Advanced Pet Surgery in Olathe & Overland Park, KS
Pet Orthopedic Surgery
Getting your pet back on their feet, safely.
Bones, Joints & Ligaments
What Is Orthopedic Surgery?
Orthopedic surgery addresses problems with the bones, joints, and ligaments that hold your pet's body in motion. In dogs, the most common orthopedic condition by far is a torn cruciate ligament, the knee injury most owners know as an ACL tear. Fractures, kneecaps that slip out of place, and hip and joint disease account for most of the rest.
What makes orthopedic problems different from most conditions is how quietly they start. Dogs and cats instinctively hide pain, and by the time you notice a limp, stiffness after naps, or a reluctance to take the stairs, the problem has usually been developing for a while. That's why an early exam matters more here than almost anywhere else. An orthopedic issue caught early is often manageable with treatment, weight control, and rehabilitation. Left alone, the same issue tends to become a surgical one.
Common Orthopedic Conditions
What We See Most Often
Fractures
Broken Bone RepairFractures are among the most common orthopedic injuries we treat. They usually follow an obvious accident, though not always, and smaller dogs can break a leg jumping from furniture. Signs are usually clear: a leg your pet won't put weight on, swelling, or obvious pain when the area is touched. X-rays confirm the location and severity of the break, which determines the right approach to repair. Broken bones need prompt attention, so call us right away if you suspect one.
We also evaluate and treat other common orthopedic conditions. Every case starts with an orthopedic exam and X-rays.
Orthopedic Exams & X-Rays
Getting the Diagnosis Right
An orthopedic diagnosis starts with your hands-on exam and ours. Our veterinarians watch how your pet moves, then check each joint for pain, swelling, instability, and range of motion. Where your pet flinches, and how the joint behaves under gentle pressure, tells us a great deal before any imaging happens. What you've noticed at home matters too, so tell us when the limping started, whether it comes and goes, and whether it's worse after rest or after activity.
Digital X-rays taken in-house confirm what the exam suggests, showing bone alignment, joint spacing, and the changes that point to arthritis or dysplasia. Because our laboratory and imaging are on site, we can often complete the workup during the same visit rather than sending you elsewhere and waiting. We also perform OFA screening radiographs for breeders certifying hips and elbows.
Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic Surgery at Bradford
Not every orthopedic diagnosis leads to surgery. Some conditions respond well to rest, weight management, pain control, and rehabilitation, and knowing which category your pet falls into is what the exam and X-rays are for.
When surgery is the answer, orthopedic procedures are performed here at Bradford Pet Hospital by a visiting board-certified orthopedic surgeon. That means your pet has their procedure in the clinic they already know, with the team that already knows them, rather than being transferred to an unfamiliar referral hospital. Because these surgeries are scheduled around the surgeon's visits, planning ahead matters, so the sooner your pet is evaluated, the sooner we can get them on the schedule.
Every procedure follows the same safety standards as all surgery here: pre-anesthetic bloodwork, an anesthetic plan tailored to your pet, and continuous monitoring. Read more about how we approach anesthesia and what surgery day looks like.
Recovery & Rehabilitation
Recovery and Rehabilitation
With orthopedic cases, the surgery is only half the work. What happens over the following weeks determines how well your pet recovers, and recovery asks a lot of you: controlled activity, no jumping or stairs, leashed bathroom breaks, and medication given on schedule even when your pet seems fine. We walk you through all of it before you go home.
Bradford Pet Hospital offers canine physical rehabilitation to support that recovery, including targeted strengthening exercises, balance and gait training, laser therapy for pain and healing, and home exercise programs so progress continues between visits. Rehabilitation helps pets rebuild muscle, regain range of motion, and use the limb with confidence again. It's just as valuable for pets managing arthritis or hip dysplasia without surgery.
Rehabilitation is available by appointment on a limited schedule, so ask our team early about getting your pet's plan started.
No Financial Surprises
Know the Cost Before Surgery Day
Orthopedic surgery is a significant expense, and the cost depends on the procedure, your pet's size, the imaging involved, and the rehabilitation that follows. Your written estimate itemizes each of these before anything is scheduled, and if something unexpected comes up during the procedure, we call you before going beyond it. If it helps to spread the cost out, payment plans through our partner Cherry can split it into manageable installments, often with 0% APR options.
FAQs
About Pet Orthopedic Surgery
What is the most common orthopedic surgery in dogs?
Repair of a torn cranial cruciate ligament, the knee injury most owners call an ACL tear, is the most common orthopedic surgery performed on dogs. Fracture repair and correction of a luxating patella are also common. Which procedure your pet needs depends on the diagnosis, and that starts with an orthopedic exam and X-rays.
How much does orthopedic surgery cost?
It varies considerably with the procedure, your pet's size, the imaging required, and the rehabilitation that follows, which is why we prepare a written, itemized estimate before anything is scheduled. You'll see what's included and have time to ask questions before committing.
What if I can't afford my dog's ACL surgery?
Talk to us before assuming you can't. You'll get a written estimate first so there are no surprises, and payment plans through our partner Cherry can split the cost into manageable installments, often with 0% APR options. We also accept CareCredit and All Pet Card. Cost concerns are a conversation we have every day, and there's no judgment in asking.
Will my pet need to see a specialist?
Some orthopedic procedures call for a board-certified veterinary surgeon. The advantage at Bradford Pet Hospital is that specialist orthopedic surgery is performed here, in the clinic your pet already knows, rather than requiring a transfer to a referral hospital. Our veterinarians will tell you honestly what your pet's case requires after the exam and X-rays.
How do I know if my dog is in pain?
Dogs rarely cry out from orthopedic pain. They show it in quieter ways: a limp that comes and goes, stiffness after resting, hesitating at stairs or jumping into the car, licking at one joint, or simply slowing down and playing less. Owners often assume these are signs of aging, but they're usually signs of discomfort, and most are treatable.
How long does recovery take?
Orthopedic recovery is measured in months rather than weeks, and it depends heavily on the procedure. Expect strict activity restriction early on, with a gradual return to normal movement guided by recheck exams. Following the activity restrictions closely is one of the biggest factors in how well your pet recovers.
Does my pet need rehabilitation after surgery?
Not every pet does, but many benefit from it. Rehabilitation helps rebuild the muscle lost during recovery, restores range of motion, and rebuilds your pet's confidence using the limb. It's also useful for pets managing arthritis or hip dysplasia without surgery. Ask our team whether it fits your pet's situation.
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Is Your Dog Limping or Slowing Down?
An exam and X-rays tell you what's actually going on. Book a visit and find out while the options are still wide open.