Expert Orthopedic Care When Your Pet Needs It Most

When an accident or injury leaves your pet with a broken bone, a dislocated joint, or a torn ligament, the road to recovery starts with skilled surgical care. At Countryside Veterinary Hospital, our veterinarians have the training and experience to handle a wide range of orthopedic conditions in dogs and cats. We understand how distressing it is to see your pet in pain and unable to move comfortably, and we are committed to providing the prompt, precise care they need to heal and get back to living well.

Orthopedic surgery addresses conditions involving the bones, joints, and associated structures. Whether your pet has suffered a traumatic injury or a degenerative condition has progressed to the point of requiring surgical intervention, our team will thoroughly evaluate their situation and recommend the most appropriate course of treatment.

Orthopedic Procedures We Perform

Fracture Repair with Plating

Bone plating is used to stabilize broken bones by securing a metal plate and screws directly to the fracture. This holds the bone in proper alignment and promotes stable healing, especially in limb fractures. It often allows earlier limb use during recovery.

External Fixator Placement

External fixators stabilize fractures using pins placed above and below the break, connected to an external frame. This method is commonly used for complex or open fractures where internal fixation may not be ideal.

Intramedullary (IM) Pinning

This technique uses a metal rod placed inside the long bone’s central canal to stabilize fractures. It is often used for femur and humerus injuries and may be combined with other fixation methods for added support.

Hip and Kneecap Luxation Surgery

This procedure treats dislocated joints such as hip luxation or patellar luxation. Surgery realigns the joint structure, reduces pain, and restores mobility in affected pets.

ACL Repair Including TPLO Surgery

Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture causes knee instability and pain in dogs. Surgical repair, including TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy), stabilizes the joint and helps restore normal function while reducing long-term arthritis risk.

What Is TPLO Surgery?

TPLO surgery addresses CCL rupture by changing the geometry of the knee joint rather than simply replacing the torn ligament. During the procedure, the surgeon makes a curved cut in the top of the tibia and rotates the tibial plateau, the flat surface at the top of the shinbone, to neutralize the forces that cause the joint to shift. The bone is then secured in its new position with a plate and screws.

The result is a mechanically stable joint that does not rely on the cruciate ligament for support. TPLO consistently produces excellent long-term outcomes and is widely regarded as the most effective surgical treatment for CCL rupture in dogs, particularly in medium to large breeds. Most dogs return to full activity within four to six months following surgery and rehabilitation.

Signs Your Pet May Have an Orthopedic Injury

Orthopedic problems are not always obvious, particularly in pets who instinctively mask pain. Common signs that your dog or cat may be experiencing a bone or joint issue include:

Sudden or gradual lameness in one or more limbs
Reluctance to bear weight on a leg
Visible swelling around a joint or along a limb
Crying out when a limb is touched or moved
Decreased activity, reluctance to jump or climb stairs
A noticeable change in gait or posture

If you observe any of these signs, contact us promptly. Early evaluation and intervention generally lead to better surgical outcomes and a smoother recovery.

Pre-Surgical Evaluation and Post-Operative Care

Before any orthopedic procedure, our veterinarians will conduct a thorough physical examination and obtain diagnostic imaging, including X-rays, to fully assess the injury and plan the appropriate surgical approach. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is also recommended to confirm your pet is healthy enough for general anesthesia.

Following surgery, a structured recovery plan is essential to achieving the best possible outcome. Depending on the procedure, this may include restricted activity, physical rehabilitation exercises, pain management, and scheduled recheck appointments to monitor bone healing via follow-up X-rays. Our team will guide you through every step of the recovery process and is available to answer questions as your pet heals at home.