Pet Orthopedic Surgery

Our Veterinary Orthopedic Surgery Services

If your pet has recently started experiencing pain or has chronic pain, it could result from a variety of orthopedic conditions, such as hip dysplasia. Whether these orthopedic issues result from age, breed or injury, they can impact your pet’s overall quality of life.

Orthopedic cases involve conditions that affect your pet’s skeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.  Orthopedic abnormalities can affect the mood and quality of life of your pet.  These abnormalities may be a result of trauma, cancer, congenital disease, breed predisposition, as well as osteoarthritis, a progressive and degenerative disorder of the joints. 

After a complete physical exam and diagnostics that include digital radiographs, our veterinarians will help determine the best course of action to help minimize pain and restore mobility.  

At Belmont Animal Hospital, we understand each pet has different needs for treating and relieving pain. Our orthopedic surgeons and veterinarians will communicate with you and examine your pet to fully diagnose their orthopedic problems while answering any questions you may have about the upcoming surgical procedures. We offer the following orthopedic services at our clinic:

• Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA)
  • This surgery is a corrective procedure for a torn cranial cruciate ligament (in humans referred to as an ACL). We recommend this surgery for dogs 50 pounds or larger as it provides more stabilization than the extra capsular repair. TTA surgery falls into the same category as TPLO or CBLO surgery.
• Extracapsular Lateral Suture Stabilization (ELSS)
  • This surgery is a corrective procedure for a torn cranial cruciate ligament (in humans referred to as an ACL). We recommend this surgery for dogs less than 50 pounds as it provides good long-term stabilization in medium to small dogs.
• Patellar Luxation Repair
  • This surgery is a corrective procedure for luxating patellas (Knee caps that slide out of place). Several Techniques can be utilized based on the individual patient’s needs in order to keep the patella moving in the correct anatomical position.
• Limb Amputation
  • This surgery is utilized in cases where a limb is broken beyond repair, or in cases of severe or aggressive cancer associated with a limb.
• Digit Amputation
  • One or multiple toes may be removed in instances of cancerous lesions on the toes or significant anatomical abnormalities. In accordance with our Feline Friendly status and in congruence with AAFP standards, we do not perform elective de-claw surgeries in cats.

How Does Orthopedic Surgery Work?

Orthopedic surgery for pets involves procedures that help to restore your pet’s limbs to their uninjured state and promote healing. Depending on your pet’s specific medical needs, our veterinary surgery team may use bone plates, pins or screws, nylon, casts or artificial joints to achieve their orthopedic surgery goals.

Before starting orthopedic surgery, your pet will undergo heavy sedation and receive supplementary oxygen, as their specific procedure may take a few hours to complete. Since orthopedic surgery is an intensive process, your pet will need blood work and an overall analysis to ensure they are in good health before starting surgery.

What to Expect During Your Pet’s Recovery Period

After their procedure, your pet will require time to recover in the hospital and additional care at home. Our surgery team will discuss post-operative care to ensure you understand how to help your pet on their road to recovery. If there are any concerns about your pet’s health post-surgery, they may remain at our facility for a few days. This period ensures they are comfortable and fully recovered from their operation.

Your pet will need to rest after surgery, and they are likely to be groggy and confused as the anesthesia wears off. You will also need to ensure your pet is not too active, which may impact the healing process. Administer all prescribed medications as directed during the recovery period and monitor the incision for infections. If your pet experiences any complications, make sure to call our office immediately so we can help your pet recover and feel their best as soon as possible.

What Are the Benefits of Orthopedic Surgery for Your Pet?

Orthopedic surgery effectively improves mobility, reduces pain and improves your pet’s overall quality of life. Some additional benefits of orthopedic surgery are:

• Orthopedic surgery serves as a curative treatment for many joint problems, such as fractures and arthritis.
• Undergoing an orthopedic procedure can improve your pet’s overall mobility and helps them get better faster.
• Orthopedic surgeries aim to prevent complications that may arise if your pet’s condition remains untreated.
• Pets experience no pain during orthopedic surgery since they must receive anesthesia.
• Depending on your pet’s needs, their surgery may be minimally invasive, reducing their bleeding, pain and recovery period.

Schedule an Appointment for Your Pet at Belmont Animal Hospital

Help your pet restore and improve their quality of life with orthopedic surgery services from Belmont Animal Hospital. Our world-class services will ensure your pet receives the expert care they need. What’s more, we are more than happy to walk you through the entire process so you feel confident about your pet’s care plan.

Are you looking for veterinary orthopedic surgery in Nashville? Call the team at Belmont Animal Hospital today to learn more about our orthopedic surgery services or schedule an appointment for your pet.