Orthopedic Surgery

When your dog tears a knee ligament, or your cat breaks a leg, you want an experienced surgical team. At DoveLewis, our orthopedic surgeons repair cruciate tears, fractures, kneecap and hip problems in dogs and cats, with a 24/7 ER and ICU down the hall and in-house rehab for recovery. You don't need a referral to book a consult.

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Why families choose DoveLewis

When you choose DoveLewis for orthopedic surgery, you’re choosing a leader in veterinary medicine dedicated to helping your pet heal comfortably—with stable outcomes, good limb function, effective pain control, and a clear path to recovery.

Collaborative care with a world-class ER and ICU

Orthopedic patients are supported by one of the most advanced emergency and intensive care teams in the world—providing seamless care before surgery, during hospitalization, and throughout recovery.

Specialty-trained surgeons

Your pet's surgery is performed by surgeons with advanced residency training in veterinary surgery, led by board-certified surgeon Dr. Dusty Spencer.

Advanced surgical and minimally invasive options

From TPLO and fracture repair to arthroscopy and joint fusion, we tailor each surgical plan to your pet’s condition, anatomy, and lifestyle.

In-house rehabilitation and pain management

Recovery doesn’t end after surgery. Our integrated rehabilitation and pain management services support safer healing, improved mobility, and long-term comfort.

Examples of Common Orthopedic Surgeries for Pets

Whether your pet needs cruciate ligament repair, fracture stabilization, or minimally invasive joint treatment, we’ll walk you through what’s happening, what the options are, and support your pet through recovery. 

TPLO for ACL/CCL (Cruciate) Tears

A torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL)—similar to an ACL injury in people—is one of the most common causes of hind-leg lameness in dogs. TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) is a highly effective surgical option that stabilizes the knee, reduces pain, and supports a return to normal activity for many dogs.

Off-Set TPLO for Medial Patellar Luxation (MPL Repair)

Medial patellar luxation (MPL) happens when the kneecap slips out of its normal groove, which can cause skipping, limping, and arthritis over time. This is a newer approach that can address MPL in select patients by improving alignment and stability.

Arthroscopy for Joint Conditions

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique using a small camera to evaluate and treat certain joint problems through tiny incisions for faster recovery. We use arthroscopy to help manage conditions such as elbow dysplasia and OCD (osteochondritis dissecans) lesions. 

Fracture Repairs

From straightforward breaks to complex multi-fragment injuries, we provide fracture stabilization tailored to your pet’s injury, size, and lifestyle. Our techniques may include:

• Minimally invasive fracture repair (when appropriate)
• Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) using plates, pins, and screws
• External skeletal fixators (external frames) for certain complex fractures or soft-tissue injuries

Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) for Hip Pain and Injury

FHO removes the ball of the hip joint so the bone no longer grinds against the socket. Over the following weeks, the body forms a cushion of scar tissue that works as a pain-free false joint. We recommend FHO for dogs and cats with a hip dislocation that won't stay in place, a fracture of the femoral head, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, or severe hip arthritis. Most pets are using the leg within a few weeks, and our in-house rehab team helps rebuild the muscle that supports the new joint.

Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS) for Puppies with Hip Dysplasia

JPS is a short, minimally invasive procedure that helps a young puppy's hips develop more normally. By closing a growth plate in the pelvis early, it rotates the hip sockets to cover the ball of the joint better as the puppy grows. Because JPS only works while the pelvis is still growing, timing is everything: it has to be done while your puppy is young. If your puppy's breed is prone to hip dysplasia, or your vet has noticed loose hips, book a consult early.

Joint Arthrodesis (Joint Fusion)

When a joint is severely damaged and no longer functions comfortably (often due to trauma or advanced disease), arthrodesis can eliminate painful motion by fusing the joint. 

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