Surgical Intervention for Bone & Joint Conditions
Orthopedic surgery is a branch of veterinary medicine concerned with the surgical treatment of bones, joints, and ligaments. These surgical procedures are intended to restore dogs' and cats' ability to move comfortably after they have suffered bone or joint damage.
At Ambassador Dog & Cat Hospital, we provide a variety of orthopedic surgical procedures for dogs and cats. Whether your pet requires treatment after rupturing a ligament or suffering a trauma that resulted in a broken bone, our veterinary team is here to help.
If your cat or dog requires surgery, we will do everything we can to keep them safe and comfortable before, during, and after the procedure.
Common Orthopedic Conditions
Cats and dogs are susceptible to a variety of orthopedic conditions. The following are some of the most common:
- Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a medical condition in which the hip socket does not fully cover the ball portion of the upper thighbone, allowing the hip joint to become partially or completely dislocated. It is most commonly seen in German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and other large breed dogs.
Total hip replacement is the most effective surgical procedure for hip dysplasia. The surgeon replaces the entire joint with metal and plastic implants, restoring hip function to normal levels.
- Cruciate Ligament Tears
Torn cruciate ligaments in dogs, like in humans, must be surgically repaired to avoid arthritis. There are numerous surgical procedures available to repair this injury, and the type used is usually determined by the dog's size.
CCL surgery for dogs may include a variety of techniques aimed at stabilizing the joint.
- Luxating Patellas
The patella (knee cap) is located in a cartilaginous groove at the femoral end at the stifle joint. A luxating patella occurs when the kneecap shifts out of its normal position. Kneecap problems are common in many dog breeds, large and small.
Surgery is recommended for animals with significant lameness due to luxating patellas, with the goal of keeping the patella in its proper position at all times.
- Disc Disease
Dogs, like humans, can develop cervical and lumbar disc problems. Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Dachshunds, and Lhasa Apsos are among the breeds most prone to neck disc problems. Large breed dogs are more likely to develop chronic lower back problems.
Dogs with advanced disc disease should undergo surgery as soon as possible. The earlier the surgery, the better the prognosis.
Orthopedic Surgery FAQs
- Does my pet have to stay at the hospital overnight either before or after the surgery?
Depending on the time of day, you may need to drop off your pet the night before the surgery.
Many of our patients need to stay with us overnight after surgery so that we can monitor their recovery. Depending on the type of surgery and how quickly they recover from anesthesia and surgery, your pet may be able to return home the same day.
- How long will the surgery take?
Orthopedic surgeries typically last two to four hours, depending on the type of surgery and your pet's condition.
- What happens during the surgical consultation?
During the surgical consultation, we will conduct a physical examination and review your pet's medical records. Blood work and any other diagnostic tests required to determine the nature of your pet's condition will be performed during this time.
X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, and biopsies are all possible diagnostic tests. Once the results are in, we develop and discuss a surgical plan with you.
- Will the surgery and consultation happen on the same day?
No, the consultation appointment is necessary for testing and examination to determine the nature of your pet's health issue. Once our lab has returned any diagnostic test results, we can schedule a surgery appointment.