My dog's knee clicks after CCL surgery. Is it serious? When can she play?

Exercise should be strictly limited for the first six weeks post surgery. To help guide you with Sunday's recovering, I will put a link to a website that details exactly what needs to be done in regards to exercise after this surgery. The first few weeks, Sunday will likely be toe tapping before moving on to gingerly putting weight on her leg. By six weeks post surgery, she should be using her leg without limping, but it will still be at least another six weeks before she is allowed to run, jump, or play. https://www.webvets.com/Resources/resource.php?Anterior-Cruciate-Ligament-Surgery-Post-Operative-Care-44

This may be normal. Since vets sometimes place two sutures in large breeds for security against premature rupture, some patients will have an audible “clicking” or “snapping” noise from the sutures rubbing against each other. This noise will stop over time in most cases as scar tissue builds up. I hope this helps!

If her pain is truly localized to the hip it could be from a joint injury or arthritis. It’s also possible that the pain is originating from the knee - unfortunately many dogs that experience a cruciate rupture will have the other leg rupture within 6-12 months. If the lameness continues I’d recommend having Dallas examined by your vet.

This could be just a flareup of arthritis in the knee which is very common in dogs with the surgery. Depending on what was done sometimes there could be a meniscus injury after the surgery. Some surgeons do a "preventative" meniscus surgery at the same time others do not. Rarely it could indicate an issue with the implant placed during the procedure. I would follow your veterinarian's advice and if she becomes worse have her seen sooner. Sometimes x-rays of the knee or needed other times we can figure out what's going on with just an orthopedic exam.

It probably just sprained it. It is not uncommon for dogs to do very well post-op and then have a bit of a set back. You didn't mention which type of surgery he had to correct his CCL tear. Did they put in a false ligament? Was a TTA done? Was the meniscus involved? All of that can play a factor on what may be going on. I suggest you just rest him very strictly and ice the knee for 10 minutes 3-4 times per day (both the outer and inner portions of the knee). Continue all the medications that your vet has prescribed. If not much improvement after ~7 days of this I suggest you get a referral from your vet to an orthopedic surgeon for a second opinion. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Poor pup! She could could have torn her cranial cruciate ligament in her knee or done damage to the meniscus in her knee. It's concerning that she has been limping on three legs for four days now, and it's time to see a vet. Rest her tonight, no running, jumping, or playing. Take her out to toilet on a lead only, and bring her right back in when she's one. Have her seen by a vet first thing in the morning for a lameness exam and x-rays.

The diagnosis could be accurate but he could also have a problem with a meniscus or possibly a problem with the LSS. If he does not get better with rest and Rimadyl than you could take him to an orthopedic specialist to determine the cause and treat the problem.