A New Standard of Orthopedics

Orthopedic Surgery Basics

Orthopedic surgery helps to correct injuries or diseases of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, or other skeletal structures in dogs and cats. Gold-Standard orthopedic care involves the use of advanced diagnostics, modern surgical tools, effective post-surgical treatment such as pain management and rehabilitation, and a surgeon who dedicates their career to being at the cutting edge of the industry. We are proud to have all of these critical pieces, as quality orthopedic surgery can make a significant difference in the quality of a pet’s life.

Orthopedic Surgery Basics

Orthopedic surgery helps to correct injuries or diseases of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, or other skeletal structures in dogs and cats. Gold-Standard orthopedic care involves the use of advanced diagnostics, modern surgical tools, effective post-surgical treatment such as pain management and rehabilitation, and a surgeon who dedicates their career to being at the cutting edge of the industry. We are proud to have all of these critical pieces, as quality orthopedic surgery can make a significant difference in the quality of a pet’s life.

Signs a Pet Needs Orthopedic Surgery

Difficulty running, jumping, or climbing stairs
Obvious pain
Licking or biting at the knee
A swaying gait
Decreased movement or range of motion
Limping or lameness
Clicking of joints
Sitting abnormally

Questions? Contact Us!

Signs a Pet Needs Orthopedic Surgery

Difficulty running, jumping, or climbing stairs
Obvious pain
Licking or biting at the knee
A swaying gait
Decreased movement or range of motion
Limping or lameness
Clicking of joints
Sitting abnormally

Questions? Contact Us!

Types of Procedures

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Tears (through TPLO)
Extracapsular Cranial Cruciate Ligament Stabilization
Patellar Luxation Repair
Coxofemural Luxation Repair
Sacroiliac Luxation Repair
Osteochondritis Repair
Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy(FHO)
Mandibulectomy & Maxillectomy
Bone Biopsy
Limb Amputation
Fracture Repair utilizing external fixation, bone plating, intramedullary pinning, cerclage wiring and lag screw placement.
Juvenile Pelvic Symphysis(JPS)
Laser Therapy

Types of Procedures

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Tears (through TPLO)
Extracapsular Cranial Cruciate Ligament Stabilization
Patellar Luxation Repair
Coxofemural Luxation Repair
Sacroiliac Luxation Repair
Osteochondritis Repair
Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy(FHO)
Mandibulectomy & Maxillectomy
Bone Biopsy
Limb Amputation
Fracture Repair utilizing external fixation, bone plating, intramedullary pinning, cerclage wiring and lag screw placement.
Juvenile Pelvic Synthesis(JPS)

Cranial cruciate ligament tears are commonly equated to ACL tears in humans. Commonly occurring in young and middle-aged large breed dogs, surgical intervention is often needed to return the pet to normal function. The knee is a joint held together by a series of ligaments, the strongest being the cranial cruciate ligament located inside the knee joint. The cranial cruciate ligament is responsible for maintaining stability of the joint and preventing backward sliding of the femur on the tibia. Constant stress paced on the knee joint eventually leads to complete are partial tearing of the ligament thus leading to sudden debilitating lameness, intermittent limping, or mild limping or stiffness that progressively becomes worse. There are multiple procedures that are available to treat this injury and at Groves Veterinary Clinic we make recommendations on a case by case basis.

Dr. Groves has successfully performed many cranial cruciate ligament repairs including; tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and lateral suture/extracapsular stabilization. His recommendations are based on the following criteria: medical history, age, weight, breed, activity level of the patient and anatomy of the knee.

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Tears

Watch our Video

Fluffy Caucasian shepherd dog is lying on a green grass. Caucasian Shepherd dog in the yard

Beautiful St. Bernard sits near blooming apple trees

Young pretty girl running outdoor in the spring with her Bernese Mountain dog

The TPLO is an advanced procedure which stabilizes the knee by leveling the tibial plateau allowing the femur to sit firmly while the leg is in motion. During the TPLO procedure, the surgeon will make a curved cut in the top of the tibia and rotate the segment to level the slope. A plate and screws are applied to hold the tibia in this position and allow for the bone to heal. Recovery following TPLO surgery often occurs more rapidly and patients are able to return to normal function much sooner in comparison to other surgical methods . In our experience, patients will begin walking within 24 hours following surgery and begin weight bearing on the operated limb in less than five days. Additionally, the TPLO results in better range of motion and less arthritis long term versus other surgical methods.

When selecting a TPLO surgeon, it is important to consider experience and verify licensure. In order to perform the TPLO, the veterinarian must receive advanced training and become licensed. Dr. Groves is one of only a hand full of TPLO licensed veterinarians in Southwest Florida.

Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO)

Boston terrier puppy running through the yard.

Extracapsular Cranial Cruciate Ligament Stabilization

Extracapsular stabilization involves stabilizing the stifle by placing a non-absorbable suture material around the lateral fabella and through a hole in the tibial crest mimicking the pattern of the cranial cruciate ligament. The suture typically provides only temporary stabilization and may loosen over time.

Studio shot of an adorable great dane sitting and looking up intently

Extracapsular Cranial Cruciate Ligament Stabilization

Extracapsular stabilization involves stabilizing the stifle by placing a non-absorbable suture material around the lateral fabella and through a hole in the tibial crest mimicking the pattern of the cranial cruciate ligament. The suture typically provides only temporary stabilization and may loosen over time.