Have you been told your pet needs orthopedic surgery? Today, our Santa Cruz County vets discuss what orthopedic surgery is, the different types of procedures, and what the recovery process if 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 need orthopedic surgery. The dog will be referred to a veterinary specialist who is trained and equipped with the necessary tools.
What is the orthopedic surgery procedure like?
Orthopedic surgery is the use of surgical procedures to restore a canine limb to normal or near-normal function. Bone plates, pins or screws, nylon, casts, or an artificial joint are normally used. Dogs in good health are ideal candidates for orthopedic procedures such as bone and joint correction surgery. Pre-operative blood work and an overall canine analysis are required for a successful surgery.
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?
Orthopedic surgery necessitates a lengthy recovery and rehabilitation period, with exercise restrictions lasting at least two weeks. After the first two weeks, the dog's activity will be restricted for four months, and physical therapy may be recommended.
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.
To avoid fractures or bone breaks, basic canine safety precautions, such as providing a fenced-in yard and using a leash outside the home, are essential. The only way to prevent hereditary or congenital causes is to stop all reproductive practices in canines known to have the condition(s). Spaying and neutering is the most effective form of treatment for canines with hereditary joint complications, such as hip or elbow dysplasia.
