Orthopedic Surgery at Morgan Hill Animal Hospital

When injury or disease steals your pet’s ability to run, jump, and play, our advanced orthopedic surgical solutions can help them return to the active, pain-free life they deserve.

Our Story

Restoring Mobility, Relieving Pain

Watching your once-active dog struggle to stand or seeing your agile cat unable to jump breaks your heart. Whether from trauma, genetic conditions, or age-related wear, orthopedic problems don’t just limit mobility—they cause constant pain that medications alone can’t fix.

That’s where surgical intervention makes all the difference. At Morgan Hill Animal Hospital, we don’t just perform surgery. We create a personalized plan that gives your pet the best shot at a long, healthy life.

Comprehensive Vet Services

Whether it’s a torn ACL or a fracture, here’s how orthopedic surgery gets your pet moving comfortably again.

SERVICES

Common Orthopedic Conditions We Treat

Cruciate Ligament Injuries (ACL Tears)

The most common orthopedic injury in dogs

Your dog was running and suddenly yelped, now holding their back leg up. Sound familiar? Torn cruciate ligaments affect thousands of dogs yearly, especially active breeds and overweight pets.

Our Surgical Solutions:

  • TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) – Gold standard for large breeds
  • Lateral Suture Repair – Excellent option for smaller dogs
  • TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement) – Alternative stabilization technique

Expected Outcomes: 90-95% of dogs return to full activity within 3-4 months

Hip Dysplasia

When genetics fail your pet’s comfort

This inherited condition causes hip joints to develop improperly, leading to painful arthritis, sometimes in dogs as young as 6 months.

Surgical Options:

  • Total Hip Replacement (THR) – Complete joint replacement for severe cases
  • Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) – Pain relief for smaller dogs
  • Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO) – For young dogs with early dysplasia

Life-Changing Results: Most pets experience dramatic pain relief and improved mobility within weeks

Luxating Patella (Floating Kneecap)

Common in small breeds but fixable

If your small dog occasionally skips or holds up a back leg while running, they likely have a luxating patella—a kneecap that pops out of place.

Corrective Procedures:

  • Groove deepening (trochleoplasty)
  • Tibial crest transposition
  • Soft tissue reconstruction
  • Joint capsule tightening

Success Rate: Over 90% of pets have excellent outcomes with no recurring luxation

Fracture Repair

From simple breaks to complex reconstructions

Accidents happen. When they do, proper surgical repair means the difference between full recovery and lifetime lameness.

Our Fracture Solutions:

  • Bone Plating – For complex or load-bearing bone fractures
  • External Fixation – For contaminated or open fractures
  • Intramedullary Pinning – For long bone fractures
  • Wire & Screw Fixation – For smaller fragments

Healing Timeline: Most fractures heal completely within 8-12 weeks with proper fixation

Elbow Dysplasia

Multiple conditions, tailored solutions

This complex condition includes several developmental abnormalities causing front leg lameness, especially in large breeds.

Treatment Approaches:

  • Fragmented coronoid process removal
  • Ununited anconeal process repair
  • Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) fragment removal
  • Arthroscopic joint evaluation and treatment

Other Orthopedic Procedures

  • Arthrodesis (joint fusion) for irreparable joint damage
  • Amputation when limb salvage isn’t possible
  • Angular limb deformity correction
  • Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) surgery
  • Tendon and ligament repairs

 

Our Orthopedic Surgery Advantage

Advanced Diagnostic Precision

Before any surgery, we use:

  • Digital X-rays from multiple angles
  • CT scanning for complex cases (through referral)
  • Arthroscopy for minimally invasive joint evaluation
  • Gait analysis to assess functional problems

Surgical Excellence

  • Board-certified surgeon consultation available
  • Modern surgical suite with advanced monitoring
  • Strict sterile protocols preventing infection
  • Latest surgical techniques and implants
  • Minimally invasive options when appropriate

Comprehensive Pain Management

Because comfort is non-negotiable:

  • Multi-modal pain control (never just one medication)
  • Pre-emptive pain blocking before surgery
  • Continuous rate infusions during procedures
  • Post-operative pain protocols
  • Take-home pain management plans

Rehabilitation Partnership

Surgery is just the beginning:

  • Immediate post-op physical therapy
  • Customized rehabilitation protocols
  • Underwater treadmill access (referral)
  • Laser therapy for faster healing
  • Home exercise programs

The Orthopedic Surgery Journey

1. Initial Consultation

Thorough Evaluation Includes:

  • Complete physical examination
  • Gait and lameness assessment
  • Review of medical history
  • Digital X-rays (same-day results)
  • Discussion of all treatment options
  • Honest prognosis and cost estimates

2. Pre-Surgical Planning

Preparing for Success:

  • Pre-operative blood work
  • Chest X-rays if needed
  • Pain medication started before surgery
  • Fasting instructions provided
  • All questions answered
  • Surgical consent reviewed

3. Surgery Day

What Happens While You Wait:

  • Pre-surgical exam and IV catheter placement
  • Customized anesthesia protocol
  • Continuous monitoring (ECG, blood pressure, oxygen)
  • Sterile surgical field preparation
  • Precise surgical technique
  • Recovery monitoring by dedicated technician

4. Post-Operative Care

The First 24-48 Hours:

  • Pain assessment every few hours
  • Medication adjustments as needed
  • Incision monitoring
  • First physical therapy session
  • Detailed home care instructions
  • 24/7 emergency support availability

5. Recovery & Rehabilitation

The Road to Full Function:

  • 2-week recheck and suture removal
  • X-rays to confirm healing progress
  • Physical therapy protocol initiation
  • Activity modification guidance
  • Monthly progress evaluations
  • Return to full activity celebration!

 

Is a Torn ACL the Same as a CCL Tear in My Dog?

Yes. ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and CCL (cranial cruciate ligament) refer to the same injury in dogs, just borrowed from different anatomy terminology. You may also hear it called a torn cruciate ligament. TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) is one of the most common surgical repairs we use to treat it, especially in larger dogs.

Why Choose Morgan Hill Animal Hospital for Orthopedic Surgery?

Experience That Shows

  • Hundreds of successful orthopedic surgeries performed
  • Continuing education in latest techniques
  • Excellent outcomes and satisfied families
  • Complex case management expertise

Technology That Matters

  • Digital radiography for precise planning
  • Modern anesthesia monitoring equipment
  • Surgical laser for reduced bleeding
  • Therapy laser for faster healing

Commitment to Comfort

  • Fear-Free certified staff
  • Aggressive pain management protocols
  • Comfortable recovery areas
  • Overnight monitoring when needed

Transparent Communication

  • Clear cost estimates before surgery
  • Regular updates during procedures
  • Honest prognosis discussions
  • Always available for questions

 

Is Orthopedic Surgery Right for Your Pet?

Good Surgical Candidates:

  • Otherwise healthy pets
  • Owners committed to post-op care
  • Pets with correctable conditions
  • Failed medical management cases

Surgery May Not Be Recommended If:

  • Severe concurrent health issues exist
  • Advanced age with poor healing potential
  • Owner unable to provide rehabilitation
  • Medical management still effective

Prevention: Protecting Future Joint Health

While here for orthopedics, ask about:

  • Weight management programs
  • Joint supplements
  • Exercise modification
  • Breed-specific screening
  • Early intervention strategies

 

Don't Let Pain Limit Your Pet's Life

Every day your pet lives with orthopedic pain is a day stolen from their quality of life. Modern surgical techniques can restore comfort and mobility, giving back the joy of movement.

Take the first step toward your pet’s pain-free future.

[📞 Call Now: (408) 779-7325]
[💬 Contact us online ]

         📧 Email: [morganhillvet@gmail.com]

Serving Morgan Hill, San Martin, Gilroy, and San Jose

Where advanced orthopedic care meets compassionate healing

Have Questions?

Frequently asked questions

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, our support team is always ready to assist you. Your pets health, our priority anytime, anywhere.

Signs include persistent limping, difficulty rising, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, crying when touched, or decreased activity. A thorough examination and X-rays will determine if surgery is needed.

While initial healing occurs in 8-12 weeks, full recovery typically takes 3-6 months. Each case is unique, and we’ll provide a specific timeline for your pet.

Age alone isn’t a barrier. We evaluate each pet’s overall health. Many senior pets do excellently with proper anesthetic protocols and pain management.

We’ll provide a detailed checklist including: non-slip rugs, baby gates to prevent stair access, comfortable bedding at ground level, and easy access to food/water/litter.

We work closely with board-certified veterinary surgeons. For complex cases, we can arrange referral or have a specialist perform surgery at our facility.

Pain control is our top priority. We use multiple medications before, during, and after surgery. Most pets are comfortable and many seem to feel better immediately due to fixing the underlying problem.

OTHER SURGERY SERVICES

At Morgan Hill Animal Hospital, we provide a full range of services to keep your pets healthy

SERVICES

Have Questions?

Frequently asked questions

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, our support team is always ready to assist you. Your pets health, our priority anytime, anywhere.

We offer wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care, diagnostics (X-rays, ultrasound), and surgeries (spay/neuter, orthopedic) for dogs, cats, and exotic pets.

Call (408) 779-7325 or use our online contact form to schedule a visit.

Trusted since 1970, Morgan Hill Animal Hospital delivers compassionate care with an experienced team, advanced technology, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. With a 4.3-star Google rating (59 reviews) and a 4.4-star Yelp rating (174 reviews), we’re a top choice in Morgan Hill. Call (408) 779-7325 to experience our care.

At Morgan Hill Animal Hospital, we provide expert veterinary care for dogs, cats, and exotic pets in Morgan Hill, CA. Our services, including wellness exams, dental care, diagnostics, and surgeries, are tailored to meet the unique needs of each pet. Call (408) 779-7325 to schedule an appointment.

testimonials

What Our Clients Say​

Hear from pet owners who trust Morgan Hill Animal Hospital for their furry friends’ health and happiness.

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