Is my dog too old for orthopedic surgery?

Many dog owners wonder if their aging companion is too old to undergo orthopedic surgery. It's a fair question—especially when your pet is part of the family and the thought of putting them through anesthesia and recovery brings understandable concern. However, the answer is not as straightforward as a simple yes or no.

Age itself is not a disease, and it should not be the sole factor when evaluating a dog for surgery. What truly matters is the overall health of the dog, the quality of life being affected by the orthopedic issue, and the goals of the treatment.

Veterinarians assess senior dogs by considering their organ function, cardiovascular health, weight, presence of chronic diseases like diabetes or kidney problems, and, of course, their pain level and mobility. Many older dogs are excellent candidates for surgery when their systemic health is stable and well managed.

In fact, some senior dogs handle anesthesia better than expected due to improved protocols and monitoring systems that have evolved in veterinary medicine. Surgeons also take precautions by using safer anesthetic drugs, tailoring dosages, and providing comprehensive pain control both during and after the procedure.

One of the most important considerations is how much the orthopedic condition—whether it's a torn cruciate ligament, hip dysplasia, or a luxating patella—is affecting the dog’s daily life.

Chronic pain leads to muscle loss, joint stiffness, decreased mobility, and even changes in mood or appetite. In many cases, surgery is the only way to restore comfort and functionality. Owners often report that, after the recovery period, their older dogs appear younger, more energetic, and significantly happier.

It’s also important to understand that delaying surgery out of fear may allow the condition to worsen, making the eventual procedure riskier or less effective. For example, waiting too long to repair a torn ligament may cause irreversible joint degeneration. On the other hand, a well-executed orthopedic surgery followed by physical therapy can lead to excellent results even in dogs over 10 years old.

The recovery might be a bit slower than in younger dogs, but with proper care, patience, and commitment, the outcome is often worth it.

In summary, while age should be taken into account, it is far from being the main factor in determining surgical eligibility.

A thorough pre-operative evaluation and a tailored surgical and recovery plan can give older dogs a new lease on life. If your senior dog is suffering from an orthopedic problem, consult a trusted veterinary surgeon to assess the real risks and benefits in your dog’s unique case.

References:

1. Tobias, K. M., & Johnston, S. A. (2017). Veterinary Surgery: Small Animal. Elsevier Health Sciences.

2. Fossum, T. W. (2018). Small Animal Surgery. Elsevier.

About the autor

Felipe Garofallo is a veterinarian in Brazil, specialized in orthopedic and neurosurgical care for dogs and cats.

He is also the founder of Ortho for Pets – Veterinary Orthopedics and Specialties.