 weeks of restricted activity, with short leash walks and recheck visits along the way. Your vet will tailor the plan to your dog, and you'll go home knowing what each stage looks like.
How much does dog CCL (ACL) surgery cost?
It depends on your dog and on what the exam and imaging show, so we don't quote a number sight unseen. After an exam, you'll get a written estimate before anything is scheduled. We offer CareCredit financing, and the Maple Ridge Angel Fund helps families facing financial hardship.
Do I need a referral to a specialty hospital?
No. TPLO, extracapsular repair, patellar luxation repair, and fracture repair are performed in-house by Dr. Holly Marrinson, whose special focus is soft tissue and orthopedic surgery. Your pet gets advanced care close to home, here in the Hickory Flat area.

Let's Get Your Best Friend Moving Again

If your pet is limping, you don't have to wait and wonder. Schedule a surgical consult and we'll figure out what's going on, together.

Schedule a Surgical Consult
or call (770) 520-8700