Pet Orthopedic Surgery
Advanced Surgical Care for Comfort and Mobility
It can be concerning when your dog is in pain or your cat is not moving like they used to. Orange City Family Animal Care performs select pet orthopedic surgeries in Orange City. Currently, our orthopedic surgical services in Sioux County focus mostly on cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries in dogs.
Cruciate Ligament Injury in Dogs
The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) plays a role in stabilizing your dog’s knee joint, similar to the ACL in humans. When this ligament tears or ruptures, the joint becomes unstable, leading to pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility. Your dog may have an injured CCL/ACL if they show:
- Limping in a hind leg
- Difficulty rising or using stairs
- Reluctance to run or jump
- Sitting with one leg extended
- Stiffness after activity
- Swelling around the knee
Without proper treatment, these injuries often lead to arthritis and lasting discomfort. If your dog is showing signs of a CCL injury, our team performs a thorough evaluation with diagnostics to confirm the diagnosis of your dog’s knee injury.
CCL Surgery to Restore Function
CCL surgery is a specialized orthopedic procedure that stabilizes the knee joint. For most dogs, especially medium to large breeds, surgery offers the best long-term outcome. Orthopedic surgeries at Orange City Family Animal Care include monitoring, sterile surgical techniques, and post-operative care.
Our veterinarian performs CCL surgery using a technique called TTA-MMP (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement – Modified Maquet Procedure), which improves your dog’s joint stability without replacing the torn ligament.
TTA-MMP for Dog Knee Surgery
Why does our veterinarian use TTA-MMP for CCL surgery in dogs? This specific knee surgery in dogs has shown improved knee stability, faster return to weight-bearing, reduced joint strain, and strong function.
This procedure is commonly performed at specialty hospitals, and we are proud to offer CCL surgery for dogs at Orange City Family Animal Care. We will walk you through the procedure in detail and help you determine if it’s the right choice for your dog.
Amputations
In addition to CCL surgery, we perform amputations for cats and dogs. Amputations may be recommended in cases of severe injury, chronic pain, or debilitating diseases affecting a limb. Our veterinary team understands the emotional challenges associated with amputation and is here to provide comprehensive care post-surgery.
Recovery After Veterinary Orthopedic Surgery
Recovery is a critical part of successful orthopedic surgery, and our experienced team will guide you through it. Most pets undergoing this kind of surgery will need restricted activity for several weeks and at least one follow-up evaluation. We will discuss your pet’s after-surgery care plan in detail.
To enhance recovery in many cases, we offer post-surgical laser therapy as part of your pet’s care plan. Laser therapy can help with inflammation and pain at the incision site.
Will my pet be in pain after their surgery?
Your dog’s comfort is a priority to us at Orange City Family Animal Care. We use pain management strategies for a smooth recovery. If you are ever concerned about how your pet is progressing after their orthopedic surgery, reach out to us.
I think my pet has an injury; what should I do?
If your cat or dog might have an injury that is causing them to limp or move oddly, please contact our veterinary clinic for an evaluation. Please note that unexplained limping in cats, especially males, can sometimes indicate a life-threatening urinary issue.
Does every dog with a CCL injury need surgery?
Not every dog that injures their ACL (CCL) will need orthopedic surgery. Some small dogs may be candidates for conservative management, but most benefit from surgery. We evaluate each case individually.
Can more than one of my dog’s knees be affected?
Yes. Dogs who injure one cruciate ligament are at higher risk of injuring the other. If your dog receives routine wellness exams at our veterinary clinic, we will monitor them closely for early signs.
Choose Expert Care with Pet Orthopedic Surgery in Orange City
If your dog is limping, slowing down, or showing signs of knee pain, an early evaluation for a knee injury can make a significant difference. Likewise, any mobility concern should be evaluated for an orthopedic issue. Let Orange City Family Animal Care help you understand your pet’s surgical options. Contact us today to schedule a surgical consultation.
Orange City Family Animal Care performs orthopedic surgery, including CCL surgery, for dogs and cats in Orange City, Maurice, LeMars, Sheldon, Paullina, Hawarden, Granville, Sioux Center, and the surrounding areas.