Orthopedic Surgery for Dogs and Cats in Scottsdale, AZ
Limping, stiffness, and reluctance to jump or play can be signs of an orthopedic problem affecting your pet’s bones, joints, or ligaments. At Salt River Veterinary Specialists, our board-certified surgical team treats common orthopedic conditions, including cruciate ligament ruptures, kneecap luxation, and hip problems, and offers bracing and arthritis consultations to keep pets active and comfortable.
Orthopedic Conditions We Treat
- Cranial cruciate ligament rupture – The canine equivalent of an ACL tear and one of the most common causes of hind-limb lameness in dogs. Treatment options include tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), which changes the angle of the knee to stabilize it, and lateral suture stabilization for some smaller or less active dogs.
- Patellar luxation – A kneecap that slips out of place, common in small breeds. Surgery realigns the kneecap and deepens its groove to prevent luxation and reduce arthritis.
- Femoral head ostectomy (FHO) – Removal of the femoral head for hip dysplasia, hip fractures, or Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, allowing a pain-free false joint to form.
- Amputations – For severe trauma, untreatable infections, or bone tumors, limb amputation can relieve pain. Most dogs and cats adapt remarkably well on three legs. Learn more on our cancer surgery page.
- Birth defects – Correction of congenital limb and joint abnormalities that affect comfort and mobility.
- Arthritis and bracing consultations – Non-surgical management, including custom bracing, weight management, medications, and activity plans for pets with arthritis or those who are not surgical candidates.
Signs of Orthopedic Problems
Watch for limping, toe-touching, sitting with one leg out to the side, stiffness after rest, difficulty rising or using stairs, muscle loss in a limb, or a “skipping” gait in small dogs. In Arizona, limping and bone pain can also be caused by Valley Fever, which can infect bones, so a complete evaluation is important.
Diagnosis and Planning
Our team performs a thorough orthopedic and neurological examination, followed by radiographs to evaluate bones and joints. Sedated joint evaluations, joint fluid analysis, and thoracic radiography for tumor staging may be recommended. These findings help determine whether surgery or conservative management is the best choice.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Orthopedic recovery requires strict activity restriction followed by a gradual return to exercise. We provide detailed recovery plans, pain management, and recheck radiographs, and we coordinate with your family veterinarian throughout healing. Pets recovering from trauma may also benefit from advanced wound care. Learn more about our surgery department, read what to expect, review payment options, or explore all conditions we treat.
Orthopedic Surgery FAQs
What is a TPLO?
Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy is a surgery that changes the angle of the knee to stabilize it after a cranial cruciate ligament rupture.
Can a torn cruciate ligament heal without surgery?
Some small dogs improve with conservative care, but many dogs, especially larger ones, have better long-term outcomes with surgery.
How long is recovery after orthopedic surgery?
Most orthopedic procedures require 8 to 12 weeks of restricted activity followed by a gradual return to exercise.
What is patellar luxation?
It is a condition in which the kneecap slips out of its normal position, causing intermittent limping or skipping, especially in small breeds.
Do pets do well after an amputation?
Yes. Most dogs and cats adapt quickly and live active, comfortable lives on three legs.
Can Valley Fever cause limping?
Yes. Valley Fever can infect bones and cause lameness and bone pain, so testing may be recommended for limping dogs in Arizona.
Are braces an option instead of surgery?
Custom braces can help some pets who are not surgical candidates. Our team can discuss whether bracing is appropriate.
Get Your Pet Moving Comfortably Again
Call Salt River Veterinary Specialists at (480) 819-8630 or request an appointment online to schedule an orthopedic consultation.