At Mohnacky Animal Hospital, we take pet mobility seriously. Under the leadership of our Chief Veterinarian, Dr. Zoran Djordjevich, we offer a wide array of orthopedic services. Dr. George, with over 19 years of experience and more than 1100 procedures under his belt, is an authority in pet orthopedic surgery, making us one of the leading facilities in this field.
We specialize in advanced procedures like Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO), Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA), Patella Luxation Repair, Total Hip Replacement (THR), and various Fracture Repairs. Notably, Dr. George was the first veterinarian to use the smallest Helica total hip replacement system’s implant. He innovatively enhanced the implant’s stability, setting a new national standard for this procedure. Certified in Penn Hip Radiology techniques, Dr. George can identify pets needing hip procedures early, mitigating the need for more invasive interventions later.
As our Chief of Surgery, Dr. George offers unparalleled operational knowledge to our team, ensuring optimal patient recovery. He’s readily available for orthopedic consultations and follow-ups, maintaining continuity of care.
Each patient’s evaluation is personalized, with a focus on creating the most comfortable, pain-free environment possible. When surgery is needed, the best recommendations are based on the pet’s total condition, ensuring the best quality of life. Our team, known for their compassion and dedication, is committed to delivering the best outcomes for our clients and their pets. Because at Mohnacky Animal Hospital, we see you and your pets as part of our extended family.
Cruciate Ligament Surgery
Your pet’s knee health is essential to their mobility and quality of life. That’s why at Mohnacky Animal Hospital, we provide comprehensive and gentle care for Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries.
Just like humans, our furry friends have two ligaments in their knees that provide stability during movement. When the anterior cruciate ligament tears, it can cause discomfort and impact the knee’s function. Various factors can contribute to this injury, such as weight, inflammation, and genetics.
We use proven diagnostic techniques to evaluate your pet’s condition, ensuring we provide the most suitable treatment plan. Our methodologies involve a detailed history, symptoms evaluation, and an expert palpation of the joint under sedation. We also use X-rays to evaluate the knees and prepare for potential surgery.
Surgery Options:
Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO): A technique that modifies the tibia’s angle to prevent the femur from slipping off the shinbone, thus eliminating discomfort. After the procedure, we take care of your pet and guide you through the recovery process, which typically involves around 8 weeks of rest. Regular re-evaluations ensure optimal recovery.
Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA): This procedure also aims to eliminate the knee’s instability by adjusting the tibia’s position. It results in a balanced and stable knee even with a ruptured ligament. Following TTA, we provide you with basic rehabilitation exercises and schedule follow-up evaluations to ensure your pet is healing well.
Choosing between TPLO and TTA depends on various factors, including your pet’s size, age, tibial plateau angle, and the extent of the ligament rupture. We’ll discuss these details with you during an initial consultation to determine the best surgical option for your pet.
Prevention & Aftercare:
Maintaining your pet’s healthy weight is the best way to prevent ligament ruptures. We recommend a balanced diet and regular exercise for both the operated and un-operated leg. We’ll guide you through the post-operative care, which includes overnight to 3-day hospitalization and bandaging.
At Mohnacky Animal Hospital, we’re dedicated to your pet’s well-being. We strive to provide the highest quality care and support throughout their recovery journey.
Fracture Repair
The majority of fractures in dogs are caused by trauma from motor vehicle accidents. Occasionally they will occur because of an underlying bone disease such as bone tumor or from repetitive stress applied to a certain bone, as in a fatigue fracture in running dogs. Virtually all bones are susceptible to fracture, but in dogs, fractures of the long weight bearing bones -humerus, radius, femur and tibia and pelvis are most common. Soft tissue trauma may also be evident with fractures.
Just as we humans can experience different types of bone breaks, our pets can too. From slight cracks to complete breaks, no fracture is the same. We apply different techniques to restore your pet’s mobility – from external means like splints and casts for more superficial fractures to advanced surgical procedures involving rods, pins, or screws for more complicated ones. Rest assured, our team, led by the dedicated Dr. George, is ready to answer your questions and put your worries to rest. Let’s get your pet back on their paws together.
Patella Luxation
When your pet’s kneecap won’t stay in its rightful place, we call it patella luxatio. The condition is more common in small dog breeds, and it can cause discomfort and hinder your pet’s movement.
With patella luxation, your pet’s kneecap slips out of the groove on the thighbone where it usually rests. This may happen only occasionally or become a frequent occurrence. This can lead to degenerative joint changes, like osteoarthritis, if left untreated.
How do we measure the severity of patella luxation? We use a grading system from Grade I (mildest) to Grade IV (most severe). In moderate to severe cases, we recommend surgery to stabilize the patella and improve your pet’s comfort and mobility. Post-surgery, your pet’s leg will be bandaged, and they will need rest for 4-8 weeks. Don’t worry. Dr. Djordjevich will be there every step of the way to answer your questions and ensure a smooth recovery.
Total Hip Replacement
Just like humans, our canine companions can suffer from hip pain due to conditions like hip dysplasia. If your pet’s mobility and quality of life are suffering, a Total Hip Replacement (THR) might be the best option. THR is an advanced orthopedic surgery where we replace the ball and socket of the hip joint with prosthetic implants. This mimics the function of a typical hip joint, allowing for a smoother and pain-free movement. Determining whether THR is the best option for your pet involves careful evaluation of your pet’s history, physical examination, and lab data interpretation. We typically recommend THR for dogs at least nine months old, although larger breeds may need to wait until they are a year old.
What can you expect after the surgery? A happier, more active pet! Most dogs experience a dramatic increase in comfort, movement, and overall quality of life post THR. In fact, up to 95% of dogs return to normal or near-normal function after surgery.
Dr. George is here to guide you and your pet through this journey. Let’s work together to give your pet the active, pain-free life they deserve.