Preparing for Surgery and Recovery
What to do before an anaesthetic, what happens on the day, and how to look after your pet at home afterwards.
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Advanced Surgical Care
Advanced Surgical Care for Bones, Joints, and Mobility
Lameness, joint disease and injuries to bones and ligaments need careful assessment before anything is decided. We examine your pet, image the area where that will help, and explain what the findings mean.
Selected orthopaedic procedures are available following clinical assessment and may be performed in coordination with an experienced visiting surgeon. Where a case calls for equipment or expertise beyond the clinic, we will say so and arrange referral.
Orthopaedic assessment and surgery may be recommended for:
Not every orthopaedic condition requires surgery. Some pets may benefit from medication, weight management, activity modification, rehabilitation, or a combination of surgical and non-surgical treatment.
Depending on your pet’s diagnosis, the recommended procedure may involve:
The exact surgical technique is selected according to the location and severity of the condition, your pet’s age and size, bone quality, activity level, and expected long-term function.
The process begins with a detailed consultation and mobility assessment. Our veterinarian may evaluate:
Some examinations may require mild sedation when pain, anxiety, or muscle tension prevents an accurate assessment.
Digital X-rays are commonly used to evaluate bones, joints, alignment, fractures, arthritis, and previous implants.
More complex cases may require additional imaging, such as specialist ultrasound, CT, or another advanced diagnostic procedure. These tests can help the surgical team understand the condition more completely and plan the procedure accurately.
During surgery, your pet may receive:
The surgical and anaesthetic plans are adapted to your pet’s health, procedure, age, size, and individual risk factors.
Orthopaedic recovery continues well beyond the day of surgery. Bone and soft tissue healing require time, controlled activity, appropriate pain relief, and scheduled veterinary reassessment.
Your pet’s recovery plan may include:
Your pet may begin using the operated limb before the bone or joint has fully healed. Activity restrictions must continue until the veterinary team confirms that it is safe to progress.
We understand that an orthopaedic injury can significantly affect your pet’s comfort, independence, and quality of life.
Our approach focuses on accurate diagnosis, thoughtful surgical planning, effective pain management, and realistic recovery guidance. We take the time to explain the condition, available treatment options, expected benefits, potential complications, and the commitment required during rehabilitation.
We also consider whether surgery is genuinely the best option for your pet. Their age, general health, lifestyle, body weight, degree of pain, severity of the condition, and ability to follow a recovery programme all influence the recommendation.
When a case requires advanced equipment, specialised implants, complex reconstruction, or expertise beyond the clinic’s available capabilities, we will discuss referral to an appropriate orthopaedic surgeon or specialist facility.
Fasting, pre-anaesthetic testing, what happens on the day, wound care, activity restriction and when to call us are the same for surgery as for any other procedure, and are set out in full in Preparing for Surgery and Recovery. Your veterinarian will give you any instructions specific to your pet.
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What to do before an anaesthetic, what happens on the day, and how to look after your pet at home afterwards.
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Something specific to your pet? Contact the clinic rather than relying on general information.
+971 56 227 8484Veterinary orthopaedic surgery treats conditions affecting bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and limb alignment.
It may be used to repair an injury, restore joint stability, correct an abnormality, reduce pain, or improve your pet’s ability to move and use the affected limb.
Possible signs include:
Some pets hide pain, so subtle changes in activity or behaviour should not be ignored.
A suspected fracture requires prompt veterinary assessment. Fractures are painful and may occur alongside wounds, internal injuries, bleeding, nerve damage, or other complications.
Keep your pet’s movement to a minimum and contact the clinic immediately. Do not attempt to straighten the limb, apply a homemade splint, or give medication without veterinary guidance.
Keep your pet as still and comfortable as possible.
Small pets can be transported in a secure carrier. Larger pets may need to be moved carefully on a firm surface or supported blanket. Avoid unnecessary handling of the injured limb and call the clinic for guidance before travelling when possible.
No. The appropriate treatment depends on the bone involved, fracture type, displacement, stability, your pet’s size and age, whether the skin is damaged, and the expected function of the limb.
Some fractures may be managed using a cast, splint, or strict rest. Others require surgery to restore alignment and provide stable fixation.
An open fracture occurs when the broken bone or fracture area communicates with a wound through the skin.
Open fractures require urgent veterinary care because contamination and infection can significantly affect treatment and healing.
The cranial cruciate ligament helps stabilise the knee. When it becomes damaged or ruptures, the knee may become painful and unstable.
Different surgical techniques are available. The recommended procedure depends on your pet’s size, anatomy, activity level, age, and the condition of the joint.
Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap moves outside its normal groove.
Some mild cases can be monitored, while pets with frequent luxation, pain, abnormal limb use, or progressive joint changes may benefit from surgery. The procedure is selected according to the grade of luxation and the alignment of the limb.
From diagnosis and surgical planning to pain management and rehabilitation, our veterinary team provides coordinated orthopaedic care focused on your pet’s comfort, mobility, and long-term function. Book an orthopaedic consultation at EverCare Veterinary Clinic today.