There’s no doubt that when your pet shows signs of limping or discomfort, you want the best orthopaedic care available close to home. At Your Family Vets in Knaresborough, you’ll find an experienced team led by a surgeon with over 15 years of expertise, ready to treat a range of orthopaedic conditions safely and effectively. By choosing us, you’re ensuring your pet receives advanced surgical treatment with personalised recovery plans—all without the need for a referral. Your pet’s health and comfort are our top priorities every step of the way.
Meet the Expert: Philip Simon’s Credentials
Philip Simon leads your pet’s orthopaedic care at Your Family Vets with outstanding qualifications and extensive experience. Holding a Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Surgery, he has honed his skills in advanced surgical techniques specifically tailored for complex orthopaedic cases. Philip’s commitment to hands-on, compassionate care means your dog or cat is treated by a skilled professional who stays at the forefront of veterinary orthopaedics.
Academic Background and Specializations
Philip gained his Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Surgery after completing his veterinary degree, focusing on musculoskeletal disorders and surgical repair. This specialized training equips him to confidently manage conditions like ligament ruptures and joint diseases. His ongoing professional development includes masterclasses and workshops that reinforce cutting-edge, minimally invasive approaches, ensuring your pet receives modern, effective treatment.
Years of Experience and Areas of Expertise
With over 15 years in veterinary orthopaedics, Philip routinely handles both first-opinion and referral-level cases in-house. You’ll find comfort knowing he treats a wide range of conditions, from common cruciate ligament injuries to complex fractures and hip dysplasia, often performing the entire care pathway himself—from diagnosis through recovery.
Philip’s depth of experience allows him to tailor surgical plans specifically to your pet’s needs. Over the years, he has successfully restored mobility to hundreds of dogs and cats, combining precision surgery with personalised rehabilitation. His ability to manage challenging cases locally saves you the stress of referrals and ensures continuous, familiar care for your pet throughout their treatment journey.
Common Orthopedic Conditions That Require Veterinary Surgery
Your Family Vets in Knaresborough treat a variety of orthopedic conditions that often need surgical intervention to restore your pet’s mobility. These include cruciate ligament ruptures, patella luxation, fractures and trauma, hip dysplasia, and arthritis-related joint pain. If your pet is limping, showing stiffness, or avoiding activities like climbing stairs, these signs may indicate an underlying orthopedic issue best assessed by experienced hands here in our local clinic.
Identification and Symptoms of Cruciate Ligament Rupture
A torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) often causes your dog to suddenly limp or hold a hind leg up. You might notice reluctance to climb stairs, stiffness after rest, or difficulty standing. In more advanced cases, swelling and pain in the knee joint become visible. Early diagnosis and timely surgery can prevent further joint damage and improve your pet’s quality of life significantly.
Understanding Patella Luxation and Its Impact on Mobility
Patella luxation occurs when your pet’s kneecap slips out of its normal groove, leading to intermittent limping or skipping steps. Common in small breed dogs, it ranges from mild to severe and can cause persistent pain or arthritis if untreated. Surgical correction restores proper alignment and dramatically improves your pet’s comfort and movement over time.
In cases of patella luxation, surgery often involves deepening the trochlear groove and stabilizing surrounding soft tissues to prevent the kneecap from shifting. Studies show that over 85% of patients regain good mobility post-operation, with a tailored rehabilitation plan provided at our clinic to optimize recovery. Given the progressive nature of this condition, early intervention reduces the risk of chronic joint degeneration.
Why Our Surgical Approach Stands Out
Every step of your pet’s orthopaedic treatment is driven by a blend of expertise and compassionate care. Your Family Vets Knaresborough prioritises minimally invasive techniques where possible, reducing pain and speeding up recovery. By combining Phillip Simon’s 15+ years of surgical experience with the latest advances in veterinary orthopaedics, we handle complex cases confidently and successfully. This approach ensures your pet gets tailored, expert treatment that maximises mobility and quality of life.
Comprehensive Care: From Initial Consultation to Recovery
We guide you through every phase, starting with a detailed assessment that pinpoints your pet’s exact needs. Following surgery, personalised recovery plans are crafted to support healing at home and in-clinic, with regular follow-ups to track progress. You’ll work with the same vet throughout, making sure there’s consistency and clear communication, so you always feel supported and informed during your pet’s journey back to health.
State-of-the-Art Surgical Facilities and Equipment
Your pet benefits from access to an in-house surgical suite equipped with the latest veterinary technology, from advanced imaging to precision surgical instruments. This enables highly accurate diagnoses and effective procedures all under one roof, eliminating the stress of external referrals and delays.
Our surgical suite boasts digital radiography and video-assisted surgical tools that enhance visualisation during complex orthopaedic repairs. A dedicated recovery ward with temperature control and oxygen support optimises post-operative comfort. These resources allow Phillip to perform a wide range of procedures—whether repairing a fractured limb or stabilising a torn ligament—while maintaining the highest standards of safety and precision.
Client Testimonials: Real Stories, Real Results
Success Stories of Pet Recovery
One of our canine patients, Max, returned to full activity just eight weeks after surgery for a cruciate ligament rupture. His owner was amazed at how quickly the personalised recovery plan helped Max regain strength and mobility. Another client’s cat, Bella, who suffered a complex fracture, healed smoothly with no complications thanks to expert surgical care and careful follow-up. These outcomes reflect how we tailor treatments to your pet’s specific needs, providing the best chance for a comfortable, lasting recovery.
Voices of Satisfied Pet Owners
Clients frequently praise the team’s compassionate approach and the seamless continuity of care from initial consult through recovery. Many highlight the relief of having a local expert like Philip Simon, whose 15+ years of experience and advanced qualifications inspire confidence. Reviews often mention clear communication, manageable payment options, and a genuine focus on the pet’s wellbeing, making your decision to trust us feel easier when every step matters.
Beyond clinical success, pet owners consistently remark on the personal connection with our vets and support staff. You’ll hear stories about how the team quickly responded to concerns, adapted recovery plans for older pets with arthritis, and celebrated milestones like “first stair climb post-surgery.” These voices demonstrate not only surgical expertise but also the family-run atmosphere that sets us apart in Knaresborough.
Answering Your Most Pressing Questions
Many pet owners want clear, straightforward answers about orthopaedic surgery — from referrals to recovery expectations. We handle both first-opinion and complex cases, ensuring you have direct access to expert care without unnecessary delays. Understanding the process can ease concerns and help you prepare for your pet’s journey to improved mobility and comfort.
Is a Referral Necessary for Surgery?
You don’t need a referral to book an orthopaedic consultation with us. Your Family Vets Knaresborough welcomes direct appointments, so you and your pet can access expert evaluation and surgical care promptly. This streamlines the process, avoiding extra visits and allowing our experienced team—led by Philip Simon with over 15 years of specialist expertise—to get your pet the treatment they need without delay.
What Can I Expect During the Recovery Process?
Recovery varies based on your pet’s condition and procedure but typically includes a personalised plan with pain management, controlled exercise, and regular follow-ups. Most pets start regaining mobility within weeks, supported by tailored physiotherapy or hydrotherapy to strengthen healing joints and muscles. You’ll work closely with the same vet who performed the surgery, ensuring continuity and quick adjustments to care as needed.
Detailed recovery plans often involve restricted activity for 6 to 8 weeks, with gradual reintroduction of normal movement to avoid complications. Monitoring for signs like swelling, pain, or limping helps catch issues early, while nutritional support and supplements may boost joint health. Our team guides you every step of the way, so your pet’s return to comfortable, active life is smooth and well-supported.
Final Words: Best Vet Orthopedic Surgeon Near Me: Why Your Family Vets Knaresborough Is the Right Choice
Ultimately, when your pet needs expert orthopedic care, you want a team you can trust close to home. At Your Family Vets Knaresborough, you benefit from highly skilled surgeons, personalized treatment plans, and a seamless care experience from diagnosis through recovery. By choosing us, you’re ensuring your pet receives top-quality surgical expertise and compassionate support every step of the way, helping your furry friend regain mobility and comfort without the stress of traveling far.
FAQ
Q: Do I need a referral to see the orthopaedic surgeon at Your Family Vets Knaresborough?
A: No, you do not need a referral to book an appointment with our orthopaedic surgeon. We welcome first-opinion cases as well as complex referrals, making it easy and convenient for you to access expert care without delays.
Q: Is orthopaedic surgery painful for my pet?
A: Our veterinary team prioritises your pet’s comfort throughout the surgical process. We use advanced anaesthetic protocols and effective pain management plans both during and after surgery to minimise discomfort and support a smooth recovery.
Q: How long does recovery take after orthopaedic surgery?
A: Recovery time varies depending on the specific condition and procedure, but most pets require several weeks of rest and rehabilitation. We provide personalised recovery plans, including guidance on activity restriction and physiotherapy, to help your pet regain mobility safely.
Q: What types of orthopaedic conditions can Your Family Vets Knaresborough treat?
A: We treat a range of orthopaedic issues such as ligament injuries, patella luxation, fractures, hip dysplasia, and arthritis or joint pain in older pets. Our surgeon manages both routine and complex cases using advanced surgical techniques.
Q: Are payment plans available for orthopaedic surgery at Your Family Vets?
A: Yes, we offer flexible payment options to help manage the cost of surgery and post-operative care. Please talk to our team about the available plans to find a solution that works best for your budget.