Ligament Surgery for Dogs: Restoring Mobility After Cruciate Injuries
If your dog suddenly begins limping on a back leg, struggles to stand, or refuses to put weight on a limb, one of the most common causes is a cruciate ligament injury. Just like in humans, the cruciate ligament stabilizes the knee joint, and when it tears or weakens, mobility becomes painful and limiting.
At the Bone, Joint & Spine Clinic, Dr. James Harrison, a board-certified veterinary orthopedic surgeon, offers effective treatment options for these common animal orthopedic injuries. As an experienced dog orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Harrison specializes in restoring mobility and improving comfort through timely ligament repair.
Understanding Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Dogs
The cruciate ligament is a band of tissue inside the knee joint that keeps the femur and tibia aligned. When it tears - whether partially or completely - it causes instability, inflammation, and pain. Over time, an untreated ligament injury can lead to arthritis and long-term joint damage.
Cruciate injuries are among the most frequent reasons pet owners seek dog ligament surgery in Columbus. They may occur suddenly, after vigorous play or an accident, or gradually, due to degenerative changes in the ligament.
Symptoms of a Cruciate Ligament Injury
Common signs include:
- Sudden lameness or limping on a back leg
- Reluctance to jump, run, or climb stairs
- Difficulty rising after rest
- Swelling around the knee joint
- Intermittent improvement, followed by worsening
If you notice these signs, it’s time to consult an orthopedic vet. Many pet owners in these situations search online for “emergency dog surgery near me” to find immediate help.
Surgical Repair: The Best Solution for Many Dogs
While rest and medication may help with mild or partial tears, surgery is often the most reliable dog ACL tear treatment for restoring long-term stability. At the Bone, Joint & Spine Clinic, Dr. Harrison performs orthopedic surgery for dogs in Columbus tailored to each patient’s needs.
The goals of ligament surgery include:
- Stabilizing the knee joint
- Reducing pain and swelling
- Preventing further joint damage
- Allowing the dog to regain comfortable mobility
With surgical repair, many pets return to active, playful lives, free of chronic discomfort.
Why Choose Dr. Harrison for Ligament Surgery?
As a veterinary surgical specialist, Dr. Harrison has advanced training in canine orthopedic surgery and years of experience addressing cruciate injuries. Families choose the Bone, Joint & Spine Clinic because of his:
- Expertise as a dog knee surgery specialist in Columbus
- Reputation as a trusted orthopedic vet near me for both dogs and cats
- Compassionate approach to helping pets recover quickly and safely
Beyond cruciate repairs, Dr. Harrison also provides:
- Canine hip dysplasia surgery
- Pet bone fracture repair
- Pet orthopedic surgery in Columbus for ligament, joint, and bone conditions
- Pet joint replacement surgery in Columbus when necessary for severe arthritis
- Feline orthopedic surgery, including cat broken leg surgery and feline patella luxation repair
This comprehensive range of services makes the Bone, Joint & Spine Clinic a reliable choice for orthopedic needs across Columbus.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
After ligament surgery, recovery requires rest and careful management. Most dogs need several weeks of limited activity, followed by gradual reintroduction of exercise. Dr. Harrison and his team provide detailed aftercare instructions, including follow-up visits and pain management, to ensure the best possible outcome.
With proper surgical repair and recovery, most pets regain full use of their leg, avoiding long-term arthritis and disability.
Orthopedic Care for Cats as Well
Though cruciate ligament injuries are primarily seen in dogs, cats can also suffer orthopedic trauma. That’s why Dr. Harrison also serves as a trusted cat orthopedic surgeon. Services include:
- Cat fracture repair specialist in Columbus for traumatic injuries
- Cat orthopedic surgeon near me for families seeking expert feline care
- Orthopedic surgery for cats in Columbus covering fractures and luxations
This means the Bone, Joint & Spine Clinic is equipped to care for the whole family - dogs and cats alike.
Restoring Comfort and Quality of Life
Cruciate ligament injuries don’t just limit a pet’s mobility - they affect quality of life. Dogs who once enjoyed long walks, playful runs, or simply hopping onto the couch may suddenly struggle with pain and immobility. With skilled surgical repair, Dr. Harrison helps restore not only function but also joy and comfort to pets’ lives.
If you’re searching for dog ligament surgery in Columbus, a dog orthopedic surgeon, or even emergency dog surgery near me, the Bone, Joint & Spine Clinic provides the compassionate, effective solutions your pet needs.
Contact the Bone, Joint & Spine Clinic
When it comes to complex fracture repairs for dogs in Columbus or even emergency dog surgery near you, you can trust Dr. Harrison and his team to provide expert solutions with a caring touch.
Call The Bone, Joint and Spine Clinic at (614) 889-9555 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Harrison. Early surgical intervention can make a significant difference in your pet’s joint health and quality of life. There is no charge for such evaluations and consultations.