A limited number of cases of arthritis can be treated surgically.  These cases are limited to certain traumas, congenital joint abnormalities and ligament damage. Some of the cases where surgery can be considered include:

• Fractures involving the joint
• Hip dysplasia
• Luxating patellas
• Cruciate ligament rupture
• Elbow dysplasia
• OCD (osteochondrosis dissecans) lesions 

Many factors must be considered when planning surgical correction, and not every pet that is affected by one of the above conditions is a good surgical candidate.  When evaluating your dog or cat for arthritis at our Saint Petersburg, FL veterinary hospital, we will advise you if your pet would benefit from surgical treatment. 

Please contact our veterinarians at Animal Medical Hospital in Saint Petersburg, Florida (FL) at 727-896-7127 for more information.