Veterinary Orthopedic Surgery
in Fredericton, NB
Our Services
Orthopedics at Hometown
Hometown Veterinary Hospital is proud to offer a range of orthopedic surgeries to help pets recover from injuries and regain mobility. Orthopedic care addresses issues involving bones, joints, and ligaments—such as fractures, torn ligaments, and joint problems. Our experienced team uses advanced surgical techniques to ensure the best possible outcome. If your pet is limping, in pain, or recovering from trauma, we’re here to help.
What is orthopedic surgery
Veterinary orthopedic surgery is a specialized field of veterinary medicine focused on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect a pet’s bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. These surgeries are commonly used to repair fractures, correct joint problems like hip dysplasia or torn cruciate ligaments, and treat orthopedic diseases such as arthritis. The goal of orthopedic surgery is to restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve your pet’s quality of life.
Does my pet need orthopedic surgery
Wondering if your pet might need orthopedic surgery? Many common bone and joint conditions can be effectively treated with surgical care, including:
- Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears – Similar to ACL injuries in humans, causing knee instability and pain
- Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) – A developmental condition where cartilage separates from the underlying bone, leading to joint pain, swelling, and lameness
- Medial patellar luxation (MPL) – A dislocating kneecap that slips towards the inside of the leg, very common in toy breed dogs
- Ununited anconeal process (UAP) – A condition affecting the elbow joint, where a portion of bone fails to fuse properly during growth, resulting in pain, swelling, and lameness—especially in large-breed dogs
- Bone fractures – Often caused by trauma & usually require surgery due to pets bearing weight on all four limbs
- Hip dysplasia – Loose/unstable hip joints that progress to arthritis, chronic pain, and lameness
What orthopedic treatments are available
If your pet is showing signs of lameness, pain, or limited mobility, orthopedic surgery may help them get back to feeling their best. At Hometown, we can provide a variety of treatments, including:
Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO)
Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) is a highly effective orthopedic surgery designed to stabilize a pet’s knee following a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear—akin to an ACL injury in humans. During TPLO, the top of the tibia is surgically cut and rotated to “level” the tibial plateau.
A metal plate and screws are then used to secure the repositioned bone, preventing the femur from slipping and restoring joint stability biomechanically – without having to directly repair the ligament itself.
This procedure is considered the gold standard for CCL injuries, offering rapid recovery, reduced post-operative arthritis, and a high success rate.
Not all Veterinary hospitals possess the necessary equipment to perform TPLO surgeries. Hometown Veterinary Hospital is proud to be one of the few facilities able to perform the TPLO technique in Atlantic Canada.
Extracapsular Repair
Extracapsular repair is a traditional and less invasive surgical method for treating cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears, especially in small to medium-sized dogs. It doesn’t require specialized orthopedic equipment and remains a reliable option for many patients. The procedure begins with an inspection of the knee joint, during which the damaged ligament is removed. If the meniscus is torn, the affected portion is also removed.
A strong synthetic suture is then looped around the fabella (a small bone behind the knee) and passed through a hole drilled in the tibia. This stabilizes the joint by limiting abnormal movement, effectively substituting for the torn ligament.
Post-surgery, dogs generally show steady improvement over 8–12 weeks. Strict exercise restriction is required during this time—no running, jumping, or off-leash activity, even in the backyard. The suture is designed to become redundant over several months, by which time scar tissue will have naturally reinforced the joint’s stability.
Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)
Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) is a surgical procedure used to relieve hip pain in pets by removing the ball part of the hip joint (the head and neck of the femur). This allows a “false joint” to form from scar tissue and surrounding muscles, helping pets move comfortably without the original joint.
FHO is most often recommended for small to medium-sized dogs and cats with severe hip dysplasia, severe arthritis, or hip fractures that cannot otherwise be repaired.
In many cases, FHO serves as an effective, cost-conscious alternative to total hip replacement, especially suitable for smaller pets.
Fracture Repair
Fracture repairs in pets focus on restoring broken bones to their proper alignment and stability, reducing pain, and enabling a return to normal function. The treatment approach depends on the type and location of the fracture, the pet’s size and age, and the complexity of the injury.
Three primary options are:
- External coaptation (splints/casts): These are used for simple, stable fractures—especially in the legs. The splint or cast holds the bone in place from the outside to help it heal properly.
- External fixation: For more serious or complicated breaks, vets may use pins placed through the skin into the bone, connected to a metal frame outside the body. This helps keep the bone stable and can be adjusted as your pet heals.
- Internal fixation: This is a surgical option where the vet uses metal plates, screws, or pins & wires inside the body to hold the broken bone together. It’s often used for more severe or unstable fractures and allows for precise alignment during healing.
At Hometown Veterinary Hospital, our veterinarians are experienced in fracture repair techniques and work closely with you to decide on the best, most effective option for your pet’s specific injury.
Amputations
Amputation may sound like a drastic measure, but it can be a life-saving and pain-relieving solution that leads to a happier, high-quality life. It’s typically considered when a limb is too badly injured, infected, or affected by disease (such as cancer) to be saved through other surgical means. In some cases, amputation may actually offer the quickest and most complete relief, especially when compared to prolonged treatments or multiple surgeries that may not fully restore function.
Most pets adapt surprisingly well to life on three legs. Dogs and cats are resilient animals, and after a short adjustment period, they often regain their mobility and return to many of the same activities they enjoyed before. Many pets begin walking within days of surgery and most are able to return to all activities within 4 weeks.
Amputation is generally a last resort, but it can be the best option when the focus is on quality of life and long-term comfort. At Hometown Veterinary Hospital, we approach each case with compassion and honesty. Our team will walk you through the risks, recovery, and expected outcomes so you can make the best decision for your pet’s health and well-being.
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