On This Page
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What is Orthopedic Surgery?
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Procedures We Perform
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The Recovery Timeline
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Cost & Availability
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FAQ
What is Orthopedic Surgery?
Orthopedic surgery addresses conditions affecting bones, joints, and the structures that support them — from traumatic fractures to developmental joint conditions.
Left untreated, many orthopedic conditions progress to chronic pain, compensatory injury, and reduced quality of life.
Note: TPLO for cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture has its own dedicated page given how common the procedure is. This page covers the rest of Red Hills Veterinary Surgery's orthopedic caseload.
Dr. Poppell performs orthopedic procedures as part of Red Hills Veterinary Surgery's mobile surgical model — traveling to your clinic with the equipment and expertise to handle the case on-site, so your patient avoids the stress and delay of a referral to an unfamiliar facility.
Procedures We Perform
Red Hills Veterinary Surgery performs a range of orthopedic procedures, including:
Lateral Suture (Extracapsular Repair): An alternative to TPLO for CCL rupture, using a synthetic suture placed outside the joint to stabilize the stifle. Generally reserved for smaller, less active dogs where re-injury risk is lower. Compare to TPLO.
Patella Luxation Correction: Surgical correction of a dislocating kneecap, addressing the underlying anatomical cause to restore normal joint mechanics and prevent progressive arthritis.
Fracture Repair: Stabilization and repair of traumatic fractures using plates, pins, or external fixation, selected based on fracture location and pattern.
Case selection and technique often depend on patient size, activity level, and the specifics of the presentation — contact Dr. Poppell to discuss a case that doesn't fit neatly into one of these categories.
The Recovery Timeline
Recovery timelines vary by procedure and case severity. In general:
Weeks 1–2: Strict rest and confinement. Pain management and swelling control are the primary focus, particularly for fracture repairs.
Weeks 3–8: Gradual reintroduction of controlled activity. Incision monitoring and suture removal typically at 10–14 days post-op. Radiographic recheck to confirm healing progress, especially for fracture cases.
Weeks 8–16: Progressive increase in activity as healing is confirmed. Most patients are bearing full weight comfortably within this window.
Beyond 16 Weeks: Return to normal activity for most patients, with timeline varying based on procedure and fracture complexity.
Dr. Poppell provides procedure-specific post-operative instructions to both the referring clinic and the pet owner at the time of discharge.
Cost & Availability
Cost varies based on procedure type, case complexity, and any additional diagnostics or imaging required.
Red Hills Veterinary Surgery's mobile model — Dr. Poppell coming to your clinic — eliminates specialty facility fees and reduces the logistical burden on your team and your clients.
Red Hills Veterinary Surgery performs orthopedic procedures at partner clinics across North Florida and South Georgia, including Tallahassee, Thomasville, Valdosta, and surrounding areas.
To discuss scheduling, case selection, or pricing for a specific patient, contact Dr. Poppell directly. Fracture cases in particular are often time-sensitive — reach out promptly to discuss urgency.
FAQ
Does my client need a referral to access orthopedic surgery through Red Hills Veterinary Surgery?
Red Hills works through referring veterinarians. If you're a pet owner whose vet has recommended surgery, ask them to contact us directly to discuss scheduling.
What does Dr. Poppell bring to the procedure?
Dr. Poppell arrives with surgical equipment and implants specific to the procedure. Your clinic provides the surgical suite, anesthesia support, and nursing staff.
How do I know if my patient needs TPLO or lateral suture?
This depends on patient size, activity level, and case-specific factors. Dr. Poppell is happy to discuss case selection with referring veterinarians before scheduling — see the TPLO page for a comparison of both techniques.
How urgent is a fracture case — can this wait for a scheduled visit?
Many fracture cases are time-sensitive. Contact Dr. Poppell directly to discuss urgency and availability.
How do I refer a case?
Contact Red Hills Veterinary Surgery by phone or email to discuss the case. Dr. Poppell will confirm case suitability, coordinate with your clinic on scheduling, and handle communication with the pet owner from that point forward.