There is a wide range of orthopedic conditions that affect cats and dogs. At Providence Animal Hospital in Charlotte, our experienced veterinarians can these conditions with surgery.
What is orthopedic surgery?
Orthopedic surgery for pets consists of surgical procedures that address the joints, skeletal system and their associated soft tissues, including muscles, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
Our advanced diagnostic imaging tools help us provide accurate and effective orthopedic diagnosis.
Common Orthopedic Surgeries
There are many orthopedic conditions in cats and dogs that can be treated with surgery. The following are some of the most common:
Hip Replacement
Hip dysplasia is the medical term for a hip socket that doesn't fully cover the ball portion of the upper thighbone. This allows the hip joint to become partially or completely dislocated. It is most common in large breed dogs like German Shepherd Dogs and Golden Retrievers.
Total hip replacement is the most effective surgical treatment for hip dysplasia in dogs. The surgeon replaces the entire joint with metal and plastic implants, returning hip function to a more normal range.
Torn Ligament Repair
Torn cruciate ligaments in dogs, just like in people, must be surgically repaired to prevent arthritis. There are many different types of surgical procedures that can be used to repair this injury, and the type used typically depends on the size of the dog.
Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) surgery for dogs may include a variety of techniques that aim to provide stability to the joint.
Tibial Tuberosity Advancement
Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) is a surgical procedure that can help some dogs with knee pain regain better mobility and reduce pain.
It involves cutting the top of the shin bone, moving it forward, and stabilizing it in its new position. The goal of TTA surgery is to make the knee stable for the dog when bearing weight, without directly repairing the ligament.
Disc Repair
Just like humans, dogs can develop disc problems in their neck and backs. Breeds that commonly suffer from neck disc problems are Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Dachshunds and Lhasa Apsos, whereas large breed dogs are more likely to have chronic lower back issues.
Dogs with advanced disc disease should have surgery as soon as possible. The sooner that surgery is done, the better the prognosis.