Pet Orthopaedic Surgery
Our skilled veterinary surgeons are highly experienced in advanced orthopaedic pet surgery to help restore comfort, mobility, and quality of life for pets with bone, joint, or ligament injuries.
What Is Orthopaedic Surgery?
Orthopaedic surgery focuses on treating injuries and conditions affecting bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments. For many pets, orthopaedic issues — such as torn cruciate ligaments or patella luxation — can cause chronic pain and significantly reduce mobility. Surgical correction not only relieves pain but also helps pets regain strength, stability, and function.
Our skilled veterinarians use advanced diagnostic imaging and surgical techniques to plan and perform each procedure with precision. Our experienced team performs procedures such as TPLO surgery for dogs, patella luxation surgery, juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS), and PennHIP assessments — all using modern techniques and careful pain management.
What’s Included in Pet Orthopaedic Surgery?
We offer a wide range of orthopaedic surgery and musculoskeletal services for dogs and cats, including:
- TPLO Surgery for Dogs: Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO) is a highly effective procedure to repair cruciate ligament injuries and restore stable, pain-free movement.
- Patella Luxation Surgery: Corrects dislocated kneecaps, commonly seen in small and toy breeds, to improve stability and prevent further joint damage.
- Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS): A preventative surgery for young dogs at risk of hip dysplasia, improving long-term joint health.
- PennHIP Radiographic Assessment: Accredited PennHIP screening to measure hip joint laxity and identify early signs of hip dysplasia.
- Fracture Repair: Surgical treatment for broken bones, using pins, plates, or screws to promote proper healing and alignment.
- Arthritis & Mobility Management: Ongoing care plans including medication, physical therapy, and follow-up imaging to maintain comfort after surgery.
Serving pets across Cairns, Gordonvale, Manoora, Manunda, Mount Sheridan, Edmonton, and Smithfield, we offer both routine and referral-level orthopaedic pet surgery in a compassionate, well-equipped environment.
Whether your pet is recovering from trauma or struggling with mobility issues, our compassionate team is here to help them move with confidence again.
Why Orthopaedic Surgery Matters
When pets suffer from joint injuries or bone conditions, even simple movements like walking or jumping can become painful. Orthopaedic surgery can make a life-changing difference by restoring proper alignment, improving mobility, and reducing chronic discomfort.
Procedures such as TPLO surgery for dogs and patella luxation surgery have excellent success rates, often allowing pets to return to full activity. Early assessment is key — treating orthopaedic issues promptly can prevent further joint degeneration and ensure a smoother recovery.
Our Expertise in Orthopaedic Pet Surgery
With decades of experience and a long-standing reputation for excellence, Cairns Veterinary Clinic has been trusted by local families since 1966. Our veterinarians are trained in advanced surgical techniques and orthopaedic assessment, including PennHIP certification.
We use digital radiography, modern anaesthetic protocols, and strict monitoring standards to ensure every patient receives safe, effective, and compassionate care. From diagnosis through recovery, our focus is on providing expert treatment and personalised follow-up support to help your pet get back on their paws as quickly as possible.
FAQs About Orthopaedic Surgery
How do I know if my pet needs orthopaedic surgery?
Limping, stiffness, difficulty standing, or reluctance to jump are all signs of possible joint or bone problems. Our team will perform an orthopaedic assessment and imaging to determine the best treatment plan.
What is recovery like after TPLO or patella luxation surgery?
Most pets recover well with rest, pain management, and gradual rehabilitation over 8–12 weeks. We’ll provide a detailed recovery plan and schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing.
Is orthopaedic surgery safe for older pets?
Yes, many older pets benefit greatly from surgery when appropriate. We perform pre-anaesthetic testing and tailor anaesthesia and pain control to each individual animal.
Schedule Your Pet’s Orthopaedic Consultation Today
If your pet is showing signs of lameness, pain, or limited mobility, don’t wait — early intervention can make all the difference. Our team offers advanced orthopaedic pet surgery, including TPLO, patella luxation, JPS, and PennHIP evaluations, right here in Cairns, QLD.
Book your pet’s orthopaedic consultation today and let our experienced team help them move freely again.