Smith Veterinary Hospital

  • Cruciate ligament repair (CCL/ACL surgery) – stabilizing the knee when the cranial cruciate ligament is torn (e.g., TPLO, lateral suture repair).
  • Fracture repair – stabilizing broken bones using pins, plates, screws, or external fixators.
  • Luxating patella surgery – correcting a kneecap that slips out of place to reduce pain and lameness.
  • Hip surgery – including a toggle procedure method or femoral head and neck excision (FHO) for chronic hip pain or dysplasia.Arthroscopy – minimally invasive joint surgery to diagnose and treat cartilage or ligament problems.

You may suspect your pet needs orthopedic surgery from our team if you had a sudden traumatic injury or your pet is no longer weight barring on their limb. Signs can include limping, stiffness after rest, difficulty rising or lying down, reluctance to use stairs or jump into the car, or suddenly becoming less active or playful. You might also see signs of pain such as yelping, growling when a limb is touched, or changes in behavior and appetite. If these issues don’t improve with rest or basic care—or if your pet has suffered a known injury—our team can perform a thorough orthopedic exam, including imaging such as X‑rays, to determine the cause of the problem and whether surgery is the best option to restore your pet’s comfort and mobility. answer explaining common signs of orthopedic issues, how diagnosis works, and when surgery may be recommended. Update this with your own guidance.

Activity & Confinement

  • Keep your dog in a small, safe area (crate or small room) to limit running, jumping, or playing.
  • Use a leash for all trips outdoors, even just for bathroom breaks.
  • Avoid stairs, slippery floors, and furniture unless we have given you specific instructions otherwise.
  • Follow the activity schedule provided by your veterinarian for when to gradually increase exercise.

Incision Care

  • Check the incision once or twice daily for redness, swelling, discharge, or gaps in the skin.
  • Do not bathe your dog or allow swimming until we tell you the incision is fully healed.
  • Prevent licking or chewing at the incision by using an e-collar (cone) or other protective device.

Pain Control & Medications

  • Give all prescribed medications exactly as directed, including pain medications and any antibiotics.
  • Do not give over-the-counter human medications unless specifically approved by our veterinarians.
  • If your dog seems painful despite medications (crying, panting, restlessness, not wanting to move), call us.

Food & Water

  • Offer a small meal the evening of surgery; some dogs may have a reduced appetite for 24 hours.
  • Make sure fresh water is always available, but discourage rapid drinking right after arriving home.
  • If vomiting, diarrhea, or refusal to eat continues beyond 24 hours, contact us.

Recheck Appointments & Rehabilitation

  • Keep all scheduled recheck appointments so we can monitor healing and adjust the recovery plan.
  • X-rays may be needed during the recovery period to confirm how the bone is healing.
  • If prescribed, follow any physical therapy or home exercise instructions carefully and do not add extra activities without approval.