WSU Cougar Head Logo Washington State University
Veterinary Teaching Hospital
College of Veterinary Medicine
Orthopedic & Soft Tissue Surgery
Small animal veterinary care
Offering a full range of surgical procedures for dogs and cats.
Appointments
Pharmacy
For Veterinarians

When your pet needs a more complex surgery for cancer or an orthopedic procedure like a total joint replacement, we are committed to providing your animal the best surgical care. We offer a full range of orthopedic and soft tissue surgical procedures for dogs and cats. Our team also provides emergency surgery. 

WSU is also one of only a handful of veterinary hospitals in the country performing transsphenoidal hypophysectomy, a surgery used in the treatment of pituitary tumors to treat Cushing’s disease in dogs and acromegaly (excessive growth hormone from pituitary gland) in cats. 

Our surgeons, all of whom are board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, work with our surgical residents, licensed veterinary technicians, fourth-year veterinary students, and other hospital specialists to provide the best possible treatment options. The surgical service is also supported by a critical care service staffed around the clock.

Schedule An Appointment

509-335-0711
  Referral Required

Regular hospital hours are
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Our emergency services are available 24 hours a day.

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Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Our orthopedic specialists focus on conditions related to bones and joints and are skilled in the most advanced techniques and procedures available.

Conditions we commonly treat

  • Sporting, athletic, working, and family dog injuries
  • Stifle (knee) ligaments ruptures in dogs, most commonly the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL)
  • Cat injuries
  • Patella (kneecap) luxation (“trick knee”)
  • Hip, stifle, and elbow dysplasia
  • Joint conditions, such as osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)
  • Complicated bone, joint, and growth plate fractures
  • Angular limb deformities
  • Tendon, muscle, and ligament, injuries including sprains, strains, and ruptures
  • Joint luxations (dislocations), including shoulder, elbow, carpal (wrist), hip, stifle, and tarsal (ankle)

Surgery in progress

Some orthopedic surgical procedures we offer

  • Arthroscopy of joints (minimally invasive surgery)
  • Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) for CCL ruptures
  • Complex fracture repair
  • Corrective bone surgery (osteotomy) using 3-D print planning
  • Joint ligament and tendon repair and reconstruction
  • Biological tendon treatments (platelet-rich plasma injections)
  • Total hip and partial elbow joint replacement
  • Partial or complete joint fusion (arthrodesis)

Soft Tissue Surgery

We specialize in minimally invasive and interventional surgical procedures and are one of only a handful of veterinary hospitals in the country to perform pituitary surgery.   

Soft Tissue Surgery

Some soft tissue surgical procedures we offer

  • Minimally invasive procedures, such as laparoscopy, thoracoscopy, and cystoscopy
  • Interventional procedures, such as intrahepatic shunt coiling, and stenting of trachea, ureter, and urethra
  • Transsphenoidal hypophysectomy (pituitary) surgery to treat Cushing’s disease in dogs and acromegaly (excessive growth hormone from pituitary gland) in cats
  • Oncologic (cancer) tumor removal
  • Ear, nose, and throat surgery
  • Endocrine surgery
  • Gastrointestinal (stomach and intestinal) surgery
  • Urinary tract surgery
  • Reproductive surgery
  • Respiratory surgery
  • Wound repair, grafting, and reconstruction

Hospital Stories | Health Topics

Finding a cure for Cushing’s disease at WSU

Couple travels across the country to save their dog.

Published on 7/26/21

Team of WSU veterinarians help black Lab defeat cancer

Complicated surgical procedure offers potential cure for dog diagnosed with cancer.

Published on 6/16/21

Dodger no longer ‘living on borrowed time’

The Peterson family made a commitment to Dodger.

Published on 4/20/21

Featured Health Topics

  • Cancer Surgery

    Cancer is a scary diagnosis for any pet owner, but there are often surgical treatment options that can improve your pet’s quality of life and,…

  • What is Cushing’s Disease?

    Cushing’s disease can be treated by surgical removal of the affected adrenal gland.

Grateful Client Giving

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“This is a place of miracles.”
-Anne Hensley, veterinary hospital client
I’m a Grateful Client

Clinical Studies

Any current clinical studies for this service will be listed below.

WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital, 205 Ott Road Pullman, WA 99164-7060

AAHA Logo

The American Animal Hospital Association is the only trusted evaluator of veterinary hospitals in the United States and Canada. As an AAHA-accredited hospital since 1983, we voluntarily uphold the association’s high standards in 18 areas, including patient care, cleanliness, and emergency services. Only about 15% of veterinary hospitals meet the evaluation’s high standards and carry this accreditation. We are very proud to be one of them.

WSU Cougar Head Logo Originally created in 1936 by Randall Johnson, the Cougar Head remains a unique and distinguished part of the WSU identity.