Have you been told your pet needs orthopedic surgery? Today, our Jackson 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.
Orthopedic surgery may be necessary for a dog that has broken or fractured a bone due to trauma or a congenital condition that affects the joint. A qualified veterinarian specialist with the required tools and training will be recommended for the dog.
What is the orthopedic surgery procedure like?
Surgery is used in orthopedic surgery to return a canine limb to normal or nearly normal function. The usual methods include bone plates, pins or screws, nylon, casts, or an artificial joint. Dogs in good health make the best candidates for orthopedic surgeries like bone and joint replacements. A successful surgery requires pre-operative blood work and a general dog 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?
Orthopedic surgery requires a protracted period of recuperation and rehabilitation, with exercise restrictions that last at least two weeks. The dog's activity will be limited for the following four weeks after the first two, and physical therapy may be suggested.
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 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.