Overview

Orthopaedic surgery treats bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles—areas in which your pet may feel pain in from a variety of conditions. If veterinary orthopaedic surgery is recommended for your pet, we will do everything possible to keep them safe and comfortable before, during, and after the surgery.

Why would my pet need orthopaedic surgery?

Orthopaedic surgery can help animals who suffer from joint problems, torn ligaments, broken bones, and can even help correct congenital problems. Most orthopaedic surgery is focused around the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), sometimes referred to as the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).

When should I seek orthopaedic care for my pet?

Pay attention to the way your pet is moving around, any unusual changes may mean they have an orthopaedic condition.

Typical symptoms of an orthopaedic disorder include difficulty getting up, favouring a leg intermittently when walking, limping - swelling in the leg, stiffness or decreased activity level. If you notice any of these problems, you should take your pet to our facility for an examination.

How are typical orthopaedic injuries treated?

Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO)

Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy is used to repair a torn ligament by changing the dynamic of the animal’s knee. The ligament becomes irrelevant to the stability of the knee by counteracting the force that caused the ligament to tear. The reconstructive surgery cuts the tibia bone, rotates it, and becomes held in place with metal plates. This is an extremely effective long-term solution for the injury.

Extracapsular ACL Repair

Extracapsular repair, also known as lateral suture stabilization, addresses tears in the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL). The damaged ligament or meniscus tissue is removed, and a strong suture is placed outside the joint—typically looping it around the fabella (a small bone behind the knee) and through a tibial bone tunnel to mimic the ligament’s stabilizing function. This surgery is minimally invasive and best suited for small to medium, less active dogs.

Luxating Patella Surgery

Patellar luxation is a dislocated kneecap and most seen in small breed dogs. Most patellar luxation occurs when the patellar displaces from its normal position to the inside of the knee. Pets with this condition may have an intermittent non-weight bearing lameness and you may even hear a popping noise in their knee. There are many ways to treat this from a simple knee brace for a Grade 1 luxation, to realignment surgery for lower grade luxations. Bring your pet in so we can determine the best way to treat the luxation.

If you think your pet would benefit from our orthopaedic services, please contact us.