Orthopedic Surgery

At Poplar View Pet Hospital, we know the sound of your dog’s nails clicking down the hallway should spark joy, not worry about limping or pain. When orthopedic issues affect your pet’s ability to chase toys, climb stairs, or simply get comfortable, it impacts your whole family’s happiness.

Our veterinary surgical team specializes in advanced orthopedic procedures – from precise fracture repairs to total joint reconstructions – with one goal in mind: getting your beloved companion back to those tail-wagging walks and playful moments that make your heart smile.

Understanding Veterinary Orthopedic Surgery

Veterinary orthopedic surgery is a specialized field of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting your pet’s musculoskeletal system – the complex network of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles that enables movement.

These advanced surgical procedures address a wide spectrum of conditions, from cruciate ligament tears and fracture repairs to hip dysplasia correction and arthroscopic joint treatments. Whether your pet needs minimally invasive arthroscopy or complex joint reconstruction, orthopedic surgical intervention aims to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve your pet’s overall mobility and quality of life.

Benefits of Pet Orthopedic Surgery

Restored Independence and Confidence

After orthopedic surgery, many pets regain their ability to navigate daily activities without hesitation or fear. Dogs who previously struggled with stairs or avoided jumping onto furniture can resume these activities safely. This renewed physical confidence often leads to positive behavioral changes, as pets no longer feel restricted by pain or limited mobility in their joints and bones.

Better Sleep and Rest Quality

Pets with orthopedic issues often struggle to find comfortable sleeping positions, leading to restless nights and increased irritability. Surgical correction of joint problems, bone abnormalities, or ligament tears helps your pet achieve more restful sleep. This improved rest contributes to faster healing, better mood, and increased energy levels during their waking hours.

Strengthened Bond Through Recovery

The post-surgical recovery period creates opportunities for deeper connection with your pet. Through rehabilitation exercises, gentle mobility work, and dedicated care, you’ll develop new ways to communicate and understand your pet’s needs. This intensive care period often results in stronger trust and a more attuned relationship between pet and owner.

Improved Senior Pet Care Success

Early orthopedic intervention can significantly impact your pet’s aging process. By addressing joint instabilities, degenerative conditions, or bone abnormalities through surgery, we can help maintain your pet’s mobility and comfort well into their senior years. This proactive approach often reduces the need for long-term pain medication and helps prevent age-related complications.

Enhanced Exercise Tolerance

Following successful orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation, pets typically develop better endurance for physical activity. Whether it’s a cruciate ligament repair or hip joint reconstruction, these procedures help restore proper biomechanics. This improved function allows your pet to participate in regular exercise, which is crucial for maintaining healthy weight, muscle strength, and cardiovascular health.

Our Orthopedic Surgery Process

Diagnostic Deep Dive

Instead of rushing to conclusions, we start with precise diagnostic imaging and hands-on assessment of your pet’s bone and joint health. Our veterinary team uses digital radiographs and advanced motion studies to map out problem areas – from subtle joint misalignments to complex fracture patterns. This detailed examination lets us pinpoint exactly what’s causing your pet’s discomfort or mobility issues.

Mapping Your Pet’s Success

We break down complex surgical options into clear, understandable choices for your pet’s specific condition. Our team considers factors like your dog’s activity level, age, and lifestyle to select the most appropriate surgical technique – whether that’s minimally invasive arthroscopy for joint repair or specialized plating for fracture stabilization. We discuss recovery timelines and set realistic expectations for your pet’s return to activity.

Precision in Action

Your pet’s surgery day focuses on exactness and attention to detail. Our surgical team uses specialized orthopedic instruments and advanced monitoring equipment to perform procedures with maximum precision – from careful tissue handling during cruciate repairs to precise alignment in joint reconstruction. Every step is carefully executed to promote optimal healing.

Smart Pain Solutions

We take a proactive approach to your pet’s comfort after surgery. Our pain management strategy combines the latest nerve blocks, targeted medication protocols, and careful monitoring to stay ahead of discomfort. We adjust treatments based on your pet’s specific response, ensuring they remain comfortable as healing begins.

Active Recovery Steps

Recovery isn’t just about waiting – it’s about smart progression. We create a structured plan that safely advances your pet from gentle supported standing to controlled walking and eventually normal activity. Each week brings new goals and achievements, with our team adjusting techniques based on your pet’s healing response and confidence level.

Why Our Orthopedic Surgery Solutions

At Poplar View Pet Hospital, we tackle complex orthopedic cases that other clinics often refer out. Every time your dog takes a comfortable step after cruciate surgery, or your cat leaps gracefully following a complex fracture repair, it validates our dedication to surgical excellence.

Our investment in specialized arthroscopic equipment means smaller incisions and faster healing for your pet. We’re proud when pet parents tell us their senior dog bounded out to greet them weeks after hip surgery, or their agility champion returned to earning ribbons following joint reconstruction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does pet insurance cover orthopedic surgery?

Most pet insurance policies cover orthopedic surgery when it’s deemed medically necessary. However, coverage varies by provider and policy type. Some plans may have waiting periods for orthopedic conditions or require additional riders for complete coverage. We recommend reviewing your policy details and consulting with your insurance provider about specific coverage for orthopedic procedures.

Should a vet clean dog's teeth during orthopedic surgery?

While it’s possible to perform dental cleaning during orthopedic surgery, it’s generally not recommended. Orthopedic procedures require focused attention and specific positioning that may not be compatible with dental work. Additionally, extending anesthesia time for non-essential procedures can increase risks. We typically recommend addressing dental needs in a separate procedure.

How much does orthopedic surgery cost for a dog?

The cost of orthopedic surgery varies significantly depending on the specific procedure, your dog’s size, and the complexity of the condition being treated. Factors like pre-surgical testing, anesthesia, post-operative care, and medications all contribute to the total cost. During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed estimate and discuss payment options to help make treatment accessible for your pet.

Get Your Pet Back to Active Life!

Watching your pet struggle with mobility shouldn’t be your new normal. Our orthopedic team has helped anxious retrievers return to swimming, senior cats regain their window perch privileges, and working dogs get back to their jobs.

Reach out to Poplar View Pet Hospital today – your pet’s comfort can’t wait.