Orthopedics

Orthopedic Care for Pets

Orthopedic surgery corrects injuries or diseases of the bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons in dogs and cats. At Groves Veterinary Clinic, we combine advanced diagnostics, modern surgical tools, and comprehensive post-surgical care—including pain management and rehabilitation—to help pets regain mobility and enjoy a better quality of life.

Signs Your Pet May Need Orthopedic Care

Pets with orthopedic issues may show difficulty running, jumping, or climbing stairs, limping, clicking joints, swaying gait, or abnormal sitting. If you notice any of these signs, a veterinary evaluation can determine the best course of treatment.

Types of Procedures We Offer

• 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

Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Injuries

Cranial cruciate ligament tears, often compared to ACL injuries in humans, are common in young and middle-aged dogs, particularly large breeds. The CCL stabilizes the knee, preventing the femur from sliding backward on the tibia. Repeated stress or sudden trauma can cause partial or complete tears, leading to lameness, stiffness, and pain. Without proper treatment, dogs can develop chronic arthritis and decreased mobility.

TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy)

The TPLO is an advanced procedure that stabilizes the knee by leveling the slope of the tibial plateau, allowing the femur to sit securely while the leg moves. During surgery, a curved cut is made in the top of the tibia, rotated to level the slope, and held in place with a plate and screws. TPLO offers faster recovery, improved range of motion, and less long-term arthritis compared to other techniques. Most pets begin walking within 24 hours and bear weight on the operated limb within a few days. Dr. Groves is one of the few TPLO-licensed veterinarians in Southwest Florida, ensuring expert care for this specialized procedure.

Extracapsular Stabilization

Extracapsular stabilization stabilizes the knee by placing a non-absorbable suture around the lateral fabella and through the tibial crest, mimicking the CCL. This technique provides temporary stabilization, allowing the joint to heal. While the suture may loosen over time, it is often an effective option for smaller or less active dogs, and the best approach is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Comprehensive Orthopedic Care

At Groves, every orthopedic case is unique. Our team evaluates your pet’s medical history, age, weight, breed, activity level, and anatomy to recommend the most appropriate treatment. By combining advanced surgical techniques, careful monitoring, and post-operative rehabilitation, we help pets regain comfort, mobility, and a higher quality of life.