Orthopedic Surgery for Dogs and Cats in Temperance, MI
We are equipped to perform a multitude of soft-tissue surgeries to benefit our patients, but we are also proud to be able to offer a variety of orthopedic surgeries for dogs and cats here at our animal hospital in Temperance, MI. Orthopedic surgery tends to be more complex by nature as it involves the repair of bones and joints, which directly affect your pet’s mobility and thus have a major impact on their quality of life.
Many general practices do not offer this service, so we are happy to meet the needs of pets with bone fractures, ligament injuries, and other orthopedic issues.
Does your pet have an orthopedic issue that is causing them pain and lameness? Contact us today at (734) 847-6751 to schedule an orthopedic consultation.
Are you a referring veterinarian? Please use our form to connect with us today.
Meet the Doctor
Dr. Cody Pollins is a 2017 graduate from Michigan State University. He is an AO certified orthopod who has performed numerous orthopedic surgeries on pets in our community over the last several years.
Orthopedic Procedures Performed at Our Hospital
Our orthopedic-focused veterinary surgeon can perform the following orthopedic surgeries:
TPLO
Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy is a procedure to repair the torn cranial cruciate ligament tear (ACL tear). This is one of the best fixations for the torn cruciate and allows for the best recovery to full function and an active life style. This fixation allows the physics of the knee to change to prevent sliding/ grinding of the knee which prevents pain and inflammation. Many pets can use the leg hours after surgery with comfort!
Cranial Cruciate Ligament repair (extra-capsular) Lateral Suture
This is another type of cranial cruciate ligament repair. This technique involves placing a strong orthopedic line around the knee joint and tightening down to stabilize the joint. This surgery is less invasive than the TPLO but should only be performed on pets 50 pounds or less. Dogs larger than this does not get the proper stabilization and has a high chance of surgical failure.
Fracture Repair/Bone Plating
There are many bones that can be broke through the pet’s body. I can reposition many broken bones and place a fixation to help allow the bones to heal. This can be done in many ways including pin stabilization and/or plate stabilization. Pins include a stainless-steel rod placed in the bone to prevent bending and sliding of the bone. Plating includes a large stainless steel plate that is position by screws to help position the fracture and prevent movement of the fracture. Please contact us to see if the fracture you have is something that I feel comfortable repairing.
Other Orthopedic Procedures We Offer:
• Femoral Head & Neck Ostectomy
• Amputation
What Happens During an Orthopedic Consultation?
When you visit our hospital for an Orthopedic Consultation, our skilled team will start by collecting information about your pet. This includes going over past medical history, past surgeries, and current health concerns.
The Doctor will review your pet's medical documents from the Referring Veterinarian including any diagnostics that have already been performed. Our Doctor then will complete a complete physical exam on your pet before discussing recommendations to aid in diagnosis or treatment.
Diagnostics may be recommended to help the Doctor determine the best treatment options for your pet. Diagnostics may include Radiographs (X-rays) and Bloodwork. Other diagnostic may be recommended based on your pet's specific medical needs.
Your Pet’s Safety is Our Priority
Orthopedic surgery for dogs and cats is subject to the same rigorous safety protocols as all other surgical procedures at our hospital.
Every patient has a physical examination and blood work done before they go into surgery so we can administer anesthesia according to their individual needs. Our surgical suite also uses advanced monitoring equipment so we can measure your pet’s heart rate and rhythm, oxygen saturation levels, temperature, CO2 levels, and blood pressure.
The veterinary surgeon will be assisted by an experienced veterinary technician, who will monitor your pet’s vital signs throughout the procedure. Our team utilizes strict sterile technique to aid in preventing infection.
How Long Will My Pet’s Recovery Be?
Every pet is different, and there are several factors that will determine the length of their recovery. Age, size, breed, condition, and the type of surgery your pet received will all play a role in their recovery. Younger pets may experience a shorter recovery period than older pets, and pets with a more severe condition will likely take longer to recover than pets with less severe conditions. On average, the expected healing time from an orthopedic surgery is 2-3 months.
For more information about orthopedic surgery for dogs and cats at Temperance Animal Hospital, please give us a call at (734) 847-6751.
