A complete examination will be necessary to isolate were the source of pain is. If imaging is needed our digital x-ray equipment will take excellent images to help diagnose the problem. Most injuries can be healed with rest and anti inflammatory medication but some may need surgery.

If surgery is needed, East Springs Animal Hospital can take care of you. We preform most fracture repairs an surgeries for Medial Luxating Patellas (MPLs} and Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomies (TPLO}.

What Is TPLO?

TPLO's are the most common orthopedic surgery preformed. Dr. Morgan was certified for TPLO surgeries in 2004 and has preformed numerous successful procedures. TPLO's are preformed to stabilize the knee joint after the cruciate ligament has been torn. The procedure involves cutting the tibia, turning the proximal segment so that the plateau on the top of the tibia is at a 4 to 8 degree, and applying a bone plate so that the bone heals back together in a new orientation. Recent studies have shown that on average dogs will return to 94% of their function and the surgery greatly reduces the progression of arthritis over time. We closely monitor the recovery of the dogs for 12 weeks prior to returning them to normal activity.

Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic surgery can help pets who suffer from joint problems, torn ligaments, broken bones, and even help correct congenital problems.

Overview

Orthopedic surgery treats bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles—areas in which your pet may feel pain in from a variety of conditions. If veterinary orthopedic surgery is recommended for your pet, we will do everything possible to keep them safe and comfortable before, during, and after the surgery.

Why would my pet need orthopedic surgery?

Orthopedic surgery can help animals who suffer from joint problems, torn ligaments, broken bones, and can even help correct congenital problems. Most orthopedic surgery is focused around the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), sometimes referred to as the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).

When should I seek orthopedic care for my pet?

Pay attention to the way your pet is moving around, any unusual changes may mean they have an orthopedic condition.

Typical symptoms of an orthopedic disorder include difficulty getting up, favoring a leg intermittently when walking, limping - swelling in the leg, stiffness or decreased activity level. If you notice any of these problems, you should take your pet to our facility for an examination.

How are typical orthopedic injuries treated?

Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO)

Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy is used to repair a torn ligament by changing the dynamic of the animal’s knee. The ligament becomes irrelevant to the stability of the knee by counteracting the force that caused the ligament to tear. The reconstructive surgery cuts the tibia bone, rotates it, and becomes held in place with metal plates. This is an extremely effective long-term solution for the injury.

Luxating Patella Surgery

Patellar luxation is a dislocated knee cap and most commonly seen in small breed dogs. Most patellar luxation occurs when the patellar displaces from its normal position to the inside of the knee. Pets with this condition may have an intermittent non-weight bearing lameness and you may even hear a popping noise in their knee. There are many ways to treat this from a simple knee brace for a Grade 1 luxation, to realignment surgery for lower grade luxations. Bring your pet in so we can determine the best way to treat the luxation.

Fracture Repairs

A fracture is a break in the bone or cartilage and can be repaired from simple external splinting to more advanced internal plating. Fractures are typically caused by trauma, a disease or tumor in the bone, or stress applied to a certain bone.

Our veterinarians adhere to the highest level of care standards for all surgical procedures. Our highly skilled doctors place the utmost emphasis on pain management to ensure your pet is safe and comfortable throughout the treatment process. Using advanced technology, your pet's vital signs are monitored by our veterinary technicians, who will remain with your pet through recovery.