Orthopedic Surgery for Pets in Westminster, CO
Orthopedic surgery focuses on treating conditions involving a pet’s bones, joints, ligaments, and skeletal system. These procedures are often necessary when pets experience injuries, fractures, joint instability, or degenerative orthopedic conditions.
At Liberty Animal Hospital, our veterinary team performs both orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries, allowing us to provide comprehensive surgical care for pets. Orthopedic procedures are considered advanced surgeries because they require specialized training, precision, and experience to achieve the best outcomes.
Because pets cannot always follow activity restrictions during recovery, orthopedic repairs must be strong and stable to support proper healing. Our goal is to restore mobility, relieve pain, and help your pet return to normal activity as safely as possible.
Request an AppointmentSigns Your Pet May Need Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic conditions often affect a pet’s ability to walk, run, or bear weight normally. If your pet shows any of the following symptoms, they may have an injury or joint condition that requires veterinary evaluation.
- Being hit by a car or traumatic injury
- Falling from an elevated surface
- Sudden non-weight-bearing lameness
- Abnormal gait or favoring one limb
- Swelling around a joint
- Difficulty standing, walking, or climbing stairs
If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, prompt veterinary care is important. Early diagnosis often leads to better treatment outcomes.
Common Orthopedic Surgeries for Pets
Orthopedic surgery can treat a variety of skeletal injuries and joint problems. Some of the procedures commonly performed at Liberty Animal Hospital include:
- Luxating Patella Surgery: Corrects kneecap instability that causes the patella to slip out of place.
- Extracapsular ACL Repair: Used to stabilize torn cruciate ligaments in smaller dogs.
- Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO): A procedure that stabilizes the knee joint after a torn ACL, commonly recommended for larger or highly active dogs.
- Fracture Repair: Surgical stabilization of broken bones using plates, pins, or screws.
- Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy (FHO): A procedure used to relieve hip joint pain caused by injury or severe arthritis.
- Arthrodesis: A surgery that fuses a damaged joint when repair is not possible.
You may also want to learn more about our dog preventive care services or dog dental care to help maintain your pet’s overall health and reduce the risk of injury or illness.
What to Expect During Orthopedic Surgery
Before surgery, your veterinarian will perform a thorough examination and diagnostic imaging such as X-rays to determine the best treatment plan. Bloodwork may also be performed to ensure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia.
During surgery, specialized orthopedic implants or surgical techniques may be used to stabilize bones and joints. After the procedure, your pet will require controlled activity and follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.
Helping Your Pet Recover After Surgery
Recovery after orthopedic surgery requires patience and careful monitoring. Most pets need restricted activity, leash walks, and gradual rehabilitation during the healing process.
Our veterinary team will provide detailed recovery instructions, pain management strategies, and follow-up evaluations to help ensure your pet heals comfortably and safely.
If you believe your pet may need orthopedic surgery, call (720) 306-9900 or contact our veterinary team to schedule an examination.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthopedic Surgery for Pets
What conditions require orthopedic surgery in pets?
Orthopedic surgery may be required for fractures, ligament tears, joint instability, luxating patellas, hip problems, or traumatic injuries affecting bones and joints.
How do veterinarians diagnose orthopedic problems?
Veterinarians typically use physical exams, X-rays, and sometimes advanced imaging to diagnose orthopedic conditions.
Is orthopedic surgery safe for dogs and cats?
Most orthopedic procedures are safe when performed by experienced veterinarians using proper surgical techniques and anesthesia monitoring.
How long does recovery take after orthopedic surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the procedure but often ranges from several weeks to a few months with controlled activity and follow-up care.
Will my pet need physical therapy after surgery?
Some pets benefit from rehabilitation exercises or physical therapy to restore strength and mobility during recovery.
Can orthopedic surgery completely fix lameness?
Many pets regain excellent mobility after surgery, though results depend on the injury type, age, and overall health of the pet.