Orthopedic Surgery at Plaza Animal Hospital

The TPLO procedure is a highly effective solution for dogs suffering from a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), which causes painful instability in the knee. By altering the tibial slope through a precision surgical cut and bone plating, TPLO stabilizes the joint permanently once healed.

Most dogs begin bearing weight on the leg shortly after surgery, with full healing typically requiring 6–8 weeks of activity restriction and guided recovery. TPLO is especially beneficial for active dogs and those weighing more than 20 pounds.

Schedule a Consultation
We’re here to support both referring veterinarians and pet parents seeking specialty orthopedic care.
Call us at (704) 662-8586 to request a consultation with Dr. Ellis and one of our Friendly Voices will be in touch shortly to guide you through the next steps.

Trust your pet’s orthopedic care to the compassionate hands of our experienced surgical team at Plaza Animal Hospital, where mobility and comfort matter.

Extracapsular repair, also known as lateral suture stabilization, is a surgical technique used to treat cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries in dogs. This procedure involves placing a strong, synthetic suture outside the knee joint to mimic the function of the original ligament and provide stability.

After inspecting the joint and removing any damaged or torn tissue, the suture is anchored around the femur and tibia in a way that replicates the natural biomechanics of the knee. Over time, scar tissue develops around the joint to help reinforce long-term stability.

This method is often the preferred choice for small-breed dogs (typically under 20 pounds) or pets with specific health considerations that make TPLO less suitable. A period of restricted activity and controlled rehabilitation is essential during recovery to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of re-injury.

Dr. Ellis also performs a wide range of orthopedic procedures at Plaza Animal Hospital, including:

• Medial Patellar Luxation (MPL) Correction
• Fracture Repair (plates, pins, or external fixation)
• Meniscal (Cartilage) Repair
• FHO (Femoral Head Ostectomy)
• TPO/DPO (Triple or Double Pelvic Osteotomy)

Whether your pet needs advanced knee repair or treatment for another orthopedic condition, our surgical team is here to help guide you through every step, from diagnosis and procedure to post-operative care and rehabilitation.

Call us at (704) 662-8586 to schedule a consultation

Let our team at Plaza Animal Hospital help your pet get back to living a happy, active life.

Advanced Surgical Care You Can Trust at Plaza Animal Hospital

When your pet needs surgery, you want care that’s compassionate, skilled, and tailored to their individual needs — and that’s exactly what we provide at Plaza Animal Hospital. Our experienced veterinary team is here to support you at every stage, from consultation through recovery, with clear communication and a deep commitment to your pet’s health and comfort.

We understand how stressful surgery can be for pet owners, which is why we take a personalized and transparent approach. We make sure your questions are answered, your options are understood, and your pet receives the very best care possible.

In our state-of-the-art surgical suite, we offer a wide range of soft tissue procedures, including:

• Spay and Neuter
• Dental Surgery
• Ophthalmic Surgery
• Cesarean Section (C-section)
• Exploratory Surgery
• Cancer Surgery / Mass Removals

Every procedure is performed with the utmost attention to safety, pain control, and surgical precision, using the latest techniques and monitoring equipment.

We believe surgical success goes beyond the operating table. Your pet’s comfort and emotional well-being are central to everything we do. That’s why we provide comprehensive pain management protocols before, during, and after surgery to ensure a smooth, low-stress recovery.

In Partnership with Affordable Veterinary Surgery – Carolinas (AVS)

As part of our mission to keep advanced care accessible and affordable, Plaza Animal Hospital proudly partners with Affordable Veterinary Surgery (AVS – Carolinas).

Through this initiative, we:

• Provide cost-conscious pricing for advanced surgical procedures
• Support general practices in our region by offering specialty surgical services
• Maintain exceptional standards of care without compromising quality or compassion

Our skilled veterinarians and support team are here to help pets in our community receive the surgical care they need, without financial barriers standing in the way.

We’re proud to work alongside referring veterinarians, support pet families, and do the right thing for every patient, every time.