Orthopedic Surgery for Pets

When your pet is injured, it can be tough for both of you. If you notice your pet limping or not moving as easily as usual, they may be experiencing an orthopedic issue.

If your dog or cat is dealing with a severe leg or joint injury, they might need orthopedic surgery. Our veterinary team at Animal Care Center of Castle Pines is here to help your furry friend get the care they need to feel better and move like their old self again.

Common Pet Orthopedic Surgeries

The following surgeries are routinely performed by our orthopedic veterinarians to get your pet on the road to feeling better!

ACL Surgery

Just like people, pets have an ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) in their knees, and it’s super important for keeping the knee stable. It’s located in their back legs, and if your pet tears or injures it, they’ll start limping or might even stop using that leg altogether. This is especially common in dogs—whether they’re young and super active or a senior starting to slow down.

When your pet tears their ACL, surgery is usually needed to fix it. The goal with cat and dog ACL repair is to get their knee back to working properly and prevent any more damage. There are a few ways to go about a pet ACL repair, but the treatment plan really depends on your pet's individual case—taking into account their size, how bad the injury is, and how active they are. A pet does not always need surgery for an ACL repair.

TPLO Surgery

TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) is a procedure where a veterinary orthopedic surgeon changes the angle of your dog’s knee joint to stabilize it. Unlike traditional ACL repair, dog TPLO surgery changes the way the knee moves, so your pet doesn’t need their ACL anymore to be stable. It sounds intense, but it’s a game-changer for active dogs and large breeds. After TPLO surgery, most pets can run, jump, and play again without any trouble!

Do You Need an Orthopedic Vet Specialist for Surgery?

Sometimes, our expert vets can handle an ACL repair or TPLO, especially if it’s a standard case. However, we'll refer you to a specialist for more complex injuries or surgeries. Orthopedic specialists have extra training and tools to handle these advanced surgeries. Our veterinarians will work closely with the specialist team to make sure your pet gets top-notch care every step of the way!

Pet Physical Therapy

Physical rehab is super important for a smooth recovery, whether your pet gets ACL repair or TPLO surgery. Cat and dog physical rehab helps them regain strength, flexibility, and movement in the injured leg. It can also speed up healing and prevent future issues.

Some common physical therapy techniques for pets include:

• Therapeutic exercises to build up muscles and strengthen the joint.
• Laser therapy to reduce inflammation and boost healing.
• Hydrotherapy (like swimming or using an underwater treadmill) to help your pet exercise without stressing the joint.
• Massage therapy to improve your pet's circulation and ease any muscle tension.

With the right rehab plan, your pet will be back to their fun, playful self in no time!

Veterinary Orthopedic Surgery in Castle Rock

At Animal Care Center of Castle Pines, we’re here to help your pet feel their best—whether they need an ACL repair or a more advanced surgery like TPLO. If your pet needs cat or dog orthopedic surgery beyond what we can do at our hospital, we’ll refer you to our trusted veterinary orthopedic specialist partners. Once your pet gets the surgery they need, we have the rehab services they need to recover fully and get back to their favorite activities.

If you think your pet might have an orthopedic issue, call us at (303) 688-3660 or book an appointment online below!