Surgery is an effective way to treat many serious injuries and disorders. While yes, surgery is invasive, these procedures remain the backbone of veterinary medicine, delivering unparalleled results to the field of pet healthcare.

Animal Care Hospital of Phoenix is proud to offer state-of-the-art surgical facilities and equipment. Our hospital provides a large number of surgical services ranging from standard spaying and neutering to more advanced procedures.

Surgery Specialties

  • Soft-tissue
  • Orthopedic
  • Neurological
  • Dental
  • Ophthalmic
  • Foreign body removal

Patient safety and comfort are our main priorities. Animal Care Hospital of Phoenix’s experienced veterinary anesthesiologists provide skilled pain management during and after all surgical procedures, ensuring your pet recovers quickly and pain-free.

Our veterinary team educates you throughout the entire process, giving you the tools to make informed decisions regarding your treatment options. We understand surgery is a stressful time for any owner, we are available every step of the way to answer questions and put your mind at ease.

If you are considering veterinary surgery, please contact your Animal Care Hospital of Phoenix veterinarian to schedule an introductory consultation.

Orthopedic Surgery

We perform the vast majority of orthopedic surgical procedures that are commonly seen in veterinary medicine. We perform many types of fracture repair which may include the use of orthopedic plates, screws, wires, and pins.

There are occasional cases that will require a Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon to perform the procedure. In these instances, Animal Care Hospital of Phoenix refers our patients to trusted Phoenix-area specialists.

Common Orthopedic Procedures

  • CCL Extra-Capsular Repair
  • Medial Patellar Luxation Repair

Cranial Cruciate Ligament

The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is a primary ligament in your pet’s knee. The ligament helps hold the knee in its proper alignment, supporting your pet’s weight and preventing hyperextension and incorrect rotation of connecting leg bones: the femur and tibia. The CCL can rupture due to ligament degeneration or traumatic injury, leaving the knee unable to bear weight and dramatically reducing your pet’s mobility. If left untreated, CCL tears can lead to osteoarthritis and meniscus damage.

Extra-capsular Repair

There are several surgical options designed to treat CCL ruptures. Depending on the severity of the tear and patient-specific medical factors, extra-capsular repair may be the most effective method. Although this procedure can be performed on any dog, it is most often recommended for smaller breeds and senior pets.

The extra-capsular repair procedure uses a robust suture material to reform the cranial cruciate ligament, securely binding the two halves together. Over the next several months, scar tissue develops along the suture, reinforcing the repair and stabilizing the knee. While not the sturdiest repair method available, the surgery is highly effective for smaller and less active pets and has the fewest complications compared to other CCL repair procedures.

Recovery

Extra-capsular repair is a major procedure that requires a recovery period of up to 12 weeks. Painkillers, anti-inflammation, and antibiotics are prescribed in the critical period following the procedure to manage discomfort and prevent infection of the surgical site

Exercise must be limited for the first few weeks. Pets should be confined to a small area in the home to restrict unnecessary movement and prevent strenuous activity. Regular veterinary checkups (including x-rays) will monitor your pet’s recovery, assessing limb and joint function, as well as general mobility. As your dog heals, exercise may be gradually increased based on individual evaluation.

Physical therapy is generally recommended after four weeks. Rehabilitation may include strength training, range of motion techniques, and aquatic therapy to help strengthen the joint and restore mobility.

Medial Patellar Luxation Repair

Patellar luxation occurs when a dog’s kneecap slips out of its proper position and becomes unable to fully glide down the groove of the femur. A medial patellar luxation (MPL), the most common type, occurs when the kneecap slides to the inside of the knee. This is normally caused by a congenital abnormality like a misshapen femur or tibia, shallow femoral groove or hip dysplasia, or as a result of knee trauma. Small breeds are especially prone to MPL, but it can occur in larger dogs as well.

If left untreated, medial patellar luxations can result in osteoarthritis, cartilage damage, and ligament tears.

Medial patellar luxations are graded according to severity and frequency of displacement:

Grade I: Occasional patella displacement, but remains in the groove the majority of the time. Symptoms may include skipping or kicking out of the leg.
Grade II: Frequent patella displacement characterized by a persistent skipping gait and a mild degree of lameness; patella can be manipulated back into the groove.
Grade III: Patella is always displaced, frequent lameness; patella can be manipulated into the groove but will pop out immediately.
Grade IV: Patella is always displaced and cannot be manipulated back into the groove, constant lameness, signs of physical deformity and a bow-legged appearance. The knee cannot be extended.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Patellar luxations are often discovered during annual physicals and other general examinations. If an MPL is suspected, your Animal Care Hospital of Phoenix veterinarian will examine your pet’s knee for signs of displacement and use a radiograph to confirm the diagnosis.

Surgery is recommended to treat MPL grades II, III, and IV. The procedure aims to realign the patella using a number of techniques including deepening the femoral groove, altering the alignment of the patellar ligament, readjusting the leg bones, and fixing the joint attachments.

Recovery

This is a major surgery that requires up to a 12-week recovery period. Painkillers, anti-inflammatory medication, and antibiotics are prescribed to minimize discomfort and prevent infection.

Your dog’s mobility should be restricted during recovery. Exercise should be limited to short walks for the first six weeks, then gradually increased weekly until your pet is back to full strength. Physical therapy is often recommended to enhance the recovery process, and maximize joint strength and mobility.

Laser Surgery: The (non)cutting-edge of veterinary science

A laser creates a specific tissue reaction depending on the wavelength of laser light it produces. AccuVet CO2 lasers, emitting infrared light at 10,600nm, have an exceptional absorption by the water molecules normally found in soft tissue. This CO2 laser energy instantly vaporizes the intracellular water, vaporizing the cells, while leaving the surrounding tissue virtually unaffected. This action makes the AccuVet CO2 laser the best choice for general soft tissue surgery by producing the following benefits:

  • Less Pain — CO2 laser energy automatically seals nerve endings as it moves through tissue. As a result, the patient feels less pain post-operatively.
  • Less Bleeding — Laser energy automatically seals small blood vessels as it cuts. When defocused, the laser becomes an effective coagulation device. Not only does the hemostatic cutting benefit the patient, but it also provides a clear, dry surgical field for the surgeon. Without bleeders continually obstructing the field, the overall procedure time may be decreased, and the visualization of the anatomy is unsurpassed.
  • Less Swelling — CO2 laser energy automatically seals lymphatic vessels. Additionally, because only a beam of invisible light contacts the tissue, there is no bruising or tearing of tissue. This reduced tissue trauma minimizes inflammatory responses, reducing swelling.
  • Quicker Recovery — Decreased bleeding, swelling, and pain means the patient can return to normal activity and the home environment faster. This provides benefits for the patient, client, and veterinarian.
  • Ablation — The unique ability of a CO2 laser to vaporize (ablate or “erase”) tissue sets it apart from any other surgical tool, even other lasers. With the proper tips and power settings, the AccuVet can be used to precisely remove tissue layer by layer (with layers as thin as 0. 1 mm), or to aggressively vaporize entire tumors.

Learn More About Surgical Services for Your Dog or Cat

For more information or to schedule your pet for a consultation, call us at 602-955-5757.