Pain and Mobility Problems Deserve Real Answers
When a dog stops putting weight on a leg, or a cat starts moving stiffly in a way you haven’t seen before, you want answers and you want your pet comfortable. Now.
Orthopedic problems involve the bones, joints, ligaments, and connective tissue. They’re some of the most common reasons dogs and cats limp, slow down, and hurt.
At Madison Veterinary Hospital, we start with a careful exam and imaging, then talk with you about pain control, surgery, or other treatment.
Before we recommend surgery, we’ll tell you what the exam and tests show, what we’re still unsure about, and whether a specialist would serve your pet better.
Common Orthopedic Conditions We Treat
We see and treat a wide range of orthopedic problems in dogs and cats. Some need surgery. Others do well with medication, weight control, activity changes, rehab, or pain management.
Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture
A torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs.
The CCL helps hold the knee steady. When it tears, suddenly or slowly over time, it causes pain, limping, swelling, and a wobbly knee, and the joint keeps getting damaged if it isn’t treated.
Many dogs with a CCL tear do best with surgery to stabilize the knee. We’ll look at your dog’s size, build, lifestyle, activity level, and overall health before recommending a treatment.
Luxating Patella
A luxating patella is a kneecap that slips out of its groove. It causes on-and-off limping, a skipping step, and discomfort, and over time it can lead to arthritis or cartilage damage.
It’s especially common in small and toy breeds, though bigger dogs and cats can get it too. Depending on how severe it is and how it’s affecting your pet, surgery may be the best way to keep the knee working and prevent long-term damage.
Fracture Repair
A broken bone has to be held steady so it heals correctly. Treatment depends on where the break is, what kind it is, and how bad it is.
Some fractures heal in a splint or cast. Others need pins, wires, plates, or screws. We image every fracture carefully before recommending a plan.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia means the hip joint didn’t form correctly. That leads to a loose, inflamed, painful joint and arthritis that gets worse over time.
It’s especially common in large and giant breeds. Depending on your pet’s age, size, symptoms, and how severe it is, treatment may include medication, weight control, pain management, activity changes, or surgery.
Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is a group of developmental problems in a dog’s elbow, including fragmented coronoid process, osteochondrosis dissecans, and ununited anconeal process.
Dogs with elbow dysplasia may limp on a front leg, seem stiff, have a swollen elbow, or slow down. Sometimes surgery to remove abnormal tissue can help slow the arthritis.
Bone Infections
Bone infections (osteomyelitis) can follow an injury, surgery, or a wound, or spread from infected tissue nearby.
Treatment may involve surgically cleaning the bone, culturing it to find the right antibiotic, and a course of targeted antibiotics. These cases need close follow-up and a clear plan.
Other Orthopedic Conditions
We look at plenty of other bone, joint, and mobility problems too. If your pet’s condition isn’t listed here, call Madison Veterinary Hospital and we’ll tell you whether we’re the right fit.
How We Diagnose Orthopedic Conditions
We put together your pet’s symptoms, exam findings, and test results before we recommend any treatment.
The goal is to find out what’s causing the pain or limp first.
Physical and Orthopedic Examination
Your veterinarian watches your pet walk, checks how they carry weight, and examines the sore area for swelling, pain, looseness, limited movement, and muscle loss.
For a lot of orthopedic problems, the exam itself tells us a great deal and points us to the next step.
Digital Radiography
Our digital X-ray system takes clear pictures of bones and joints. X-rays show fractures, dislocations, arthritis, developmental problems, bone changes, and more.
Having X-rays in-house speeds up the diagnosis. Some problems still need more advanced imaging or a specialist’s opinion.
We may take several views to get the full picture. You can read more about our imaging on our Radiology and Ultrasound page.
Referral Imaging When Needed
For complicated cases that need a CT, an MRI, or a specialist’s review, we’ll set up a referral to a veterinary specialty center.
When a referral is the right move, we work closely with the specialist and keep you up to date along the way.
Anesthesia and Pain Management
Orthopedic surgery requires general anesthesia, and we plan it carefully.
Some orthopedic patients are young, healthy, and active. Others are older and have other health problems that need extra prep. Either way, an exam and bloodwork beforehand help us plan anesthesia safely.
Pain control is a priority with orthopedic surgery. We combine several methods, which may include pain medication before surgery, local anesthetic, medication afterward, and recovery support.
Keeping pain under control early in recovery helps pets heal better, feel better, and get better results long term.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Orthopedic recovery takes time, and what you do at home matters a lot.
After surgery, we’ll give you detailed instructions, which may cover activity limits, leash-only walks, incision care, medications, physical therapy exercises when they make sense, rechecks, and follow-up X-rays.
For pets recovering from cruciate surgery or other major orthopedic procedures, we may also talk about formal rehab, such as therapeutic exercise, hydrotherapy, or laser therapy, to rebuild muscle, ease pain, and get them back to normal.
Call us with questions any time during recovery. We’ll also schedule follow-up visits to make sure healing is on track before your pet goes back to full activity.
When a Specialist Referral Is the Right Call
Some orthopedic surgeries are best done by a board-certified surgeon. We’ll tell you when that’s the case.
For very complex cases, some advanced procedures like TPLO, or cases that need equipment we don’t have, we may recommend a veterinary surgical specialist.
If your pet needs a referral, we’ll set it up.
Discussing Treatment Choices
We’ll walk you through what we found and your options so you understand why we’re recommending what we are.
Orthopedic surgery is a big decision for any family, and we treat it that way.
If your dog or cat is limping, struggling to get up, avoiding stairs, or showing signs of joint pain, give us a call. Whether you’re in Troy, Sterling Heights, or Hazel Park, we’re a short drive away.
Call Madison Veterinary Hospital at 248-399-5225 to talk about your pet’s mobility.
Related Veterinary Services
Orthopedic surgery often connects with diagnostic, pain management, and recovery services. Based on your pet’s condition, our team may also recommend related care options.
