Prognosis

Long-term function is generally good regardless of the surgical procedure performed. In 
fact, overall success rate (defined as good to excellent function) of eighty-five to ninety 
percent has been noted regardless of the surgical procedure.  Although the patient may 
appear normal clinically, studies have indicated that dogs that undergo CCL surgery had 
progressive radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease twelve to eighteen months 
after surgical stabilization.
As Bonnie is overweight, her prognosis may be guarded unless a management program for 
significant weight loss is not followed.  The owner should be warned that a significant 
percentage of dogs with a unilateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture injure the ligament in 
the opposite knee within three years.