Orthopedic
Surgery

Orthopedic Issues in Pets That May Require Surgery

If you believe your pet may be dealing with problems that may need veterinary attention, please contact our office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment at our clinic.

Below are a few common conditions that may require orthopedic surgery:

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that affects your pet’s hips. It’s a common condition that we often see in large-breed dogs, but even cats and small dogs can have hip dysplasia. This condition may be managed using anti-inflammatory medications and joint supplements. However, a surgical operation may be necessary in cases where medications fail to restore your pet’s quality of life.

Cruciate Ligament Tear/ACL Tear

This is a condition that affects your pet’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which keeps the knee functioning normally. This can occur due to an injury, trauma, or genetic factors. Rest and medications can help alleviate the pain. However, a torn ACL commonly requires surgical repair. Surgery helps to stabilize the knee immediately and reduce pain and arthritis that may develop in your pet’s knees.

Patellar Luxation

The patella in your pet is the same as your kneecap. When your pet’s patella has issues, it slips out of the groove responsible for holding it in place. This usually occurs if the groove is too shallow. In pets, patellar luxation or knee joint dislocation has varying degrees of severity. We see this issue more commonly in small-breed dogs, but it can occur in large-breed dogs as well. In severe cases, we often recommend surgical repair.