Pain and Mobility Problems Deserve Real Answers
When a dog stops bearing weight on a leg, or when a cat begins moving with a stiffness that was not there before, the instinct to find answers and relief is immediate. Orthopedic conditions, those affecting the bones, joints, and connective tissues, are among the most common sources of pain and reduced quality of life in dogs and cats. At Madison Veterinary Hospital, we provide thorough orthopedic evaluation, diagnostics, and surgical treatment to help restore your pet’s comfort and mobility.
Our approach to orthopedic surgery is built on the same foundation that has guided our practice for more than 50 years: careful diagnosis first, clear communication always, and a genuine commitment to your pet’s wellbeing from initial evaluation through the end of recovery.
Common Orthopedic Conditions We Treat
Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Rupture
CCL rupture is the most common orthopedic injury in dogs and one of the most frequently performed surgeries in veterinary medicine. The cranial cruciate ligament stabilizes the knee joint, and when it ruptures, either suddenly or gradually through degeneration, it causes significant lameness, pain, and progressive joint damage if left untreated. Surgical stabilization is the standard of care for most dogs with CCL rupture, and outcomes with surgery are substantially better than management without it. We will evaluate your dog’s specific anatomy, size, and lifestyle to discuss the most appropriate surgical approach.
Luxating Patella
A luxating patella is a kneecap that slips out of its normal groove, causing intermittent lameness, a characteristic skipping gait, and over time, arthritis and cartilage damage. It is particularly common in small and toy breeds but can affect dogs and cats of any size. Depending on the grade of luxation, surgical correction may be recommended to restore normal joint mechanics and prevent long-term damage.
Fracture Repair
Traumatic fractures require stabilization to allow proper healing. Depending on the location, type, and severity of the fracture, treatment options include external splinting and casting or internal fixation using pins, wires, plates, and screws. We evaluate each fracture thoroughly with diagnostic imaging before recommending the best approach.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition in which the hip joint forms abnormally, leading to instability, inflammation, pain, and progressive arthritis. It is especially common in large and giant breeds. Management ranges from medical and lifestyle interventions to surgical options depending on the severity and the age of the patient.
Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is a collective term for several developmental conditions affecting the elbow joint in dogs, including fragmented coronoid process, osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD), and ununited anconeal process. These conditions cause forelimb lameness, elbow swelling, and arthritis. Surgical intervention is often recommended to remove or address abnormal tissue and slow the progression of joint disease.
Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis)
Bacterial infections of the bone can occur following trauma, surgery, or spread from nearby infected tissue. Treatment typically involves surgical debridement, bone culture, and targeted antibiotic therapy over an extended period.
Other Orthopedic Conditions
Our veterinary team evaluates a wide range of orthopedic concerns. If your pet has a bone or joint condition not listed here, please contact us to discuss whether we are the right fit for their care.
How We Diagnose Orthopedic Conditions
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of successful orthopedic treatment. Rushing to a surgical recommendation without thorough evaluation does your pet a disservice. Our diagnostic approach typically includes:
Physical and Orthopedic Examination
Your veterinarian will watch your pet move, assess gait and weight bearing, palpate each joint for swelling, pain, crepitus, and instability, and evaluate muscle mass symmetry. In many orthopedic conditions, the physical exam alone provides strong diagnostic information.
Digital Radiography (X-Ray)
Our in-house digital radiography system allows us to capture high-resolution images of bones and joints to identify fractures, luxations, arthritic changes, developmental abnormalities, and bone density concerns. For families in Ferndale, Warren, and throughout the surrounding communities, having access to in-house orthopedic imaging at their primary care veterinarian means fewer referral steps and faster answers when a pet is in pain. Multiple views are typically taken to fully characterize the affected area. Please see our Radiology and Ultrasound page for more detail on our imaging capabilities.
Referral Imaging When Needed
For complex cases requiring CT imaging or MRI, we will coordinate referral to a veterinary specialty center and work closely with the specialist to ensure continuity of care.
Anesthesia and Pain Management
Orthopedic procedures require general anesthesia, and we approach anesthetic management for orthopedic cases with particular attention. Many orthopedic patients are young, active dogs who are excellent anesthetic candidates. Others are older pets with concurrent health conditions that require careful planning. In both cases, our pre-anesthetic bloodwork and physical exam protocol ensures we go into every procedure with the information we need to keep your pet safe.
Pain management in orthopedic surgery is a priority, not an afterthought. We use a multimodal pain management approach that combines pre-operative medications, intraoperative local anesthetic techniques, and a comprehensive take-home pain management plan. Managing pain well in the early post-operative period is directly linked to better healing, faster recovery, and improved long-term outcomes.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Orthopedic recovery takes time, and the work pet owners do at home during the recovery period matters enormously. After your pet’s procedure, we will provide detailed instructions covering activity restrictions, leash walking protocols, incision care, physical therapy exercises where appropriate, and a schedule for recheck appointments and follow-up X-rays.
For pets recovering from cruciate surgery or other significant orthopedic procedures, we may also discuss the benefits of formal rehabilitation therapy, including hydrotherapy, therapeutic exercise, and laser therapy, to support muscle rebuilding and return to function.
Our team is available to answer questions throughout recovery, and we schedule follow-up imaging to confirm healing is progressing appropriately before clearing your pet for increased activity.
When a Specialist Referral Is the Right Call
We believe in being honest with our clients about what is within our scope and what is best referred to a board-certified veterinary surgeon. For highly complex cases, certain advanced techniques such as TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy), or cases requiring specialized equipment we do not have on site, we will make a referral to a veterinary surgical specialist and work collaboratively with that team on your pet’s behalf. Our goal is always to get your pet the right care, wherever that care is best delivered.
A Practice Built on Honest, Thorough Care
Pet owners across Madison Heights, Troy, Sterling Heights, Berkley, and throughout the metro Detroit area have brought their pets to Madison Veterinary Hospital for generations because they know we will tell them the truth, treat their animals with genuine care, and stand behind our work. Orthopedic surgery is a significant undertaking for any pet and any family, and we do not take that lightly.
Madison Veterinary Hospital is AAHA-accredited and has been recognized by Newsweek as one of the Best Veterinary Hospitals in America in 2025 and 2026. That recognition reflects the honest, thorough care we bring to every case, including complex orthopedic ones. If your dog or cat is limping, struggling to rise, or showing signs of joint pain, do not wait and hope it resolves on its own. Many orthopedic conditions worsen over time without treatment, and early intervention typically leads to better outcomes. Call us or schedule an appointment today.
