Zlig Surgery

Helping your dog regain mobility and enjoy an active, pain-free life.

Did you know cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries are one of the most common causes of hindlimb lameness in dogs?

What is a Cruciate Ligament Injury? 

A cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury is one of the most common causes of hindlimb lameness in dogs. 

The cruciate ligament acts like a stabilising strap inside the knee joint. When it becomes damaged or ruptures, pets can experience: 

  • Limping or lameness  
  • Difficulty getting up or lying down 
  • Knee swelling  
  • Pain and reduced mobility  
  • Reluctance to exercise or play  

These injuries can occur suddenly following exercise or develop gradually over time due to degeneration of the joint.  

What is Zlig? 

Zlig is an innovative surgical technique designed to restore stability to the knee joint following a cruciate ligament injury. 

Unlike some traditional cruciate surgeries, Zlig replaces the damaged ligament with a specially designed synthetic implant. One of the key advantages is that the procedure does not require cutting the bone (osteotomy), allowing pets to begin weight-bearing much sooner after surgery.  

The synthetic ligament is designed to provide immediate joint stability while encouraging the body’s natural healing process.  

Benefits of the Zlig Procedure 

Some of the benefits include: 

 Improved knee stability 

 No bone cutting required 

 Earlier weight-bearing after surgery 

 Improved comfort during recovery 

 A minimally invasive approach compared with some alternative techniques  

As with any orthopaedic procedure, every pet is different, and our team will discuss the most appropriate treatment options based on your pet’s size, lifestyle and individual needs. 

Could Your Pet Benefit from Zlig? 

If your dog has been diagnosed with a cruciate ligament injury or is showing signs of hindlimb lameness, our team would be happy to discuss the treatment options available. 

Contact Copthorne Vets to arrange an assessment and find out whether Zlig may be suitable for your pet.