Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic Surgery For Pets

At Northridge Animal Medical Center, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive orthopedic care for our beloved furry companions. Whether your pet is facing a congenital joint disorder or a broken bone, our extensively trained orthopedic veterinarian in Northridge is here to offer expert assistance.

What To Expect With Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic procedures aim to restore your pet’s limb or joint to its normal function. These surgeries, performed under heavy sedation, may involve techniques such as bone plates, screws, pins, casts, or prosthetics.

Preparing Your Pet For Surgery

Before scheduling surgery, we conduct thorough evaluations, including blood work and health assessments, to ensure your pet’s readiness. Most dogs and cats, provided they are in good health, are suitable candidates for orthopedic procedures.

Dog ACL Surgery In Northridge

A torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in dogs is equivalent to an ACL injury in humans and often requires surgery to repair and prevent further joint damage.

Understanding The CCL

The CCL ligament stabilizes the knee joint, but can become damaged due to various factors including strenuous activity, weight, breed, or age.

Symptoms Of A CCL Injury

Watch for lameness, difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg, and swelling along the inside of the knee.

Examination And Diagnosis

Schedule a consultation for a comprehensive examination and X-rays to determine the severity of the injury.

Surgical Options

Choose from procedures like TPLO, Tight Rope, TTA, or lateral suture/extracapsular stabilization, depending on your pet’s needs.

Hip Surgery Options

We offer femoral head ostectomy (FHO) and total hip replacement (THR) for conditions like hip dysplasia, dislocation, fracture, or Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

Recovery And Care

Expect a recovery period with restricted activity and possibly physical therapy, depending on the procedure.

Fracture Repair

In the event of a fracture, quick action and appropriate treatment options like splints, bone plating, or external fixation devices can aid in healing.

Preventative Measures

While some causes of orthopedic issues are unavoidable, basic safety precautions and awareness of your pet’s risk factors can help minimize the need for surgery.

Trusted Orthopedic Care

At Northridge Animal Medical Center, we offer compassionate care, advanced surgical procedures, and competitive pricing, ensuring your pet receives the best possible treatment for their orthopedic needs.

What Is a Patellar Luxation?

At Northridge Animal Medical Center, we frequently diagnose and treat patellar luxation—a common orthopedic condition in dogs.

The patella, or kneecap, sits within a small groove at the end of the femur (thigh bone) and plays an important role in normal knee movement. When functioning properly, it glides smoothly within that groove as your pet walks and runs. “Luxation” means dislocation, so a patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap slips out of its normal position. It may move toward the inside of the leg (medial luxation) or, less commonly, toward the outside (lateral luxation).

While trauma can cause this condition, it is more often related to structural differences in the limb. For example, the groove that holds the kneecap may be too shallow, or the attachment of the patellar tendon may be slightly misaligned. These changes alter the forces within the knee joint, allowing the kneecap to shift out of place.

Patellar luxation is especially common in small and toy breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, Miniature Poodles, and Pomeranians, which often have a genetic predisposition. In smaller dogs, the kneecap typically shifts inward. Larger breeds can experience lateral luxation, though this is less frequent.

How Is Patellar Luxation Diagnosed?

If you notice changes in your pet’s gait, it’s important to schedule an exam. Early diagnosis can help prevent long-term complications such as chronic lameness or arthritis.

During your pet’s visit, our veterinarians will perform a thorough orthopedic exam to assess knee stability and check for discomfort. Observing your pet walking can also reveal subtle signs like limping or abnormal movement.

X-rays are often recommended to confirm the diagnosis, determine the severity (graded I–IV), and evaluate for any additional joint concerns.

Patellar Luxation FAQs

How can I tell if my pet has a luxating patella?

Pets with this condition may occasionally hold up a back leg, skip while walking, or briefly run on three legs. Some dogs will kick their leg outward, which can pop the kneecap back into place—after which they may resume walking normally as if nothing happened.

Can patellar luxation cause long-term problems?

The long-term outlook depends on the severity and whether one or both knees are affected. About half of dogs with this condition have involvement in both knees.

Some pets live comfortably for years with mild luxation. However, the condition can increase the risk of other knee injuries, including cruciate ligament tears, and often contributes to arthritis over time. Changes in weight distribution may also affect the hips and other parts of the limb.

How is patellar luxation treated?

Treatment depends on the grade of luxation and your pet’s comfort level.

For mild cases, we may recommend:

• Weight management to reduce stress on the joints
• Targeted exercise or physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles
• Anti-inflammatory or pain-relief medications as needed

For more advanced cases, surgery may be recommended to stabilize the kneecap, improve limb function, and reduce the risk of future injury. To schedule a consultation to see if your pet would benefit from surgery, please book an appointment today.

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What is the prognosis?

When surgery is performed before significant arthritis develops, the prognosis is generally excellent. Most pets regain strong, functional use of the leg after recovery. If arthritis is already present, some intermittent discomfort may persist over time. Higher-grade luxations carry a slightly greater risk of recurrence after surgery, but many patients still experience significant improvement in comfort and mobility.