Orthopaedic Surgery

Orthopaedic Surgery for Pets in Dubai

Orthopaedic surgery addresses the bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. When these structures fail, the effect on your pet's daily life is immediate and significant. A dog that cannot put weight on a leg or a cat that stops jumping is not just uncomfortable, they are in pain. Orthopaedic surgery, when it is the right choice, restores function and removes that pain with lasting effect.

Book an appointment What's involved

Cruciate ligament rupture is the most common orthopaedic surgery in UAE dogs

Recovery from cruciate surgery typically takes 12 to 16 weeks

Imaging is completed in the same appointment as the orthopaedic assessment

When to come in

Book an appointment if any of the following apply to your pet.

Limping, lameness, or reluctance to bear weight on any limb
Sudden inability to run, jump, use stairs, or rise from rest
Swelling, heat, or deformity around a joint
Diagnosis of hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, or cruciate disease
A fracture or suspected fracture following trauma
Second opinion on an orthopaedic surgical recommendation

What it covers

Orthopaedic conditions and procedures we manage

Cruciate ligament rupture is the condition we see most frequently. It affects the stifle joint in dogs and causes sudden or progressive hindlimb lameness. Surgical stabilisation produces excellent outcomes in most patients and is our standard recommendation for active dogs. We also manage fracture repair and stabilisation, luxating patella including grade 2 to 4 cases requiring surgical correction, hip dysplasia including pain management and surgical options, elbow dysplasia including fragmented coronoid process and osteochondrosis, and joint arthrodesis for end-stage joint disease where mobility preservation is no longer possible. For complex spinal and total joint replacement cases, we provide a clear referral pathway to specialist surgeons.

When orthopaedic surgery may be needed

• Cruciate ligament rupture confirmed on examination and imaging

• Fracture requiring internal fixation rather than conservative management

• Luxating patella causing pain or functional lameness

• Hip or elbow dysplasia where surgical intervention offers better outcomes than medical management

• Joint condition unresponsive to conservative treatment over an appropriate trial period

• Post-traumatic instability affecting weight-bearing and gait

• Second opinion where surgery has been recommended elsewhere

Our approach

The UAE's active breed profile, warm climate, and the demands of apartment living on larger dogs create a specific orthopaedic picture we are familiar with. We see cruciate injuries in young, otherwise healthy dogs whose owners are often surprised by the diagnosis. We see hip dysplasia in breeds that are common here.

We approach these cases without alarm and with clear, evidence-based options. We are direct about the limits of what we offer. Where a case benefits from board-certified orthopaedic surgeon input, we say so. We maintain referral relationships with specialist surgeons and will coordinate that process for you.

Our goal is the best outcome for your pet, not the most work for our clinic.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common orthopaedic surgery in dogs in Dubai?

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture is the most frequently seen orthopaedic condition in dogs in the UAE and globally. It affects the stifle joint (the equivalent of the human knee) and causes sudden or progressive lameness in the hindlimb. Surgical stabilisation is the standard recommendation for most active dogs and produces good long-term outcomes when combined with appropriate post-operative physiotherapy.

How do I know if my dog has a cruciate ligament injury?

The most common presentation is sudden-onset hindlimb lameness, often after a run or sudden change of direction. Some dogs hold the leg up completely, others show a subtle ongoing limp. The affected stifle may appear slightly swollen. Diagnosis requires a physical examination, often under sedation to allow proper assessment of joint stability, and radiographs to evaluate the joint. If your dog is limping on a back leg, book an orthopaedic assessment.

What are the surgical options for cruciate repair in dogs?

The two most commonly performed techniques are the TPLO (tibial plateau levelling osteotomy) and the TTA (tibial tuberosity advancement). Both aim to restabilise the joint by changing the biomechanics rather than replacing the torn ligament. The most appropriate technique depends on your dog's size, weight, activity level, and the specific anatomy of the joint. We explain the options and our recommendation at the pre-surgical consultation.

Can hip dysplasia be managed without surgery?

Mild to moderate hip dysplasia in many dogs can be managed effectively with weight control, physiotherapy, and appropriate pain management. Surgery, including femoral head and neck excision or total hip replacement for severe cases, is considered when the quality of life impact is significant and conservative management is not providing adequate relief. We give you an honest assessment of where your dog sits on that spectrum.

How long does recovery from orthopaedic surgery take?

For cruciate surgery, most dogs return to normal activity levels within 12 to 16 weeks with a structured rehabilitation programme. Fracture repair timelines vary depending on the location, complexity, and the age of the patient. We give you a stage-by-stage recovery plan at discharge and adjust it at follow-up appointments based on how healing is progressing.