Orthopedic Surgery for Pets

When your pet is injured or having difficulty moving, it can be stressful for both of you. Limping, stiffness, or reluctance to jump or play may be signs of an orthopedic condition affecting your pet’s bones, joints, or ligaments.

At Long Lake Animal Hospital, our veterinary team evaluates orthopedic concerns and helps determine the most appropriate treatment plan, whether that includes medical management, rehabilitation, or surgery. Our goal is to relieve pain, restore mobility, and help your pet return to an active, comfortable life.

Orthopedic Referrals & Collaborative Care

Some orthopedic procedures are performed in general practice, while more complex surgeries are best handled by board-certified veterinary surgeons. When referral care is recommended, we work closely with trusted specialty partners to ensure continuity of care before and after surgery.

Pet Physical Therapy

Rehabilitation plays an important role in recovery from orthopedic injury or surgery. Physical therapy helps restore strength, mobility, and joint function while reducing pain and preventing future injury.

Some common physical therapy techniques for pets include:

• Therapeutic exercises to build up muscles and strengthen the joint.
• Laser therapy to reduce inflammation and boost healing.
• Hydrotherapy (like swimming or using an underwater treadmill) to help your pet exercise without stressing the joint.
• Massage therapy to improve your pet's circulation and ease any muscle tension.

With the right rehab plan, your pet will be back to their fun, playful self in no time!

One-of-a-Kind Treatment for Your Pets’ Physical Needs

Getting Started

Located on the west side of Traverse City. Our state-of-the-art facility uses manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and physical modalities (including E-stim, TENS, stem-cell, PRP, laser, and hydrotherapy) to speed and enhance recovery from injuries and degenerative conditions as well as to promote health and fitness.

We take referrals from your primary veterinarian, or you can call us to discuss your pet’s needs. A consultation may be scheduled which is typically a 90-minute appointment. This visit often involves measurement of limb circumference, joint angles, gait analysis, and passive range of motion. Functional goals will be discussed, and a therapy plan will be developed to help you and your pet reach your goals. If you’re interested in getting your canine started with rehabilitation, give us a call today!

Goals of Rehabilitation

• Decrease pain, inflammation, and discomfort
• Improve quality and quantity of life
• Decrease need of NSAID’s
• Increase muscle mass
• Improve joint range of motion
• Maintain joint health
• Increase endurance
• Speed recovery from surgery
• Speed recovery from injury
• Weight loss

Examples of Conditions Treated

• Osteoarthritis
• Muscle Injury
• IVDD
• Neuromuscular Disease
• Fractures
• Cruciate Injury
• ACL Repair
• Paralysis/Paresis
• Infraspinatus Contracture
• Limb Amputation
• Hip Dysplasia
• Shoulder OCD
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Patellar Luxation
• Biceps Tenosynovitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Tendon Laceration
• Degenerative Myelopathy
• FCE (Fibrocartilaginous Embolism)

Veterinary Orthopedic Surgery in Traverse City

If your pet is showing signs of pain or mobility issues, early evaluation is key. Call (231) 947-2365 or book an appointment online to discuss orthopedic care options.