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Orthopaedic Surgery
Orthopaedic surgery involves any surgery that is related to bones or joints. Our extensive range of surgical facilities and veterinarian expertise allows us to perform many orthopaedic surgical procedures including amputations, cruciate surgery and fracture repairs. We are also able to organize referrals to a specialist orthopaedic surgeon if necessary.
Triple Tibial Osteotomy (TTO)

A TTO is an advanced orthopaedic surgery used to treat dogs with ruptured or damaged cruciate ligaments. Three cuts are performed and a small wedge of bone is removed to reduce the slope of the knee so the ligament is no longer required. They are superior to conventional ‘extra-capsular’ cruciate ligament repairs as dogs use their affected leg sooner, better and get less arthritis in the future. We routinely perform these procedures in medium and large dogs as an alternative to referring to a specialist.

Patella Luxation Surgery

Medial Patella luxation is where the knee-cap slips outside its groove. It is a common cause of lameness in dogs. It is usually caused a combination of boney abnormalities such as a shallow Trochlear Groove, inwards rotated Tibial Tuberosity and angular limb deformities. We routinely perform corrective surgery whereby we address these abnormalities by deepening the groove (Wedge Resection Trochleoplasty), shifting the tuberosity (Tibial Tuberosity Transposition) and correcting the surrounding soft tissues (lateral imbrication and medial release).

Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS)

We routinely perform the JPS surgery in dogs that are between 14-20 weeks of age that suffer from or are at risk of developing Hip Dysplasia. It involves using electrocautery to destroy a small portion of a growth plate in the bottom of the pelvis. By doing this, the growth of the bottom of the pelvis slows and the top continues to grow. This creates a deeper socket (acetabulum) and improves joint stability. In the right candidate, it is one of the most cost effective and least invasive method of treating Hip Dysplasia and preventing painful hip arthritis.

PennHip Radiographs

The PennHip method is the most effective hip screening method available for dogs. It involves a series of x-rays being performed by an accredited veterinarian (which we have at Cairns Veterinary Clinic) in dogs from 16 week of age. These x-rays are then assessed to detect hip dysplasia and the risk of developing painful arthritis later in life. We commonly perform PennHip radiographs in young at risk dogs and dogs who may breed but they can be performed for most dogs and can be done while under general anaesthesia at the same time as another procedure (such as desexing or dentistry). (For more information, click here)

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