Has your dog sustained an injury resulting in the need for an orthopedic surgical procedure? Today, our Astoria vets explain what orthopedic surgery is, the different types of procedures for dogs, and what you can expect from the recovery process.
What is orthopedic surgery and when is it needed?
A veterinarian can perform orthopedic surgery to repair a damaged bone or joint and restore your dog's health. Your dog will need a lengthy recovery and rehabilitation period following this procedure, and the cost of surgery can be expensive.
A dog who has broken or fractured a bone as a result of trauma or a congenital condition that impacts the joint may require orthopedic surgery. Your dog will be treated by a veterinarian who is trained and equipped with the necessary tools to perform this type of surgery.
What will happen during the orthopedic surgery procedure?
When a dog needs a joint, tendon, or ligament repaired, this surgical treatment is referred to orthopedic surgery. In most cases, bone plates, screws, pins, casts, or an artificial joint are used. Dogs that are in otherwise good health are excellent candidates for orthopedic procedures such as bone and joint correction surgery.
For the surgery to be successful, a pre-operative exam and blood work must be done to determine which surgical approach will be best based on the dog's injury and whether your pooch is healthy enough to undergo the procedure.
What are the different types of orthopedic surgeries?
There are numerous types of orthopedic surgery, including:
TPLO: TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) surgery is often performed on dogs who have torn their cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), also referred to as a dog's ACL (anterior cruciate ligament).
Cruciate: Cruciate surgery is used to repair a torn CCL in the stifle (knee), which functions like the ACL in humans. CCL surgery is another common orthopedic surgery performed in dogs.
MPL: Medial patellar luxation (MPL) surgery corrects the luxation, or "popping out" of the kneecap (patella). A luxating patella occurs when a congenital malformation places abnormal forces on the kneecap, causing it to slide out of its normal groove (called the patellar groove).
FHO: Femoral head osteotomy (FHO) is a procedure to surgically remove the femoral head and neck. In layman's terms, a vet removes the "ball" portion of the ball-and-socket joint that comprises the hip joint.
THR: A total hip replacement (THR) is a surgical procedure to replace diseased cartilage and bone in the hip joint with a prosthesis or "artificial joint."
Lateral Suture: During this simple surgery, a vet uses a single fiber plastic line called a monofilament to stabilize the knee on the outside of the joint. This extremely strong suture or line outside of the joint re-establishes the stability the joint requires when the ACL is torn.
TTA: A tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) surgery is used to repair a torn CCL. Unlike other procedures, the goal of this surgery is not to repair or recreate the ligament, but rather to change the dynamics of the knee so that the CCL is no longer needed for the joint to be stable.
How successful are orthopedic surgeries for dogs?
Orthopedic surgeries commonly have ideal success rates and are the most common method of treatment for dogs experiencing injuries to their joints and ligaments.
What can you expect during your dog's recovery from orthopedic surgery?
Once your dog has returned home from orthopedic surgery, you can expect to follow strict instructions for about two weeks. During this time, your dog will need to be restricted in movement. Following the first two weeks, the dog's activity will be limited to four months, and physical therapy may be recommended.
How can you prevent the need for veterinary orthopedic surgery?
Many causes of bone surgery are related to unexpected injury or hereditary joint conditions, so preventing the need for vet orthopedic surgery is important for pet owners.
Basic canine safety precautions, such as providing a fenced-in yard and using a leash outside the home, are critical to avoiding fractures or bone breaks. The only way to prevent hereditary or congenital causes is to halt all reproductive practices in canines known to be affected by the condition(s). Canines with hereditary joint complications, such as hip or elbow dysplasia, benefit most from spaying and neutering.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.