Orthopedic Surgery for Cats and Dogs

Orthopedic surgery involves both invasive and non-invasive surgical procedures that treat diseases of the joints and the skeletal system, as well as associated soft tissues including muscles, joint muscles, tendon, ligament, and cartilage.

Some conditions that may require orthopdic surgery are:

  • Cranial cruciate ligament tear

  • Fractured bones 

  • Hip dysplasia 

  • Luxating knee caps (patellar luxation) 

  • Bone cancer 

  • Arthritis 

  • Joint dislocations 

At Paradise Animal Hospital and Wellness Centre, our surgeons have received specialized training in the following procedures:

Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)

This procedure removes a portion of the femur in the hip joint, reducing pain for patients with congenital conditions such as hip dysplasia and Legge-Calve-Perthes disease. An FHO may also be recommended as a salvage procedure in animals with severe degenerative joint disease or in some fractures involving the hip joint. 

Extracapsular Lateral Suture Cruciate Ligament Repair 

A ruptured cranial cruciate ligament is the most common orthopedic condition seen in general practice. This ligament is similar to the human ACL. When the CCL is torn or injured, the shin bone (tibia) slides forward with respect to the thigh bone (femur), which is known as a positive drawer sign. Most dogs with this injury cannot walk normally and experience excruciating pain. The resulting instability damages the cartilage and surrounding bones and leads to osteoarthritis (OA). 

When the cranial cruciate ligament is torn, surgical stabilization of the knee joint is often required, especially in larger or more active dogs. Surgery is generally recommended as quickly as possible to reduce permanent, irreversible joint damage and relieve pain.

Several surgical techniques are currently used to correct CCL rupture. Each procedure has unique advantages and potential drawbacks. Your veterinarian will guide you through the decision-making process and advise you on the best surgical option for your pet.

In an extracapsular lateral suture repair, the knee joint is stabilized with a thick suture material, which does the job of the damaged CCL. This procedure also involves an arthrotomy, or inspection of the knee joint, to remove any remnants of the damaged ligament, to look for and repair a torn meniscus, and to assess the progression of degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis. 

Leg and Tail Amputation

Amputation may be recommended due to cancer, severe trauma, or a birth defect which has resulted in an unusable leg or tail. A limb or tail with a severe wound or fracture that cannot be fixed due to any of innumerable reasons may also warrant an amputation. 

Bone Fracture Repair

This procedure repairs damage in the continuity of the bone. There are many types of fractures seen in general practice. Fractures can occur from physical trauma or stress, and can also be a side effect of certain diseases such as osteoporosis and bone cancer. Fractures can be repaired with pins, bone plates, and screws.