Orthopaedic Surgery for Pets

Orthopaedic conditions can significantly impact your pet’s comfort, mobility, and quality of life. At St George Vets, our experienced team offers a range of advanced surgical options to treat joint, ligament, and bone problems – from knee and hip injuries to congenital conditions. Each procedure is carefully selected and tailored to your pet’s specific needs, size, and lifestyle to help them get back on their feet and enjoying life again.

What Is Orthopaedic Surgery?

Orthopaedic surgery is a specialised area of veterinary medicine focused on treating injuries and disorders of the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These types of issues are especially common in active dogs, large breeds, and older pets, but can affect animals of any size or age.

Some of the most common conditions we treat include:

• Fractures: Broken bones are repaired using plates, pins, screws, or external fixation devices, depending on the type and severity of the break.
• Joint Conditions: Issues such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and osteoarthritis may be treated with corrective surgeries, joint replacements, or arthroscopy.
• Ligament Injuries: Ruptured ligaments, particularly in the knee (such as cruciate ligament injuries), are repaired with procedures like TPLO or lateral suture techniques.
• Spinal Injuries: Herniated discs or vertebral fractures can sometimes be managed surgically, helping restore mobility and relieve pain.

Recovery and Aftercare

Orthopaedic procedures are typically performed under general anaesthetic, and your pet may need to stay with us for monitoring and pain management after surgery. Recovery time will vary depending on the procedure, but most pets require a combination of rest, rehabilitation exercises, and follow-up care. Our team will provide a personalised recovery plan and guidance every step of the way.

It’s worth noting that not all orthopaedic conditions require surgery. In some cases, conservative treatment such as rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physiotherapy may be effective. Our veterinarians will thoroughly assess your pet and recommend the best course of action for their specific condition.

If your pet is limping, in pain, or showing signs of mobility issues, contact us today to arrange a consultation.

Cruciate Surgery for Dogs

Cruciate disease is the most common cause of chronic hindlimb lameness in dogs, particularly in large breeds and overweight pets. It occurs when the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) — a key stabilising ligament in the knee — becomes stretched, torn, or ruptured. This injury is similar to an ACL tear in humans and often causes ongoing pain, limping, and reduced mobility.

In many cases, surgical intervention is required to stabilise the knee and restore comfort and function. At St George Vets, our experienced surgical team offers a range of cruciate repair techniques tailored to suit your dog’s size, activity level, and conformation.

Cruciate Surgery Options at St George Vets

Our veterinarians will carefully assess your dog’s condition and recommend the most appropriate surgical technique. We regularly perform:

• Lateral Suture Technique (De Angelis Procedure):
  A strong synthetic suture is placed around the outside of the joint to mimic the function of the damaged ligament. Ideal for smaller or less active dogs.
• Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO):
  One of the most advanced and commonly used surgeries for cruciate repair. It involves reshaping the tibia to alter the knee mechanics, removing the need for the CCL altogether. Often preferred for large, active dogs.
  At St George Vets, we work with specialist surgeons from VSOS (Veterinary Specialists of Sydney) who visit our clinic to perform TPLO procedures, ensuring your pet receives expert surgical care close to home.

All of these procedures are available at SGV and performed by veterinarians with extensive training and experience in orthopaedic surgery.

What to Expect After Surgery

Recovery from cruciate surgery typically takes several months and requires rest, pain management, and controlled activity. Your dog may also benefit from rehabilitation exercises or physiotherapy as they heal. Our team will guide you through each step of the post-operative care process to ensure the best possible outcome.

In some cases, non-surgical management may be considered, especially in smaller dogs or less active patients. This might include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. However, most dogs with a ruptured CCL will benefit significantly from surgery.

If your dog is showing signs of hindlimb lameness or discomfort, contact our team to schedule an assessment. Early diagnosis and the right treatment plan can make all the difference in their long-term mobility and comfort.

Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)

FHO is a surgical procedure used to treat severe hip problems, such as hip dysplasia, fractures, or dislocations, that cause chronic pain and limit mobility. It involves removing the femoral head (the “ball” of the hip joint), allowing a false joint to form from the surrounding muscles and scar tissue.

This technique is most commonly performed in small to medium-sized dogs, and can greatly reduce pain while allowing pets to regain comfortable mobility. Post-surgery, most pets enjoy an active, pain-free life with appropriate rehabilitation.

Luxating Patella Repair

A luxating patella occurs when the kneecap slips out of its normal position, causing lameness, discomfort, or skipping steps while walking or running. It is often due to a shallow groove in the femur or abnormal limb alignment and is especially common in small dog breeds.
Surgical repair typically involves deepening the patellar groove, tightening or loosening soft tissues, and sometimes adjusting bone alignment to keep the kneecap in place. These procedures aim to restore stability, prevent further joint damage, and allow pets to return to normal activity levels.

For more information about our orthopaedic surgery services, get in touch with our team today.