Senior Dog Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic Surgery

We perform many types of orthopedic (bone) surgeries in our animal hospital. Because we want to ensure that our patients receive the best possible outcome, we occasionally refer them to board-certified orthopedic surgeons to perform back surgery and other very complex surgeries.

Leg fractures are the most common orthopedic problem presented at our clinic and usually result from a mishap with an automobile. They can be treated in a variety of ways depending on the location and type of fracture. We can apply a cast to treat certain fractures; however, many fractures will require surgical intervention.

  • “Pinning” stabilizes the fracture by inserting a long stainless steel rod into the middle of the bone across the fractured area.
  • “Plating” – involves attaching a flat stainless steel plate to the bone using screws on either side of the fracture.
  • “External Fixation” stabilizes fractures using a series of pins on the outside of the leg that pass through the skin and into the bone on either side of the fracture.

We also perform a lot of orthopedic surgeries related to hip dysplasia and disc disease. Please contact us if you have any questions about these procedures or if you think your pet might benefit from them.

MMP (Modified Maquet Procedure)

Our very own Dr. Matt Mears is proud to offer the Modified Maquet Procedure (MMP) for cruciate ligament repairs in dogs.

MMP is a type of Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) that is most effective for dogs over 40 pounds ( small dog version is coming soon)! This procedure is designed to save pet owners time and money while keeping their four-legged companions close at home.

The MMP procedure involves the use of a porous titanium wedge called an osteofoam to fill the gap created during the TTA. The osteofoam promotes bone growth, resulting in faster healing. The MMP procedure has proved to have comparable outcomes to the TPLO procedure, and we are excited to offer it as a cost-effective alternative to TPLO.

Over the years, Dr. Mears and his team have successfully performed over 70 MMP procedures with impressive outcomes. Please call us today at (423) 378-4753 if you feel your dog may be a good candidate for the MMP procedure or to schedule a consultation!

To learn more about the MMP procedure, please click HERE.

To learn more about the MMP Wedge, please click HERE.

To learn more about the MMP Aftercare, please click HERE.