Has your dog sustained an injury resulting in the need for a surgical procedure? Here, our Toledo vet orthopedic surgeons discuss what orthopedic surgery is, the different types of procedures, and what the recovery process is like for dogs.
What is orthopedic surgery and when is it needed?
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. Your dog will see a veterinary orthopedic surgeon who is trained and equipped with the necessary tools.
What can you expect with your dog's orthopedic surgery?
When a dog needs repair to a tendon, ligament, or joint, the surgical treatment is referred to 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.
What are the different types of orthopedic surgeries?
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 much does orthopedic surgery for dogs cost?
The cost of orthopedic surgery for dogs can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, like your dog's specific condition, any potential complications that may need to be considered, pre-surgical diagnostics that may be required, and more. Your vet or veterinary surgeon can provide a cost estimate for your pet's procedure.
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 their orthopedic surgery, you can expect to follow strict instructions for about two weeks. Your dog will need to have their movement restricted during this time. Following the first two weeks, the dog's activity will be limited to four months, and physical therapy may be advised.
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.