Advanced Surgery

Advanced Orthopedic Surgery for Pets in London, Ontario

Firth Veterinary Hospital offers advanced orthopedic veterinary surgery services for dogs and cats throughout London, South London, and the surrounding Ontario communities.Our veterinary surgical team is experienced in advanced orthopedic procedures designed to improve mobility, reduce pain, restore joint function, and improve overall quality of life for pets experiencing injuries, arthritis, ligament tears, fractures, hip conditions, and other complex orthopedic issues.

We combine advanced surgical techniques, modern technology, individualized treatment planning, rehabilitation support, laser therapy, and compassionate patient care to guide pets through every stage of treatment and recovery.

TPLO Surgery for Dogs

TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) is one of the most advanced and successful orthopedic procedures used to treat cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears in dogs. The CCL in dogs is similar to the ACL in humans and helps stabilize the knee joint during movement.

When this ligament tears or ruptures, the knee becomes unstable, causing pain, limping, inflammation, and progressive arthritis if left untreated.

During TPLO surgery, the surgeon changes the angle of the tibia (shin bone) to stabilize the knee without relying on the damaged ligament. A specialized bone plate and screws are used to secure the bone while it heals.

Signs Your Dog May Need TPLO Surgery

Dogs with a torn CCL often show symptoms such as:

  • Sudden or gradual limping
  • Difficulty getting up or lying down
  • Stiffness after exercise
  • Holding one hind leg up
  • Trouble climbing stairs or jumping
  • Decreased activity or reluctance to play
  • Knee swelling or clicking sounds
  • Muscle loss in the affected leg

Many dogs eventually injure the opposite knee as well, especially active or large-breed dogs.

Dogs Most Commonly Affected

While any dog can develop a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear, the condition is especially common in larger and highly active breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Pit Bulls, Newfoundlands, Boxers, and Mastiffs. Overweight dogs and dogs with high activity levels may also have an increased risk of developing ligament injuries and knee instability over time. 

Benefits of TPLO Surgery

TPLO is considered the gold standard for many medium and large breed dogs because it offers:

  • Improved knee stability
  • Faster return to activity
  • Reduced long-term arthritis progression
  • Better comfort and mobility
  • High success rates
  • Excellent long-term function for active dogs

Most dogs regain strong use of the leg and return to normal activities after recovery.

Recovery After TPLO Surgery

Recovery typically occurs in stages over 8–12 weeks.

Immediately After Surgery

  • Pain medications and anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed
  • Activity is strictly limited
  • Short leash walks only

Weeks 2–8

  • Gradual increase in controlled activity
  • Follow-up exams and X-rays monitor bone healing
  • Physical rehabilitation may be recommended

After 8–12 Weeks

  • Most dogs resume normal walking and light play
  • Full recovery and muscle rebuilding continue over several months

Following post-operative instructions carefully is critical for a successful outcome.

Why Early TPLO Treatment Matters

Without treatment, knee instability can worsen over time and lead to:

  • Chronic pain
  • Severe arthritis
  • Meniscus damage
  • Reduced mobility
  • Muscle loss

Early diagnosis and surgical stabilization can significantly improve your dog’s comfort and quality of life.

Extracapsular Repair Surgery

Extracapsular repair is another orthopedic surgical option commonly recommended for smaller dogs or select ligament injuries involving the knee joint. This procedure is designed to stabilize the knee after a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury by using specialized suture material placed outside the joint to support healing and restore stability. Extracapsular repair can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and allow pets to return to more comfortable daily activity following recovery.

Extracapsular repair may be recommended for:

  • Small breed dogs
  • Partial ligament tears
  • Certain early-stage CCL injuries
  • Pets requiring alternative stabilization procedures

Our veterinary team will determine the most appropriate surgical option based on your pet’s size, activity level, anatomy, age, and overall orthopedic condition.

Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) Surgery

Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) surgery is an advanced orthopedic procedure used to help relieve chronic hip pain and improve mobility in pets affected by severe hip disease or injury. During this procedure, the damaged portion of the hip joint is removed to eliminate painful bone-on-bone contact and allow a false joint to form during healing. FHO surgery is often recommended when pain management alone is no longer effective or when hip replacement is not the best option for the patient.

FHO surgery may be recommended for pets suffering from:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Severe arthritis
  • Hip fractures
  • Chronic hip pain
  • Traumatic injuries

Many pets experience significant improvement in comfort and mobility following surgery, especially when combined with rehabilitation, physiotherapy for dogs and cats, and laser therapy during recovery.

Additional Advanced Surgical Treatments 

Additional surgical services we perform at Firth Veterinary Hospital include:

  • Laser surgery
  • Cystotomy surgery
  • Urethrostomy surgery
  • Soft palate resection
  • Nares resection surgery
  • Oral surgery
  • Jaw fracture repair
  • Laser therapy
  • 24/5 referral-based surgical availability

Surgical Monitoring & Recovery Care

Patient safety remains our highest priority throughout every procedure. Advanced surgical monitoring equipment is used continuously to track:

  • Heart rate
  • Oxygen levels
  • Blood pressure
  • Temperature
  • Anesthesia depth

Pain management plans are customized to support comfort and healing throughout recovery.

Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy & Laser Therapy

Many advanced orthopedic surgical cases benefit from postoperative rehabilitation services such as:

  • Physiotherapy for dogs
  • Physiotherapy for cats
  • Laser therapy
  • Mobility exercises
  • Pain management support

These therapies may help improve healing, restore strength, reduce inflammation, and support long-term recovery outcomes.

Financing Options Available

We understand that surgery can create unexpected financial stress for families. Financing options are available for qualified clients. Ask our team for more information. 

Advanced Surgical Veterinary Care in London, Ontario

If you are searching for a vet in London, vets in London Ontario, or a veterinarian in London Ontario offering advanced TPLO surgery, rehabilitation services, laser therapy, or physiotherapy for dogs and cats, Firth Veterinary Hospital is here to help.

Our veterinary team proudly serves pets throughout London, South London, and the surrounding Ontario communities with compassionate, advanced orthopedic veterinary care.

Schedule an Orthopedic Surgery Consultation

If your pet is experiencing limping, joint pain, mobility problems, hip discomfort, or orthopedic injuries, early evaluation and treatment can significantly improve long-term comfort and mobility.

Contact Firth Veterinary Hospital today to schedule an orthopedic consultation or to learn more about our advanced veterinary surgery options.

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