This study compared the efficacy of traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) and conservative management (CMT) for treatment of canine cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury. Forty dogs diagnosed with CCL injury were equally assigned to either CMT or TCVM study groups for a 24-week treatment period. The CMT Group received treatment consisting of joint supplements, laser therapy, pain medication and strength training, whereas the TCVM Group received acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui-na, and food therapy. Pain severity and activity interference were scored based on the Canine Brief Pain Inventory form by owners (Days 0, 14, 30, 60, Week 24). The mean TCVM pain score was significantly reduced when compared to CMT at all study time points after study start and became increasingly more significant as the study progressed (i.e. Day 14, p=0.046 and Week 24, p=0.0003). For the TCVM group, the mean improvement was significant at Days 14, 30 and 60. The mean activities interference from pain score, which was more difficult for owners to grade consistently, attained statistical significance for TCVM (compared to CMT) at Week 24. The within group comparison (mean pain score, mean activity interference and mean improvement) was significant at all time points in both study groups. The study concluded that both treatments significantly improve pain in dogs with CCL injury by Week 24, however, TCVM treatment attained quicker results. These findings suggest that when surgery is not an option, both treatment approaches are effective with TCVM resulting in more rapid pain relief.