Pet Orthopedic Surgery

Knee injuries are among the most common orthopedic conditions affecting dogs and can significantly impact their ability to walk, run, climb stairs, jump, and enjoy everyday activities. One of the leading causes of these injuries is a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL)—often referred to as an ACL injury in dogs. Other conditions, such as patellar luxation, trauma, and degenerative joint disease, can also cause pain, limping, swelling, joint instability, and reduced mobility. While CCL injuries are most common in dogs, they can also occur in cats.

Without appropriate treatment, knee injuries can worsen over time, leading to progressive arthritis, meniscal damage, chronic pain, and long-term loss of mobility. When conservative treatments are no longer effective or the injury is severe, knee surgery can restore joint stability, relieve discomfort, and help your pet return to a more active, comfortable life.

Before recommending surgery, our veterinary team performs a comprehensive orthopedic examination and may use diagnostic imaging, including digital X-rays, to evaluate the extent of the injury and identify the most appropriate treatment plan. Every surgical recommendation is tailored to your pet’s size, age, activity level, overall health, and the severity of the knee condition. We also take the time to explain your pet’s diagnosis, discuss available surgical options, and answer your questions so you can make confident, informed decisions about their care.

The Extra Capsular Lateral Suture (ECLS) procedure is a surgical technique used to stabilize the knee after a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury. Instead of changing the structure of the bone, this procedure places a durable surgical suture outside the knee joint to provide support while the surrounding tissues heal. Over time, scar tissue develops around the joint, helping create long-term stability.

ECLS is commonly recommended for small to medium-sized dogs, as well as certain larger dogs based on their size, activity level, and overall health. It may also be an appropriate option for younger pets or those with specific orthopedic needs. During your pet’s evaluation, our veterinary team will determine whether ECLS is the most suitable procedure based on your pet’s condition and lifestyle.

Following surgery, a carefully managed recovery period is essential. Restricted activity, follow-up examinations, and a gradual return to exercise help support proper healing and improve long-term function. With appropriate post-operative care, many pets regain comfortable mobility and return to their normal daily activities.

Luxating Patella Repair (TTT): Luxating Patella Repair using Tibial Tuberosity Transposition (TTT) is a surgical procedure performed to correct a kneecap that repeatedly slips out of its normal position. This condition, known as a luxating patella, is commonly seen in small and toy breed dogs, but it can also affect larger dogs and occasionally cats. Pets with a luxating patella may show signs such as skipping while walking, intermittent limping, difficulty jumping, or holding a leg up for a few steps before returning to normal movement.

During the TTT procedure, the attachment point of the patellar tendon on the shin bone is carefully repositioned to improve alignment of the kneecap within the femoral groove. The bone segment is secured in its new position with surgical implants, allowing the patella to track more normally during movement. In some cases, additional corrective techniques may be performed at the same time to address soft tissue imbalance or deepen the groove that guides the kneecap.

Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) is a specialized bone surgery performed to treat chronic hip pain caused by severe arthritis, hip fractures, hip dysplasia, and other orthopedic conditions when joint replacement or other treatments are not appropriate. During the procedure, the damaged femoral head—the ball portion of the hip joint—is removed to eliminate painful bone-on-bone contact. As your pet heals, the surrounding muscles and scar tissue develop a functional false joint that supports comfortable movement.

Before surgery, our veterinary team performs a thorough orthopedic examination and diagnostic imaging, including digital X-rays, to evaluate the hip joint and determine whether FHO is the best treatment option. Every surgical plan is tailored to your pet’s age, size, activity level, overall health, and the underlying orthopedic condition.

With appropriate pain management, rehabilitation, and activity restrictions during recovery, many dogs and cats regain improved mobility, experience significant pain relief, and return to their normal daily activities with a better quality of life.