Surgical Services

Pelvic Surgery

Pelvic injuries may be the result of hip dysplasia, trauma, or degenerative joint disease and can significantly affect your pet’s ability to walk, toilet, and live comfortably. At Belconnen Veterinary Centre, we offer advanced pelvic surgery for dogs and cats, including:

TPO - Triple Pelvis Osteotomy

Purpose

To improve hip joint stability in young animals with early hip dysplasia (before arthritis sets in).

  • Involves cutting the pelvic bone in three places (ilium, ischium, pubis). 

  • The acetabulum (hip socket) is rotated to better cover the femoral head. 

  • Fixed with a bone plate and screws. 

  • Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO) for quicker healing and smaller incisions 

  • 3D-printed custom implants for unusual or challenging fractures 

  • AO/ASIF-compliant techniques, recognised worldwide for orthopaedic excellence 

  • Dogs < 10–12 months old 

  • Minimal to no arthritis present 

  • Good femoral head conformation 

Primarily dogs (rare in cats) 

DPO - Double Pelvis Osteotomy

Purpose

Same as TPO — for young animals with early hip laxity. 

  • Like TPO, but involves only two cuts (ilium and pubis or ilium and ischium). 

  • Reduces surgical trauma and may result in faster recovery. 

  • Dogs under 1 year with mild to moderate laxity and no arthritic changes. 

Dogs (less invasive alternative to TPO)

FHO - Femoral Head Osteotomy

Purpose

To eliminate pain from hip dysplasia, trauma, or chronic arthritis.

  • The head and neck of the femur are surgically removed. 

  • A fibrous false joint forms between the femur and pelvis. 

  • Pain is relieved by eliminating bone-on-bone contact. 

  • Dogs and cats of any age and any breed 

  • Ideal for small dogs and cats (<20–25 kg) 

  • Can be used in larger dogs as a last resort if THR (Total Hip Replacement) is not an option 

Signs of Pelvic Injury in Pets

If your pet has suffered trauma or is showing signs such as: 

These signs can suggest hip dysplasia, trauma, or degenerative joint disease, and may warrant advanced pelvic surgery: 

Mobility & Gait Changes

  • Limping or hindlimb lameness 

  • Bunny-hopping gait when running 

  • Stiffness after rest, especially in the morning 

  • Reluctance or difficulty rising, jumping, or using stairs 

  • Uneven weight bearing or shifting weight to front legs 

  • Narrow or tucked pelvis 

  • Swaying or “waddling” gait 

  • Pelvic asymmetry or visible deformity (in trauma cases) 

  • Yelping or crying when hips are touched 

  • Aggression or flinching during handling 

  • Licking or chewing at the hip or lower back 

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