Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease (CCLD) in Dogs
Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease (CCLD) is one of the most common orthopaedic conditions in dogs, and the leading cause of hindlimb lameness and stifle (knee) osteoarthritis. The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is made up of two bands that together prevent the knee from hyperextending, sliding forward or rotating excessively. Rather than a single traumatic tear, CCLD is usually a gradual, degenerative process: the fibres of the ligament weaken over time until the joint becomes unstable.
A combination of factors is typically involved, including excess weight, limb conformation, breed and genetics. Once the joint is unstable, it commonly leads to secondary osteoarthritis, and it can also damage the medial meniscus, the cartilage-like structure that cushions the joint.
What taping can, and can’t, do for CCLD
Surgery is generally the most effective way to stabilise a knee with CCLD, particularly in large or overweight dogs, and is usually combined with weight management, joint supplements and physiotherapy. Kinesiology taping is not a substitute for this. It can, however, be a useful supporting tool in a few specific situations:
- Before surgery, or while waiting for an orthotic device. Custom stifle braces are often made to order and can take time to arrive. Taping can offer some temporary comfort and support in the meantime.
- In the days after surgery, to help manage postoperative pain and swelling once the joint itself has already been stabilised surgically. See our Star technique for joint pain for this use.
- As part of a conservative treatment plan, for partial tears or dogs that are not suitable surgical candidates, using the Double H technique described below.
- On the contralateral (opposite) limb. Dogs with a ruptured CCL have a high likelihood of eventually rupturing the other side too, as it carries extra load while the first leg is painful. A lighter taping application can offer some extra comfort and support here.
Taping can help promote a degree of joint stabilisation, but it is not comparable to surgery or a custom orthotic in either the amount of support it gives or how long that support lasts (typically a few days, compared to a permanent surgical repair).
Important precautions
- Taping does not replace veterinary diagnosis or a surgical consultation. Always have suspected CCLD confirmed by a veterinarian first.
- Because taping can reduce the sensation of pain, a dog may bear more weight on an unstable joint than it safely should — this can accelerate joint damage.
- Do not apply tape over skin irritation, open wounds, or a joint with visible swelling without addressing the swelling first.
- If in doubt about the severity of the instability, ask your veterinarian or canine physiotherapist whether taping is appropriate at this stage.
How to Tape a Dog’s Knee for CCLD: The Double H Technique
This taping technique is used to give a dog’s stifle (knee) joint extra support when it is affected by Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease (CCLD). It combines a non-stretch anchor over the tibial tuberosity with strong-stretch strips running up the thigh, reinforced with a second layer and additional strips for lateral and medial support.
Before you begin, read what CCLD is and when taping is appropriate. This application is not a substitute for a veterinary diagnosis or, where needed, surgery.
Popular products to tape for CCLD / knee support
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VetkinTape® veterinary tape 6cm x 5m
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VetkinTape® veterinary tape 3cm x 5m
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VetkinTape® Cutter – Kinesiology tape cutting device
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Step-by-step application
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Cut an H shape. Check the size against your dog’s leg: the non-stretch bar of the H should sit at the tibial tuberosity, just below the knee.
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Remove the backing paper from the non-stretch bar and from the sides of the two long strips.
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Position the tape over the tibial tuberosity, with the non-stretch bar placed just below the knee joint and the two long strips running up along the thigh.
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Apply the two long strips with strong stretch (60–80%), running up either side of the thigh above the joint.
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Apply a second H tape over the first for reinforcement, using the same technique.
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Add lateral and medial support. Cut two more H tapes and position the non-stretch bar of each just behind (caudal to) the joint – one on the lateral side and one on the medial side. Make the legs of these H tapes long enough to overlap and act as anchors.
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Finish with anchors. The completed application combines double H tapes cranially with additional H tapes for lateral and medial support. Add a distal anchor to prevent the lower part from lifting; a proximal anchor is optional.
Simplified version for the contralateral limb
A single H application is often enough to give some extra comfort and support to the healthy (contralateral) leg, which tends to carry more load while the affected leg is painful. If that leg also shows signs of instability, use the full double-H version above instead.
Important precautions
- This application supports the joint temporarily; it does not replace surgical stabilisation or a custom orthotic.
- Do not apply the non-stretch anchor bar with tension – this can lift the tape off the skin and cause it to detach early.
- Check the skin is clean, dry and free of irritation before applying tape.
- Reassess with your veterinarian if lameness worsens rather than improves.
More information:
Please note that applications provided on our website are not clinically proven. All mentioned applications are based on extensive evaluation and case studies with licensed veterinarians and/or canine physiotherapists. Always have the underlying cause of lameness diagnosed by a veterinarian before applying tape.
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