Pet Orthopedic Surgery

When a pet is limping, in pain, or struggling to move, orthopedic surgery can significantly improve comfort and mobility for many pets. South Shore Veterinary Hospital offers comprehensive orthopedic pet surgery services for dogs and cats in Forest Lake and beyond, including pet TPLO surgery and other complex joint and bone interventions.

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Orthopedic Surgery at South Shore Veterinary Hospital

Orthopedic surgery addresses conditions affecting the bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons — structures that are essential to your pet’s mobility, comfort, and quality of life. While some orthopedic conditions are the result of trauma, many develop gradually due to degenerative disease, developmental abnormalities, or the cumulative stress of an active life.

South Shore Veterinary Hospital has a long and distinguished history of surgical excellence, and orthopedic procedures are among the most advanced services we offer in-house. Our skilled veterinary orthopedic surgeon and surgical team, supported by a full-service hospital setting, ensure your pet benefits from seamless, coordinated care—from pre-surgical diagnostics and imaging through surgery, recovery, and follow-up.

Orthopedic Conditions We Treat

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture Repair

Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture is one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs and one of the most frequent reasons dogs require orthopedic pet surgery. The CCL — equivalent to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans — stabilizes the knee joint, and when it tears partially or completely, it causes significant pain, instability, and progressive joint damage if left untreated.

TPLO Surgery

Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy — known as TPLO surgery — is the gold standard surgical treatment for CCL rupture in dogs and is the procedure our surgical team performs most frequently for this condition. Pet TPLO surgery works by changing the geometry of the knee joint so that the tibia no longer shifts forward during weight bearing, eliminating the functional need for the cruciate ligament and helping restore stability and improve comfort and mobility.

Fracture Repair

Bone fractures resulting from trauma — such as being struck by a vehicle, a fall, or another acute injury — often require surgical stabilization to heal properly and restore full function. The approach to fracture repair depends on the location and nature of the fracture, the age and size of the patient, and the degree of soft tissue involvement. Our surgical team is experienced in a range of fracture repair techniques and will develop a surgical plan tailored to your pet’s specific injury.

Luxating Patella Repair

Patellar luxation — a condition in which the kneecap slips out of its normal position — is common in small and toy breed dogs and is also seen in cats. Mild cases may be managed conservatively, but moderate to severe luxation typically causes significant pain and progressive joint damage that warrants surgical correction. Surgery to stabilize the patella and correct the underlying anatomical abnormalities can restore normal gait and dramatically improve quality of life.

Hip Conditions

Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition in which the hip joint does not form properly, leading to instability, pain, and progressive osteoarthritis. Surgical options for hip dysplasia vary depending on the patient’s age, size, and degree of joint involvement, and may include procedures aimed at improving joint conformation in younger patients or total hip replacement in appropriate candidates. Our surgical team will evaluate your pet’s specific situation and discuss all available options with you.

Developmental Orthopedic Conditions

Growing dogs — particularly large and giant breeds — can develop a range of orthopedic conditions related to abnormal bone or joint development, including osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD), elbow dysplasia, and ununited anconeal process (UAP). These conditions can cause significant lameness and joint damage if not addressed appropriately. Early evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and timely surgical intervention give affected patients the best chance at a comfortable, functional life.

Advanced Diagnostics Supporting Surgical Care

Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective orthopedic pet surgery, and South Shore Veterinary Hospital’s on-site diagnostic capabilities play a central role in surgical planning and post-operative evaluation. Our digital whole-body radiography system produces high-resolution images essential for fracture assessment, TPLO planning, and monitoring of bone healing following surgery. In appropriate cases, ultrasound can provide additional soft tissue detail to supplement radiographic findings.

For pets whose orthopedic condition is complicated by concurrent health concerns — such as obesity, which significantly affects surgical outcomes and recovery — we integrate nutritional counseling into the pre- and post-surgical care plan to support the best possible recovery.

Why Choose South Shore for Orthopedic Pet Surgery?

South Shore Veterinary Hospital has been performing advanced surgical procedures since its founding, with orthopedic surgery representing one of the most significant areas of clinical investment and expertise at our hospital. Our surgical team includes veterinarians with particular focus and extensive experience in orthopedic procedures — including pet TPLO surgery, fracture repair, and joint surgery — supported by the full resources of a well-equipped, multi-doctor hospital.

FAQs About Pet Orthopedic Surgery

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How do I know if my dog needs TPLO surgery?

The most common signs of CCL rupture in dogs include sudden onset of hind leg lameness, reluctance to bear weight on one leg, swelling around the knee joint, and a characteristic "sitting funny" posture with the affected leg held out to the side. Some dogs experience a gradual onset of lameness rather than a sudden injury, particularly when the ligament degenerates over time before fully tearing. If your dog is limping on a back leg, a veterinary evaluation is the essential first step.

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Is TPLO the only surgical option for CCL rupture?

TPLO is the procedure our team performs for CCL rupture and is the technique with the most robust long-term outcomes data in veterinary medicine. Other surgical techniques exist, and your veterinarian will discuss the options and explain the reasoning behind their recommendation for your specific pet.

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What is the success rate of TPLO surgery?

TPLO surgery has a strong track record, and many dogs experience improved function following surgery and appropriate rehabilitation. Outcomes are influenced by factors including the patient's age, weight, overall health, degree of pre-existing arthritis, and adherence to the post-operative rehabilitation protocol.

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Will my pet develop arthritis after orthopedic surgery?

Some degree of osteoarthritis is common following joint injuries, including CCL rupture, regardless of surgical treatment. However, timely surgery may help slow the progression of arthritis compared to conservative management, and most surgically treated patients maintain comfortable, functional mobility for many years. Long-term joint health can also be supported through nutritional counseling, appropriate exercise management, and senior pet care as your pet ages.

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My pet has been diagnosed with a condition on both sides — can both be treated?

Bilateral orthopedic conditions — such as CCL rupture affecting both knees, which is common in predisposed breeds — are typically staged, meaning one side is treated first and the second is addressed after the first has healed sufficiently. Your veterinarian will discuss the timing and sequencing of bilateral procedures based on your pet's individual situation.

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How much does pet orthopedic surgery cost?

Orthopedic procedures represent a significant investment, and we understand that cost is an important consideration for pet owners. South Shore Veterinary Hospital is committed to providing high-quality surgical care at fair and reasonable prices, and our team will provide you with a detailed estimate before proceeding with any procedure. We encourage you to ask about payment options if cost is a concern — we want to help you access the care your pet needs.

Restoring Comfort and Mobility for Your Pet

Orthopedic conditions can profoundly affect your pet’s ability to move, play, and simply enjoy their daily life — and effective surgical treatment can help restore comfort and mobility. At South Shore Veterinary Hospital, our orthopedic surgery team brings decades of experience, advanced surgical capabilities, and a commitment to each patient’s recovery. Dog and cat owners throughout the greater Forest Lake region trust us with their pets’ most complex surgical needs, and that trust is something we take seriously every single day.