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Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic surgery can help pets who suffer from joint problems, torn ligaments, broken bones, and even help correct congenital problems.

Overview

Orthopedic surgery treats bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles—areas in which your pet may feel pain in from a variety of conditions. If veterinary orthopedic surgery is recommended for your pet, we will do everything possible to keep them safe and comfortable before, during, and after the surgery.

Why would my pet need orthopedic surgery?

Orthopedic surgery can help animals who suffer from joint problems, torn ligaments, broken bones, and can even help correct congenital problems. Most orthopedic surgery is focused around the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), sometimes referred to as the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).

When should I seek orthopedic care for my pet?

Pay attention to the way your pet is moving around, any unusual changes may mean they have an orthopedic condition.

Typical symptoms of an orthopedic disorder include difficulty getting up, favoring a leg intermittently when walking, limping - swelling in the leg, stiffness or decreased activity level. If you notice any of these problems, you should take your pet to our facility for an examination.

How are typical orthopedic injuries treated?

Extracapsular Lateral Suture Stabilization (ELSS)

This surgery is for correction of cranial cruciate rupture. Because it does not require application of significant hardware, this procedure often costs less than some other procedures recommended for cruciate repair (TPLO and TTA). ELSS is most successful in patients who weigh less than 25kg (50lb), and in patients without significant arthritis or other orthopedic disease. We at Lakeview are very familiar with the surgical technique of this procedure, as well as the recommended post-operative care and potential complications. 

Amputation

Cancer or severe trauma are the two most common reasons why amputation may be recommended in your pet. The doctors at Lakeview Animal Hospital are experienced in all levels of amputations, ranging from a simple toe removal to amputation of an entire front or hind limb. We are also very comfortable with managing the sometimes complicated post-operative pain that can come with these procedures. 

Bandaging and Casting

Not all bone or joint injuries require surgery – many can be managed with serial bandage changes or casts. The team at Lakeview Animal Hospital is well-versed in applying casts, padded bandages, or other types of immobilization devices as needed for certain breaks or sprains. 

Miscellaneous Orthopedic Procedures

The surgeons at Lakeview Animal Hospital have experience with other various orthopedic procedures including FHO’s, fracture splinter removal, and some bone-setting. Lakeview Animal Hospital also has a strong relationship with a board-certified surgeon in the area. If an orthopedic procedure proves to be too complicated for us to complete in a safe and effective manner, we can contact the board-certified surgeon and set up a consultation and surgery at our facility.