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Orthopedic Surgery
Our orthopedic surgeries are limited to surgeries involving the stifle (or knee) in dogs. Stifle problems are the number one orthopedic problem that we see in dogs, and surgery to correct abnormalities can greatly increase your dog’s quality of life by reducing pain and increasing normal mobility.
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.
Orthopedic Surgeries performed at Riverview Animal Hospital:
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.
