Orthopaedic Care for Your Pets at Subiaco Vets

Orthopaedic Care for Your Pets at Subiaco Vets

As our dogs and cats go about their daily lives, they can sometimes injure themselves while running, jumping, or playing. In other cases, they may be born with conformational abnormalities that affect their musculoskeletal system.

At Subiaco Vets, we understand how important mobility is to your pet’s quality of life, and we offer expert care for a range of orthopaedic conditions, including:

Cruciate Ligament Injury
Medial Patella Luxation
Hip Dysplasia
Fractures and Limb Injuries

Cruciate Ligament Injury

Cruciate ligament injuries are one of the most common orthopaedic issues in dogs of all ages. These injuries often occur during everyday activities—like jumping off furniture, chasing a ball, or playing at the beach. Certain breeds are also predisposed to cruciate ligament tears due to their physical conformation.

The cruciate ligament plays a vital role in stabilising the knee joint. It prevents the forward sliding movement of the shinbone (tibia) away from the thigh bone (femur). When it ruptures, your pet may struggle to bear weight on the affected leg, due to this sliding movement called a “cranial drawer”. Without treatment, this instability can lead to cartilage damage, bone changes, and eventually osteoarthritis.

Cruciate Ligament Repair Options at Subiaco Vets:
We offer several surgical techniques to repair cruciate ligament injuries, including:

TPLO (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy)

The Gold Standard in Cruciate Ligament Repair

TPLO is widely regarded as the gold standard for cruciate ligament repair, offering excellent long-term outcomes, especially for active and larger dogs.

This procedure involves making a curved cut in the tibia (shin bone), rotating it, and securing it in a new position using a specialised plate and screws. By changing the angle of the joint surface, TPLO neutralises the forces that cause instability in a cruciate-deficient knee.

An Analogy: Imagine a cart on a hill secured by a rope. If the rope breaks (like the torn ligament), the cart rolls downhill. But if you level the hill (like the TPLO surgery does), the cart stays still — even without the rope.

TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement)

An Effective Biomechanical Solution

TTA is another advanced technique that alters the forces on the tibia to reduce joint instability caused by a torn cruciate ligament. It involves cutting and moving the tibial tuberosity (a portion of the shinbone) forward. This is then held in the new position with the aid of specialised wedge implants, plates and screws.

By advancing the tibial crest, the angle of the patella tendon is altered and becomes more perpendicular to the tibial plateau. This stabilises the joint and reduces the forward sliding movement.

This change in alignment helps stabilise the joint during movement.

MMP (Modified Maquet Procedure)

A Modern, Minimally Invasive Alternative

The MMP procedure is a newer adaptation of the TTA technique. It changes the tibial angle using a special Orthofoam™ wedge implant, which is fixed in place with a pin.

While MMP is considered less invasive than TPLO and offers a quicker recovery for some dogs, current evidence suggests TPLO still provides superior long-term outcomes, particularly in larger or highly active pets.

Extracapsular Lateral Suture Repair

A Traditional Approach for Smaller or Less Active Dogs

This method involves placing a strong nylon-like suture outside the knee joint to mimic the function of the cruciate ligament. Over time, scar tissue forms to stabilise the joint as the suture weakens.

While cost-effective and less invasive, this technique is best suited for small dogs (under 15 kg) or those with lower activity levels. For larger or more active pets, modern techniques like TPLO or TTA provide more reliable and durable results.

Our team will assess your pet and recommend the most suitable treatment option in consultation with you.

Medial Patella Luxation

Medial Patella Luxation (MPL) occurs when the kneecap slips out of its normal position. While it can result from trauma, it most commonly affects small breeds like Maltese, Cavoodles, and Poodles due to congenital alignment issues.

Some pets may remain pain-free, but others may experience discomfort, limping, or intermittent lameness. You may observe your dog “skip” on the affected leg. In cases requiring surgery, we offer:

TTT (Tibial Tuberosity Transposition) – A corrective procedure that realigns the patella and improves joint function.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition primarily affecting larger breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Rottweilers. It results from improper formation of the hip joint during growth and can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

We can diagnose hip dysplasia through physical examination and radiographs. Depending on the severity, we may recommend:

Surgical options for joint correction or replacement
Pain and mobility management plans, including medications, physiotherapy and lifestyle adjustments

Fractures and Limb Injuries

If your pet suffers a broken leg or other orthopaedic trauma, we can provide:

Fracture repair surgery
Limb or digit amputation, if necessary, with compassionate care and support for recovery

Why Choose Subiaco Vets?

At Subiaco Vets, our experienced team is committed to providing the highest standard of orthopaedic care. In complex cases, we may collaborate with specialist surgeons to ensure your pet receives the best possible outcome. Every treatment plan is tailored to your pet’s specific needs, ensuring compassionate, expert care every step of the way.

Contact us today to book an assessment or learn more about our orthopaedic services.
Your pet's comfort and mobility are our top priorities.