Restoring Mobility and Comfort
Orthopaedic injuries and conditions affect your pet’s ability to move comfortably: torn cruciate ligaments, fractures, hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation cause pain and functional limitation. Our surgical team holds memberships in surgery and performs advanced orthopaedic procedures, including TPLO (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy) for cruciate disease, fracture stabilisation, and corrective surgeries.
We’ve invested in modern orthopaedic equipment and advanced surgical training, enabling us to handle cases that traditionally required advanced treatments. This means your pet receives advanced orthopaedic care from veterinarians who already know their medical history, temperament, and specific needs.
What Orthopaedic Surgery Involves
Pre-Operative Assessment:
Thorough orthopaedic examination
Diagnostic imaging (digital radiographs, access to CT when needed)
Pre-anaesthetic blood work
Discussion of surgical options and realistic expectations
Surgical Procedure:
Modern anaesthesia with continuous multiparameter monitoring
Sterile surgical technique in purpose-built surgical suites
Modern implants and stabilisation methods
Multimodal pain management beginning before surgery
Post-Operative Care:
Hospitalisation duration varies by procedure (typically same day to 1-2 nights)
Comprehensive pain management protocols
Detailed activity restriction guidelines
Regular progress monitoring and follow-up radiographs
Access to our rehabilitation services (coming soon at Double Bay)
Recovery Expectations
Recovery timeframes vary significantly by procedure type and individual healing rates:
Cruciate Ligament Surgery (TPLO):
8-12 weeks strictly controlled activity with gradual progression
Most dogs show significant improvement by 3-4 months
Full return to activity typically by 4-5 months
Some dogs develop arthritis over time despite successful surgery
Approximately 30% risk of contralateral cruciate rupture
Fracture Repair:
6-8 weeks of restricted activity typically
Healing depends on fracture location, configuration, and patient compliance with restrictions
Complications can include implant failure, delayed healing, or infection (occurs in approximately 5-10% of cases)
Complications and Revision Surgery:
Most orthopaedic surgeries heal successfully. Occasionally, complications occur requiring additional intervention. When complications arise, we manage them directly or arrange consultation with board-certified surgical specialists when their expertise improves outcomes. Complex revision surgeries may warrant referral to a specialist.
Our Surgical Qualifications
Our surgical team holds memberships in veterinary surgery colleges, which require additional years of training, examination, and supervised surgical experience beyond veterinary school. We’ve performed hundreds of orthopaedic procedures, including TPLO surgeries, developing the refined technique and expertise that improve outcomes.
This isn’t equivalent to board-certification as a surgical specialist (which requires 3+ years of full-time residency training), but it represents advanced surgical training that enables us to handle many cases that would otherwise require referral.
Rehabilitation Support
Post-operative rehabilitation significantly improves outcomes. We provide detailed rehabilitation plans, including controlled lead walking protocols, passive range-of-motion exercises, and progressive return-to-activity guidelines.
At Double Bay, we’re launching a dedicated rehabilitation facility featuring an underwater treadmill, physiotherapy, and structured exercise programmes. This integrated approach to surgical recovery and rehabilitation will accelerate healing and optimise long-term function.
For more information on Orthopaedic Surgery, contact Vet HQ Darlinghurst or Double Bay.
Comprehensive Vet Care
Trusted veterinary services all under one roof
We provide comprehensive care for every aspect of your pet’s health and happiness. From routine check-ups and vaccinations to advanced diagnostics, surgery and palliative care, our experienced team delivers thoughtful, high-quality care in-house, supporting your pet through every stage of life.
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FAQs for our Vet HQ Family
What is TPLO surgery and why do you recommend it?
TPLO (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy) treats cruciate ligament disease by changing knee mechanics rather than replacing the torn ligament. It involves cutting and rotating the shin bone, then stabilising it with a plate and screws. TPLO provides superior long-term function compared to traditional extracapsular techniques, particularly for active dogs. Recovery requires 8-12 weeks of restricted activity with structured rehabilitation. Most dogs return to comfortable function, though some arthritis typically develops over time.
How do I know if my pet needs orthopaedic surgery?
Lameness, reluctance to bear weight, difficulty rising, reduced activity, and visible pain during movement warrant assessment. We’ll perform physical examination and diagnostic imaging to determine whether surgery, medical management, or rehabilitation offers the best outcome. Not every orthopaedic condition requires surgery – some respond well to conservative management.
Is orthopaedic surgery safe for my pet?
Modern orthopaedic surgery, when performed with appropriate anaesthesia monitoring by experienced surgeons, is generally safe. However, all surgery carries risks, including anaesthetic complications, infection (which occurs in approximately 5-10% of orthopaedic procedures), implant failure, and delayed healing. We discuss specific risks for your pet’s procedure before surgery, helping you make informed decisions.
What happens if complications occur?
We manage post-operative complications directly when they arise. This includes infections, minor implant issues, or concerns related to healing. For complex complications or revision surgeries, we’ll discuss whether a consultation with a board-certified surgical specialist would benefit your pet’s outcome. You won’t navigate complications alone – we take responsibility for surgical aftercare until healing is complete.
How long will it take for my pet to return to normal?
“Normal” depends on the procedure and individual healing. Most orthopaedic surgeries require 8-12 weeks of restricted activity before gradually returning to regular exercise. Some pets achieve full function. Others have mild permanent limitations. We provide realistic timelines tailored to your pet’s specific surgery and closely monitor progress throughout recovery.
Do both Darlinghurst and Double Bay perform orthopaedic surgery?
Yes. Both locations feature purpose-built surgical suites and advanced orthopaedic equipment. Our surgical team operates at both practices. The upcoming rehabilitation facility at Double Bay will provide integrated post-operative support; however, structured rehabilitation guidance is also available at both locations.
Book your pet’s appointment today and experience trusted, compassionate care from our dedicated Vet HQ team
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