Pet Orthopedic Surgery in Oakland, TN

When bone and joint problems affect a pet’s quality of life, surgery can often be the most effective path to lasting relief. At Main Street Animal Clinic, our veterinarians perform orthopedic procedures for dogs and cats, from fracture repair to cruciate ligament surgery.

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A vet examines a dog at a veterinary clinic

Orthopedic Conditions We Treat

Fractures
Broken bones in dogs and cats can result from trauma, falls, or—in some cases—underlying conditions that weaken bone structure. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the fracture, the pet’s age and size, and overall health. Many fractures are repaired surgically using plates, pins, screws, or external fixators to stabilize the bone and support proper healing. Pre-surgical X-rays are essential for assessing fracture type and planning the repair approach.

Cruciate ligament injuries
Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture is one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs—the canine equivalent of an ACL tear in people. It causes sudden or progressive hindlimb lameness and, if left untreated, leads to ongoing joint instability and arthritis. Surgical repair is the most reliable treatment for restoring function and reducing long-term joint damage.

Patellar luxation
Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap shifts out of its normal position in the groove of the femur. It’s particularly common in small breeds and can range from occasional slipping to a persistent problem that causes pain and abnormal gait. Surgical correction realigns the kneecap and deepens the groove to prevent recurrence.

Joint luxation
Dislocated joints—most commonly the hip, elbow, or shoulder—require prompt evaluation. Some luxation’s can be manually reduced without surgery; others need surgical stabilization to prevent repeat dislocation and protect surrounding structures.

Bone and joint infections
Infections involving bone (osteomyelitis) or joints (septic arthritis) are serious conditions requiring aggressive treatment. Depending on severity, surgical debridement may be necessary in addition to medical management.

Congenital and developmental conditions
Some pets are born with or develop structural abnormalities as they grow—such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, or angular limb deformities. Early evaluation helps us determine whether surgical intervention is appropriate and, if so, the right timing for the procedure.

How We Diagnose Orthopedic Problems

Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of good surgical outcomes. Before recommending any procedure, we conduct a thorough physical and orthopedic examination, assessing gait, joint range of motion, pain response, and muscle mass. We follow this with digital radiographs to evaluate bone structure, joint spacing, and any changes consistent with arthritis or other conditions. In some cases, ultrasound provides additional soft tissue detail that X-rays can’t capture.

Pre-surgical blood work is required before any procedure involving anesthesia to confirm your pet is healthy enough for surgery.

Preparing Your Pet for Orthopedic Surgery

Once surgery is recommended, we’ll review everything you need to know before the procedure. This includes fasting instructions, any medication adjustments, and what to expect on the day of surgery. We perform pre-anesthetic blood work for all surgical patients and monitor vital signs throughout the procedure.

Pain management is built into our surgical protocol—not an afterthought. We use multimodal pain control before, during, and after surgery to keep your pet comfortable through recovery

Recovery and Post-Operative Care

Orthopedic recovery typically requires more time and structured rest than soft tissue procedures. Most pets need strict activity restriction for several weeks following surgery, with gradual reintroduction of movement as healing progresses. We’ll provide clear written instructions for home care, including how to manage incision monitoring, medication administration, and activity levels.

Follow-up appointments allow us to assess healing progress through repeat X-rays and physical examination. For pets managing ongoing joint discomfort during or after recovery, chiropractic care may also be a useful complementary option worth discussing with our team.

For procedures that don’t involve orthopedic issues, see our Pet Soft Tissue Surgery page.

Pet Orthopedic Surgery FAQs

How do I know if my pet needs orthopedic surgery?

Common signs include persistent limping, reluctance to bear weight on a limb, difficulty rising or climbing stairs, visible swelling around a joint, or sudden changes in gait following trauma. Not all of these signs mean surgery is necessary—some conditions respond to rest and medication—but they warrant a prompt evaluation. Call us to schedule an assessment so we can determine the best course of action for your pet.

Is orthopedic surgery safe for older pets?

Age alone isn’t a barrier to surgery. We assess each patient individually, and for older pets, we take additional precautions, including thorough pre-surgical blood work and careful anesthetic monitoring. In many cases, the discomfort of an untreated orthopedic condition significantly outweighs the surgical risk for otherwise healthy senior pets.

How long is the recovery after cruciate ligament surgery?

Full recovery from cruciate surgery typically takes three to four months, though this varies by surgical technique and the individual pet. The first several weeks involve strict rest and leash-only activity. We’ll guide you through each phase of recovery with clear instructions and scheduled recheck appointments to monitor progress.

Will my pet need physical rehabilitation after surgery?

Structured rehabilitation—including controlled exercise, range-of-motion work, and hydrotherapy in some cases—can support recovery after orthopedic surgery. We can discuss what’s available and appropriate for your pet’s specific procedure.

What if my pet needs a specialist?

Some complex orthopedic cases benefit from the involvement of a board-certified veterinary surgeon. If your pet’s condition is beyond what we can address in-house, we’ll be straightforward with you about that and provide a referral to a specialist we trust. Our referral form makes the process easy if a transfer of care is needed.

Schedule an Orthopedic Consultation in Oakland, TN

If your pet is limping, struggling to move comfortably, or recovering from a bone or joint injury, we’re here to help. Our clinic is located at 7980 Hwy 64 in Oakland, TN, and we serve pets and their families from across Fayette, Shelby, Hardeman and Tipton counties, as well as some areas of Mississippi. Call us at (901) 235-7127 or book online to schedule a consultation.