Pet Orthopedic Surgery
If your pet is limping, slowing down, or showing signs of pain, our team at Laveen Veterinary Center offers experienced pet orthopedic surgery in Laveen, AZ — including TPLO surgery for dogs, fracture repair, and corrective procedures for conditions such as Patellar Luxation.
What Is Pet Orthopedic Surgery?
Pet orthopedic surgery focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the bones, joints, ligaments, and overall musculoskeletal system. These procedures are often recommended when a pet has a torn cruciate ligament, a broken bone, a painful hip condition, or a kneecap that repeatedly slips out of place.
At Laveen Veterinary Center, orthopedic care is individualized to each patient. Some pets need surgery to restore stability and function, while others benefit from a combination of diagnostics, pain management, and carefully guided recovery planning. Our goal is always to improve comfort, mobility, and long-term quality of life.
What to Expect from Veterinary Orthopedics
Orthopedic cases begin with a detailed physical examination and diagnostic imaging to identify the source of pain or instability. Once we understand the condition fully, we create a treatment plan based on your pet’s age, size, activity level, and overall health. Our orthopedic services include:
- TPLO surgery for dogs with cranial cruciate ligament injury
- Extracapsular Lateral Suture Stabilization for selected cruciate cases
- Patellar Luxation corrective surgery
- Fracture repair using internal fixation techniques when appropriate
- Femoral Head and Neck Osteotomy for certain hip conditions and chronic pain
- Evaluation and treatment planning for joint and mobility disorders
Before surgery, we perform a full health assessment and pre-anesthetic testing. During the procedure, your pet is supported with individualized anesthesia, advanced monitoring, and pain management. After surgery, our team provides clear recovery instructions, recheck scheduling, and guidance on restricted activity, rehabilitation, and follow-up care.
Why Orthopedic Surgery Matters
Orthopedic problems can dramatically affect your pet’s ability to walk, run, climb stairs, or even stand comfortably. In many cases, these conditions worsen over time if left untreated, leading to muscle loss, chronic pain, arthritis, and reduced quality of life. Key benefits of orthopedic pet surgery include:
- Improved limb stability and joint function
- Reduced pain and inflammation
- Better long-term mobility
- Protection against worsening joint damage
- Increased comfort during everyday activities
For example, dog knee surgery for a torn cruciate ligament can help restore stability and reduce abnormal movement within the joint. Procedures such as TPLO surgery for dogs are widely studied and often recommended for active pets with cruciate disease. Surgical correction for Patellar Luxation can also reduce pain, improve alignment, and help prevent progressive arthritis.
Advanced Orthopedic Experience in Laveen
At Laveen Veterinary Center, orthopedic surgery is one of our major clinical focus areas. Dr. Evan Ware serves as the primary dog orthopedic surgeon on our team and has expanded his knowledge through advanced continuing education in veterinary orthopedics. Our hospital offers:
AAHA-accredited standards for surgery, monitoring, and patient safety
State-of-the-art radiograph technology for diagnosis and surgical planning
Advanced anesthesia monitoring and pain management
Local nerve blocks and epidural support when appropriate
Structured post-operative follow-up and recovery guidance
We perform a broad range of orthopedic procedures with attention to both immediate repair and long-term function. Whether your pet needs Extracapsular Lateral Suture Stabilization, Femoral Head and Neck Osteotomy, fracture repair, or another corrective surgery, we focus on making each plan as clear, safe, and individualized as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my pet may need orthopedic surgery?
Common signs include limping, stiffness, difficulty rising, reluctance to jump, swelling, pain after activity, or not bearing weight on a limb. Any of these signs warrant an orthopedic evaluation.
What is TPLO surgery for dogs?
TPLO is a type of dog knee surgery used to treat cruciate ligament injuries. It changes the mechanics of the knee to improve stability and help dogs return to comfortable movement.
What is Extracapsular Lateral Suture Stabilization?
Extracapsular Lateral Suture Stabilization is another surgical option for certain cruciate injuries. It uses a strong suture placed outside the joint to help stabilize the knee while healing occurs.
What is Femoral Head and Neck Osteotomy?
Femoral Head and Neck Osteotomy is a procedure used to relieve pain in certain hip conditions, including fractures, severe arthritis, and hip luxation. It is commonly considered for smaller dogs and cats, though some larger pets may also benefit.
How long does orthopedic recovery take?
Recovery depends on the procedure and the pet. Some repairs heal in a matter of weeks, while others—such as TPLO—require several months of structured healing and follow-up.
Helping Pets Move More Comfortably
Mobility has a major impact on your pet’s quality of life, and orthopedic problems often affect far more than movement alone. At Laveen Veterinary Center, our approach to orthopedic pet surgery combines advanced diagnostics, experienced surgical planning, and detailed recovery support for dogs and cats with joint, ligament, bone, and hip conditions. By addressing pain, restoring stability, and guiding each patient through healing, we help pets throughout our region return to a safer, more comfortable level of activity.