Orthopedic Surgery for Pets: Advanced Veterinary Care to Restore Mobility
When pets experience injuries, joint instability, or orthopedic conditions, expert surgical care can help restore comfort, mobility, and quality of life. At American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) standards of care emphasize early diagnosis and treatment for orthopedic issues to improve long-term outcomes. Our veterinary hospital provides advanced orthopedic surgery services for dogs and cats using modern techniques designed to reduce pain, improve healing, and support recovery.
Whether your pet is suffering from a torn ligament, fractured bone, or joint condition, our experienced veterinary team is here to help guide you through diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and post-operative care.
Veterinary Orthopedic Surgery Services
Our hospital offers a wide range of orthopedic procedures tailored to your pet’s specific condition and lifestyle needs.
Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Repair
A cranial cruciate ligament injury is one of the most common causes of hind limb lameness in dogs. Similar to an ACL injury in humans, a torn CCL can cause pain, instability, and difficulty walking.
Our veterinary team performs cranial cruciate ligament repair procedures to stabilize the knee joint, reduce discomfort, and help pets regain mobility. Early treatment can also help prevent arthritis and additional joint damage.
Signs your pet may have a CCL injury include:
- Sudden limping or non-weight-bearing on a hind leg
- Difficulty standing or jumping
- Swelling around the knee
- Stiffness after activity
- Reduced activity levels
Lateral Suture Technique
The lateral suture technique is a commonly performed surgical method used to stabilize the knee after a cranial cruciate ligament tear. This procedure uses specialized suture material placed outside the joint to mimic the function of the damaged ligament.
This technique is often recommended for:
- Small to medium-sized dogs
- Older pets
- Less active patients
- Certain cats with CCL injuries
The lateral suture technique can provide excellent long-term stability and improved comfort when combined with proper rehabilitation and recovery management.
Luxating Patella Repair
Luxating patella, also known as a “slipped kneecap,” occurs when the patella moves out of its normal position. This condition is common in small breed dogs but can affect pets of all sizes.
Surgical repair may be recommended when pets experience:
- Frequent skipping or hopping while walking
- Chronic limping
- Knee pain
- Reduced mobility
- Progressive arthritis
Our veterinary team performs luxating patella repair procedures to improve joint alignment and restore normal knee function.
Fracture Stabilization
Broken bones require prompt veterinary attention to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. We provide fracture stabilization procedures for a variety of traumatic injuries and orthopedic conditions.
Depending on the type and severity of the fracture, treatment may include:
- Bone plates and screws
- Pins or wires
- External fixation devices
- Splints or casts
Our goal is to stabilize the injury, reduce pain, and help pets return to normal activity safely.
Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS)
Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS) is a preventative orthopedic procedure used in young puppies at risk for hip dysplasia. This minimally invasive surgery alters pelvic growth to improve hip joint alignment as the puppy matures.
Early screening and intervention are important because JPS is typically performed during a limited developmental window. Our veterinary team can evaluate whether your puppy may benefit from this procedure.
Limb Amputation
Although the idea of amputation can feel overwhelming, many pets adapt remarkably well after surgery and go on to live happy, active lives. Limb amputation may be recommended for severe trauma, tumors, infections, or conditions causing chronic pain.
Our team focuses on:
- Effective pain management
- Compassionate patient care
- Recovery support
- Mobility guidance for pet owners
Most pets recover faster than many owners expect and often experience a significantly improved quality of life after surgery.
Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)
Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) is a surgical procedure used to relieve pain in pets with severe hip disease or injury. During the procedure, the femoral head is removed to eliminate painful bone-on-bone contact.
FHO may be recommended for:
- Hip dysplasia
- Hip fractures
- Chronic arthritis
- Luxations of the hip joint
With rehabilitation and supportive care, many pets regain excellent function and comfort following surgery.
Joint Reduction
Joint luxation, or dislocation, occurs when bones are displaced from their normal position within a joint. Joint reduction procedures are performed to restore proper alignment and stabilize the affected area.
Prompt treatment is important to reduce pain and minimize long-term joint damage. Depending on the injury, treatment may involve:
- Closed reduction techniques
- Surgical stabilization
- Bandaging or splinting
- Post-operative rehabilitation
Comprehensive Orthopedic Care for Dogs and Cats
Orthopedic conditions can significantly impact your pet’s comfort and mobility. Our veterinary hospital is committed to providing advanced surgical care, personalized treatment plans, and compassionate support throughout every stage of recovery.
From diagnosis and surgery to rehabilitation and follow-up care, we work closely with pet owners to help pets heal safely and regain their quality of life.
If your pet is showing signs of lameness, pain, difficulty walking, or joint instability, contact Port City Animal Hospital today at 912-525-0255 , or press the button below, to schedule an orthopedic evaluation.
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