Learning Center

To help our valued clients better understand TVSC’s services and process, and to assist with your pet’s recovery, we have assembled some useful information as part of our Learning Center.

Please scroll down for more info. Please also contact the TVSC team with any questions you may have.

Consultations

Meeting with clients is one of the most important parts of veterinary practice. These sessions allow our surgeon not only to evaluate a pet’s condition but also to establish a relationship of confidence with you. During the consultation, our surgeons will review your pet’s history, perform a physical exam, and answer any questions or concerns. Our goal is always the same: to offer clear explanations, thoughtful guidance, and reassurance so that both pets and their families feel supported and well-informed.

Commonly performed surgeries at TVSC

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease (CCL)

This surgery stabilizes the knee after a cruciate ligament tear to restore mobility and slow the progression of arthritis.

Cranial cruciate ligament disease is one of the most common orthopedic conditions affecting dogs, and occasionally cats. It involves the gradual weakening or rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament, which is a key stabilizer in the knee joint (called the stifle in animals). The cranial cruciate ligament is similar to the ACL in humans and prevents the shinbone (tibia) from sliding forward relative to the thighbone (femur).

Cruciate ligament tears can occur secondary to trauma (like they do in people) from chronic degeneration of the ligament over time. Factors like age, breed, genetics, obesity, and poor physical condition can all contribute to its development.

When treating cranial cruciate ligament disease in dogs and cats, surgery is generally recommended for faster recovery and to reduce osteoarthritis progression. The two common surgical options are TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) and extracapsular suture stabilization. Each has its own advantages depending on the pet’s size, age, activity level, and the surgeon’s preference.

The two best surgical procedures our surgeons use to repair Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease (CCL):

Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO)

TPLO is the most widely used technique for treating CCL disease, especially for large or active dogs. It involves cutting and rotating the tibial plateau to change the biomechanics of the knee, eliminating the need for the cranial cruciate ligament during weight-bearing. TVSC surgeons have performed over 8000 TPLOs and counting. Visit TPLO Info to learn more about the TPLO surgery, how it works, and what to expect during the recovery period.

Extracapsular Stabilization (ECR)

This method uses a strong suture placed outside the joint to mimic the function of the torn ligament. It’s typically used in smaller or less active dogs.

Medial Patella Luxation (MPL)

Patella luxation surgery realigns the kneecap to restore function, reduce pain, and slows the progression of arthritis.

Patella luxation—often called a “luxating patella”—is a condition where the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal position in the groove of the femur. It’s most common in small-breed dogs, though it can affect larger dogs and even cats.

The condition is usually congenital, meaning pets are born with anatomical abnormalities that predispose them to it. In some cases, trauma or injury can also cause the kneecap to dislocate

Medial Patella Luxation (MPL) surgery is a corrective procedure performed to realign the kneecap (patella) in pets—most commonly small-breed dogs—when it chronically slips out of place. The goal is to restore normal joint function, reduce pain, and prevent long-term arthritis.

Most MPL surgeries involve a combination of the following procedures, tailored to what your pet needs based on how severe it is (Grade 1-4).

Our surgeons correct patella luxations with a combination of surgical procedures tailored to what your pet needs, including:

Trochleoplasty

Deepening the femoral groove so the patella stays in place during movement.

Tibial Tuberosity Transposition

Repositioning the bony attachment of the patellar tendon to improve alignment.

Lateral Imbrication +/- Medial Release

Loosening tight tissues on the inside of the knee and tightening on the outside of the knee and sometimes loosening the tight tissues on the inside of the knee.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia in pets can be treated with FHO or JPS, depending on age and disease severity.

Two surgical options for treating hip dysplasia in pets are Femoral Head Osteotomy (FHO) and Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS). They serve different purposes and are suited to different stages of life and severity of disease.

Surgical Procedures our surgeons perform for Hip Dysplasia:

Femoral Head Osteotomy (FHO)

FHO involves removing the femoral head (the “ball” of the hip joint), allowing a fibrous “false joint” to form. It’s typically used in:

  • Pets with chronic pain or arthritis
  • Cases where total hip replacement isn’t feasible
Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS)

JPS is a preventive surgery performed on puppies—ideally between 12 and 16 weeks old—who are at risk for developing hip dysplasia. It involves cauterizing the growth plate of the pubic bone, which alters pelvic development and improves the fit of the hip joint.

Perineal Urethrostomy

Perineal urethrostomy creates a wider urethral opening in male cats with recurrent blockages, helping urine pass more freely and reducing future obstructions.

Perineal urethrostomy is a surgical procedure most commonly performed in male cats suffering from recurrent urethral obstructions, often due to severe inflammation. This surgery creates a new, wider opening in the urethra to allow urine to pass more freely, reducing the risk of future blockages. The procedure requires precision to preserve surrounding structures and minimize complications. Postoperative care focuses on pain control, monitoring for infection or stricture formation, and long-term urinary management.

Total Ear Canal Ablation and Lateral Bulla Osteotomy (TECA/LBO)

TECA/LBO surgery removes diseased ear canals and infection in dogs with chronic ear disease, often restoring comfort, energy, and quality of life.

Dogs that have had long-standing ear infections may develop irreversible damage to the ear canal. About 50% of the dogs that have chronic ear infections have a ruptured ear drum and infection in the middle ear. The TECA/LBO involves removing the diseased ear canal, culturing the bulla and removing the infection/debris that is often in the bulla. Due to the delicate nature of this procedure, an experienced surgeon is essential to minimizing complications. This surgery is one of the most rewarding surgeries we do. As you can imagine, a dog that has chronic deep seated ear infections will be much less active than a normal dog because they do not feel well. Most owners tell us their dog is like a new dog and acts like a puppy again. Also, you no longer are paying for frequent trips to your veterinarian for ear treatments and ear medications.

Soft Tissue Surgery

Soft tissue surgery includes procedures like tumor removal and gastrointestinal or urogenital surgeries, aiming to restore health, relieve discomfort, and improve quality of life.

Soft tissue surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures that address conditions affecting the internal organs, skin, and non-orthopedic structures of the body. We manage cases such as tumor removals, gastrointestinal surgeries, and urogenital procedures. These surgeries often require careful preoperative diagnostics, precise intraoperative technique, and attentive postoperative care. The aim is to restore health, alleviate discomfort, and improve quality of life, all while minimizing complications and ensuring a smooth recovery.

Surgical Recovery Information

In addition, click on any of the links below to review recovery instructions for your pet as they pertain to a specific type of surgery:

Surgical Recovery Videos

To learn how to perform passive range of motion (ROM) and stretching exercises on your pet after surgery take a look at the video below.

Links we like

Here are some links to sites we like and organizations we support. Check them out!

  • TPLO Info – A great resource for learning more about the TPLO surgery, how it works and what to expect during the recovery period.

  • Whole Health Mobile Pet Care – Your pet can definitely benefit from physical therapy following orthopedic surgery and sometimes doing it all by yourself can be a challenge. Dr. Williams can help you get started or she can help you through the entire process. We trust Dr. Williams and she is who we recommend to help you get you pet back to their old self as efficiently as possible.

  • Pet EMT Animal Ambulance & Transport Svcs – Serving Central North Carolina and beyond, Pet EMT provides 24-Hour emergency and non-emergency transportation services for domestic and exotic pets.

  • Help ‘Em Up Harness – a full-body, dog lift harness. Trusted by leaders in veterinary care & rehabilitation worldwide.

  • Animal Surgical Center – provides the general public and veterinarians with information that is for the welfare of God’s creatures great and small.

  • Lick Sleeve – Comfortable leg protection – ditch the cone. The most comfortable, versatile, and effective solution for protecting a dog’s leg injury or surgery site.

  • American College of Veterinary Surgeons – Specialty organization that certifies veterinary surgeons and provides a source of referrals to pet owners.
  • Nutramax Laboratories – provides information and products for your animal’s well-being.
  • Top Dog Animal Health & Rehabilitation – this site provides simple to follow guides which offer informative step-by-step instructions to surgical recovery and are internationally recognized as the standard in post-surgery client education.
  • Trupanion – taking care of your beloved pet can get expensive. Medical insurance for your pet can make taking care of them easier and less stressful. There are many choices out there, but we believe Trupanion is the best medical insurance company for your pet and you.
Tarheel Veterinary Surgery Center (TVSC)
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Tarheel Veterinary Surgical Specialists (TVSS)