Total Hip Replacement
At Caledon Mountain Veterinary Hospital, Dr. John Brajkovich performs Total Hip Replacement (THR) surgery for dogs and cats
experiencing hip pain or mobility loss due to hip dysplasia or arthritis.
This advanced procedure replaces the damaged hip joint with a prosthetic implant, eliminating the pain caused by bone-on-bone contact and restoring a full, comfortable range of motion. The result is a dramatic improvement in mobility, allowing pets to return to an active, happy life.
Ideal candidates for THR are typically dogs or cats:
Before moving forward with surgery, we perform a mandatory pre-operative examination to confirm that THR is the right option and to rule out any other issues that could affect recovery. Dogs and cats that have previously undergone a femoral head excision (FHO) are generally not suitable candidates for this procedure.
The goal of total hip replacement is to alleviate pain, restore normal joint function, and improve quality of life. Most patients also experience increased muscle strength, better joint movement, and higher overall activity levels following recovery.
- Over 9 months of age
- Weighing more than 4 pounds
- Diagnosed with hip dysplasia or severe hip arthritis
Total Medial Elbow Replacement
At Caledon Mountain Veterinary Hospital, we also offer Total Elbow Medial Replacement (TER) for dogs suffering
from chronic elbow pain or severe arthritis that no longer responds to medical management.
This advanced procedure replaces the damaged joint surfaces with a prosthetic implant, eliminating pain caused by bone-on-bone contact and restoring comfortable, functional movement. Our goal is to help dogs regain mobility, strength, and the ability to enjoy an active, pain-free life.
We use state-of-the-art, 3D-printed, patient-specific guided systems to plan and perform each surgery with exceptional precision. These innovations enhance accuracy and consistency, significantly reducing surgical time and the risk of complications, while also improving recovery outcomes for our patients.
Before surgery, a comprehensive pre-operative assessment is performed to ensure your dog is a suitable candidate and to identify any factors that may affect the procedure or recovery.
Through total elbow replacement, we aim to relieve pain, restore joint function, and greatly improve quality of life for dogs affected by advanced elbow disease.
Total Ankle Replacement
A total ankle replacement is an advanced treatment for dogs with severe hock (ankle) arthritis or complex joint injuries. By replacing the damaged joint with specialized implants, TAR relieves pain while preserving joint
motion.
For some patients, ankle fusion (arthrodesis) may be the more appropriate option, depending on the extent of the injury or arthritis. Our surgeons use a comprehensive orthopedic examination and advanced imaging to decide which will give the best long-term outcome, and build a plan around your dog’s condition, activity level and overall health.
What it treats: Painful arthritis and joint damage in the ankle, often after injury, where fusion would otherwise be the main choice.
Good candidates: Dogs with ankle pain that limits walking and play, who are otherwise healthy enough for surgery.
If you’d like to learn whether your dog may be a candidate for Total Hip Replacement, Total Medial Elbow Replacement or another joint procedure, our team would be happy to guide you through the next steps. We’ll review your dog’s history, discuss all available options, and help you make a confident, informed decision about their care. Please contact us to schedule a consultation.