Pet Orthopedic Surgery in Lafayette, LA
Orthopedic Surgery Without the Referral
When a pet needs orthopedic surgery, many veterinary practices in the Lafayette area refer those cases to outside specialists. At Vet Med Animal Hospital, Dr. Tate performs these procedures in-house—which means your pet stays with a doctor who already knows them, and you stay with a team you already trust.
Our orthopedic surgical capabilities cover cruciate ligament repair, including extracapsular cruciate ligament repair, fracture repair, and other musculoskeletal procedures that address the underlying structural causes of pain and mobility loss in dogs and cats. Dr. Tate evaluates each patient thoroughly before recommending surgery, using our in-house diagnostic imaging to assess the extent of the injury and plan the procedure appropriately. Visit our Pet Diagnostics & Imaging page to learn more about our radiography capabilities.
Orthopedic Procedures We Perform
Cruciate & Joint Surgery
Fracture Repair
What to Expect from Orthopedic Surgery at Vet Med
All orthopedic procedures at Vet Med Animal Hospital are performed under sevoflurane anesthesia, which provides precise control throughout surgery and supports smooth recovery. Post-operative care is a critical part of orthopedic outcomes—our team will provide detailed recovery instructions, activity restriction guidance, and prescribed pain management from our in-house pharmacy.
Follow-up evaluations allow us to monitor healing progress and adjust the recovery plan as needed. For pets managing chronic joint conditions alongside their recovery, our Pet Internal Medicine services can assist with long-term pain management and monitoring.
In-House Orthopedic Expertise
Dr. Tate performs extracapsular cruciate ligament repair, and fracture management on-site—procedures many Acadiana-area clinics send elsewhere.
Referral Destination
Other local veterinary hospitals regularly refer orthopedic cases to Vet Med Animal Hospital, reflecting the confidence the regional veterinary community places in Dr. Tate’s surgical experience.
FAQs About Pet Orthopedic Surgery
What orthopedic surgeries does Vet Med Animal Hospital perform in Lafayette?
Vet Med Animal Hospital performs a range of orthopedic procedures in-house, including TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy), cruciate ligament repair, and fracture management for dogs and cats. Dr. Scott Tate has extensive experience in orthopedic surgery and regularly receives referrals from other veterinary practices in the Acadiana area for these procedures. Having orthopedic surgical capabilities on-site means your pet receives expert care without being transferred to an unfamiliar facility.
What is an extracapsular cruciate ligament repair, and does my dog need one?
An extracapsular cruciate ligament repair is a surgical procedure used to stabilize the knee joint in dogs following a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture—the canine equivalent of an ACL tear in humans. The procedure uses a strong surgical implant placed outside the joint to restore stability and support healing while scar tissue develops around the knee.
Signs that your dog may have a cruciate injury include sudden hind limb lameness, reluctance to bear weight, swelling around the knee, or a gradual decline in activity and mobility.
Cruciate ligament injuries are among the most common causes of hind limb lameness in dogs. Treatment recommendations vary based on your dog's size, age, activity level, overall health, and the severity of the injury. Our team will evaluate your dog's condition and discuss whether extracapsular cruciate ligament repair or another treatment approach is the most appropriate option.
How long does recovery from cruciate ligament repair take?
Recovery from extracapsular cruciate ligament repair typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on your dog's size, age, activity level, and overall health. The first several weeks involve strict activity restriction—no running, jumping, or off-leash activity—to allow proper healing and stabilization of the joint. Controlled leash walks are gradually introduced as recovery progresses.
Pain management is an important part of early recovery, and our team will send your dog home with appropriate medications from our in-house pharmacy. Follow-up examinations allow us to monitor healing, assess mobility, and make any necessary adjustments to your pet's recovery plan.
Our team will provide detailed post-operative instructions and support throughout the recovery process to help your dog achieve the best possible outcome.
Can fractures in dogs and cats be treated at Vet Med Animal Hospital?
Yes. Dr. Tate performs surgical fracture repair for dogs and cats at our Lafayette clinic. The appropriate treatment for a fracture depends on the location and severity of the break, the age and size of the pet, and other individual health factors. Some fractures can be stabilized surgically, while others may require splinting or casting. Our in-house digital radiography allows us to assess the fracture in detail and plan the most appropriate approach.
If your pet has sustained a traumatic injury, contact us immediately or visit our Pet Urgent Care page for guidance on same-day care.
How do I know if my pet needs orthopedic surgery versus other treatment?
Not all orthopedic conditions require surgery. Some joint conditions, particularly in smaller dogs or early-stage cases, can be managed with pain medication, weight management, and activity modification. However, structural injuries like cruciate ruptures and displaced fractures typically do not resolve without surgical intervention and can worsen significantly over time without treatment. Dr. Tate will conduct a thorough physical examination, review diagnostic imaging, and discuss your pet's specific situation before making any surgical recommendations.
Why do other veterinary clinics refer orthopedic cases to Vet Med Animal Hospital?
Orthopedic surgery requires a level of surgical skill and experience that goes beyond what many general veterinary practices offer. Dr. Tate has performed orthopedic procedures throughout his career and has developed a reputation in the Lafayette and Acadiana veterinary community for his surgical capabilities. Other local hospitals that don't perform these procedures in-house regularly refer their patients to Vet Med Animal Hospital for orthopedic care—a reflection of the trust the regional veterinary community has placed in our team.
Learn more about our full surgical offerings on our Pet Soft Tissue Surgery page.