Have you been told your dog needs orthopedic surgery? Today, our Ocala vets discuss what orthopedic surgery is, the different types of procedures, and what the recovery process is like for dogs.
What is orthopedic surgery in dogs?
Orthopedic surgery is the most effective procedure for repairing a damaged bone or joint and restoring the patient's health. It necessitates a lengthy period of recovery and rehabilitation, 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 affecting the joint may require orthopedic surgery. The dog will be referred to a veterinary specialist who is trained and equipped with the necessary tools.
Common Conditions That May Require Orthopedic Surgery
Some common conditions that may require a dog to have orthopedic surgery include hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament tears, and patellar luxation. Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't fit properly into the socket, leading to pain and arthritis. Cruciate ligament tears are common in active dogs and can cause instability in the knee joint, leading to lameness and pain. Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap slips out of place, causing discomfort and difficulty walking.
Fractures can also occur from trauma or accidents, requiring surgical intervention to realign and stabilize the bone for proper healing.
What is the orthopedic surgery procedure like?
The use of surgical procedures to restore a canine limb to normal or near-normal function is referred to as orthopedic surgery. In most cases, bone plates, pins or screws, nylon, casts, or an artificial joint are used. In good health, dogs are excellent candidates for orthopedic procedures such as bone and joint correction surgery. A successful surgery necessitates pre-operative blood work and an overall canine analysis.
There are several different types of orthopedic surgery, including:
TPLO: The TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) surgery has become one of the most commonly performed orthopedic surgeries on dogs who have torn their cranial cruciate ligament, also known as the dog ACL.
MPL: The medial patellar luxation (MPL) surgery corrects the luxation, or "popping out" of the kneecap (called the patella). A luxating patella is caused by a congenital malformation that causes abnormal forces on the kneecap, causing it to slide out of its normal groove (called the patellar groove).
FHO: A femoral head osteotomy, or FHO, is the surgical removal of the femoral head and neck. In layman's terms, it is the removal of the "ball" portion of the ball-and-socket joint that comprises the hip joint.
THR: A total hip replacement (THR) is a surgical procedure that involves the replacement of the diseased cartilage and bone of the hip joint. These are then replaced with a prosthesis or “artificial joint”.
Lateral Suture: Essentially the concept for the surgery is very simple. To stabilize the knee on the outside of the joint by using a single fiber plastic line called a mono-filament. This very strong suture or line outside of the joint re-establishes the stability the joint needs when the ACL is torn.
TTA: A tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) is a surgical procedure used to repair a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL). Unlike other procedures, the goal of this surgery is not to recreate or repair the ligament, but rather to change the dynamics of the knee so that the cranial cruciate ligament is no longer required for joint stability.
Cruciate: Cruciate surgery is used to repair a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in the stifle (knee), which functions similarly to the ACL in humans. CCL surgery is the most common orthopedic surgery performed in dogs, accounting for approximately 85% of all orthopedic surgeries performed each year.
How effective are orthopedic surgeries?
Orthopedic surgery is the most effective type of surgery for restoring a canine's normal state after a bone injury or joint condition.
What is recovery from orthopedic surgery like?
Following orthopedic surgery, there is a lengthy recovery and rehabilitation period, with exercise restrictions lasting at least two weeks. Following the first two weeks, the dog's activity will be limited to four months, and physical therapy may be advised.
What can I do to prevent my dog from needing orthopedic surgery?
Many causes of bone surgery are related to unexpected injury or hereditary joint conditions, so preventing the need for 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 for preventing fractures and bone breaks. The only way to avoid hereditary or congenital causes is to discontinue all reproductive practices in canines known to be affected by the condition(s). Spaying and neutering are especially beneficial for canines with hereditary joint complications, such as hip or elbow dysplasia.
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 or boarding needs, please make an appointment with your vet.
