Orthopedic Surgery in Pico Rivera, CA

At Pico Rivera Animal Hospital, our orthopedic vets perform orthopedic surgeries with your pet's safety and comfort as our top priorities so they can have the best possible treatment outcomes.

Common Orthopedic Conditions in Dogs & Cats

Below we have listed a few of the most common orthopedic conditions that affect cats and dogs:

Cruciate Ligament Tears

While this condition can be seen in both cats and dogs, it's seen more often in canines and is relatively uncommon in cats. Like in people,  a torn cruciate ligament has to be surgically repaired to avoid arthritis. Orthopedic veterinarians can use many kinds of procedures to help repair this injury, which often depends on the size and breed of the animal.

CCL surgery could also include techniques that aim to provide stability to the injured joint.

Luxating Patellas

The patella (or knee cap) sits at the end of the femur in a cartilaginous groove. A luxating patella occurs when the knee cap is displaced from its natural position. Knee cap problems are common in many dog breeds, both small and large. Cats can also develop this condition.

Luxating patellas need to be correct with surgery. Especially since animals can develop significant lameness as a result. The goal of these kinds of surgeries is to keep the patella in its proper position at all times. 

Disc Disease

Dogs can develop disc problems in the back and neck just like humans. Certain breeds like Poodles, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels, and Lhasa Apsos commonly suffer from these sorts of problems. Disc problems are more common in larger than smaller dogs or even cats.

The earlier surgery is done, the better the prognosis. If your dog or even cat has advanced disc disease,  you should bring them in for surgery as soon as possible.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a medical term for when a hip socket doesn't completely cover the upper thighbone of a dog or cat, causing the joint to get dislocated easily. Among dogs, this condition is most often found in Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and other large breeds of dogs. In cats, hip dysplasia is often seen in purebreds such as Maine coons and siamese.

Usually, the most effective treatment for this condition is total hip replacement surgery. Where the whole joint is surgically replaced with metal and plastic implants so the hip can function normally

Orthopedic Surgery FAQs

• What happens in a surgical consultation?

  In your pet's consultation with our vets, we'll conduct a physical examination of your cat or dog and review their history. We'll also perform diagnostic tests according to your pet's specific condition and requirements. 

  These tests could include blood work, CT scans, X-rays, biopsies, and ultrasounds. After we have gotten the results your orthopedic vet surgeon will develop and discuss a surgery plan with you.

• Will the surgery and consultation happen on the same day?

  No, the consultation is needed in order for us to examine and evaluate t your pet's health before deciding which course of action would be best to take. After performing the diagnostic tests and getting the results, from our lab, we'll schedule your pet's surgical appointment.

• How long will the surgery take?

  Usually between two and four hours. Although, the length of the orthopedic surgery will depend on the kind of surgery being performed and your pet's specific condition and needs.

• Does my pet have to stay at the hospital overnight either before or after the surgery?

  Based on the time of day your pet's surgery will be conducted, your pet might have to be dropped off the night before their procedure. 

  Often, our patients will have to stay the night with us following their procedure to be monitored. Depending on the kind of surgery we performed and how quickly your pet recovered from anesthesia, they might be able to go home the same day!