Joint problems in dogs and cats can arise from genetic issues like hip or elbow dysplasia, or from injuries such as a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear, patella (kneecap) luxation, or joint fractures. These issues can lead to joint pain, inflammation, loss of motion, and thickening, resulting in osteoarthritis (OA).
While conservative medical management is usually the first line of treatment for many of these conditions, it can eventually stop working, particularly as OA progresses. When a joint nears the end of its functional lifespan, Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics offers an array of surgical treatment options—including joint replacements and unloading surgeries—to give your pet the best chance to maintain an active, pain-free life.
Today, total hip replacements (THRs) are commonly available for dogs and cats, treating conditions such as hip dysplasia, luxation (dislocation), fractures, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and physeal dysplasia in cats. THRs can be performed on pets as young as 6 months, and it involves removing the abnormal joint and replacing it with synthetic components, providing normal function and pain relief.
While less common, total replacements of the stifle (knee), elbow, and hock (ankle) joints in dogs are also available, usually to address severe OA that has a significant impact on a pet’s quality of life. These replacements can provide good functional outcomes and pain-free living.
Load-shifting surgery in dogs aims to reduce pain and slow the progression of certain joint diseases by modifying the way weight is distributed across the joint. This type of surgery is most frequently performed on dogs with osteochondrosis/osteochondritis dissecans (OC/OCD) lesions in the hock joint, and sometimes to address knee and elbow conditions.
Dr. Dycus is one of the few surgeons in the world performing this surgery, which involves shifting bone above or below the joint to redistribute the load to healthier joint areas.
If you or your primary care veterinarian thinks your pet could benefit from total joint replacement or load-shifting surgery, and would like us to evaluate their condition and recommend a treatment plan, please schedule a consultation by calling 301.778.7781 or request an appointment online.
Copyright © 2025 Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics.
All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2025 Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics. All Rights Reserved.
Notifications
