Veterinary Surgery & Orthopedics in Denver CO
Veterinary surgery and orthopedics covers everything from routine spays and neuters to torn ACL repairs, fracture fixation, mass removals, and joint replacements. Denver has 25 practices in this category, ranging from general vets who handle soft-tissue procedures in-house to referral centers with board-certified surgeons who focus on complex orthopedic work like TPLO or TTA surgery for cruciate ligament injuries. Some clinics also cover spinal surgery, hip dysplasia correction, and fracture repair using plates, pins, or external fixators.
What to look for before booking
Not every clinic that lists "surgery" on its website is equipped for the same level of case. A straightforward spay is different from a TPLO on a 90-pound dog. Ask whether the surgeon is board-certified (ACVS) or a general practitioner doing the procedure, what anesthesia monitoring looks like during the operation, and whether pain management and physical rehab are part of the aftercare plan. Also worth checking: on-site imaging (digital x-ray, sometimes CT), a dedicated surgical suite separate from exam rooms, and clear written estimates before you commit. For anything beyond routine sterilization, a second opinion or referral to a surgical specialist is a reasonable ask, not an insult to your regular vet.
How we score these practices
Our ranking weighs verified reviews, credentials and specialty training, range of procedures offered, and consistency of outcomes and communication reported by pet owners. See the full ranked guide to Denver veterinarians for how these 25 practices compare, and read our methodology for the details behind the scoring.
All veterinary surgery & orthopedics, by score
25 businesses. Filter and sort below, or open the full map view.
Common questions about veterinary surgery & orthopedics
- How much does veterinary orthopedic surgery cost in Denver?
- It varies a lot by procedure. A routine spay or neuter typically runs a few hundred dollars. Cruciate ligament repairs like TPLO often run $3,500 to $6,500 per leg depending on the clinic and the dog's size, since they involve specialized imaging, implants, and a longer anesthesia time. Fracture repairs and mass removals fall somewhere in between depending on complexity. Always get a written estimate that separates surgery, anesthesia, imaging, and aftercare.
- How do I know if my pet needs a specialist versus a general vet for surgery?
- Soft-tissue procedures like spays, neuters, and simple mass removals are usually well within a general practitioner's skill set. Orthopedic cases (ligament tears, fractures, hip or spine issues) benefit from a board-certified surgeon, especially for larger dogs or complicated breaks, because outcomes and complication rates are closely tied to surgical experience and equipment.
- What should I expect during recovery from orthopedic surgery?
- Expect strict activity restriction, often 8 to 12 weeks for cruciate repairs, with short leash walks only and no running, jumping, or stairs until the vet clears it. Pain medication and sometimes anti-inflammatories are standard for the first week or two. Many clinics now recommend or require follow-up rehab (hydrotherapy, controlled exercises) to rebuild muscle and range of motion.
- How often does a pet typically need orthopedic surgery?
- Most pets never need it, but it becomes more likely with age, breed predisposition (large breeds and cruciate injuries, for example), or an acute injury. If one knee tears, there is a meaningfully higher chance the other side goes too within a year or two, so vets often discuss preventive strengthening or monitoring for the opposite leg.