Orthopaedic Surgery

Not every orthopedic condition requires surgery, but persistent limping, difficulty standing, reluctance to bear weight, swelling, or ongoing pain may indicate a more serious injury or joint problem. During your pet's examination, we'll perform a thorough orthopedic assessment and may recommend diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, to determine whether surgery or another treatment option is the best course of action.

Orthopedic surgery can be recommended for a variety of conditions affecting the bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. Common conditions include fractures, cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries, luxating patellas, hip problems, and certain joint or growth abnormalities. Every treatment plan is tailored to your pet's diagnosis, age, activity level, and overall health.

During your pet's consultation, we'll discuss their symptoms and medical history before performing a comprehensive physical and orthopedic examination. If needed, diagnostic imaging such as X-rays will help us evaluate the injury or condition in greater detail. We'll then explain your pet's diagnosis, review all available treatment options, discuss expected outcomes, and answer any questions you may have.

Yes. Orthopedic procedures are performed under general anesthesia with your pet's safety and comfort as our highest priorities. Before surgery, we'll perform a thorough examination and may recommend pre-anesthetic bloodwork to ensure your pet is a good candidate for anesthesia. Throughout the procedure, your pet is continuously monitored by our experienced veterinary team and receives comprehensive pain management before, during, and after surgery.

Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery and your pet's overall health. Many orthopedic procedures require several weeks of restricted activity to allow proper healing, with full recovery often taking a few months. We'll provide a personalized recovery plan, including activity restrictions, follow-up appointments, and guidance to help your pet heal safely.

A successful recovery depends on following your pet's post-operative instructions carefully. This typically includes restricting activity, administering prescribed medications, monitoring the incision site, attending scheduled recheck appointments, and preventing running, jumping, or rough play until your veterinarian advises it's safe. Following these recommendations gives your pet the best chance for a smooth recovery.

Some pets benefit from rehabilitation exercises or physical therapy following orthopedic surgery to help restore strength, flexibility, and mobility. Depending on your pet's condition and procedure, we'll discuss whether rehabilitation would improve their recovery and long-term outcome.

If your pet is unable to bear weight, has a visibly swollen or deformed limb, is crying out in pain, or has experienced significant trauma, they should be examined as soon as possible. Prompt assessment allows us to diagnose the injury quickly, manage your pet's pain, and determine the most appropriate treatment to help prevent further damage.