Veterinarian in Yorba Linda, CA

CCL injuries are one of the most common orthopedic problems dogs face. TPLO, or Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy, stabilizes the knee by cutting the tibia and rotating the tibial plateau to a more level angle. This neutralizes the forces that cause the joint to shift during movement, and the bone is then secured with a specially designed plate and screws while it heals.

Unlike older repair methods, TPLO changes the mechanics of the knee itself rather than patching the damaged ligament. Dogs with early intervention tend to have the strongest long-term outcomes. Here is what the TPLO process involves beyond the procedure itself:

• A full orthopedic exam and digital X-rays to confirm the diagnosis before surgery is scheduled
• Modern anesthesia protocols with continuous monitoring of vitals throughout the procedure
• A structured rehabilitation plan to rebuild muscle strength and restore joint mobility post-surgery
• Detailed activity restriction guidelines during the healing period to protect the repair
• Scheduled recheck appointments to track bone healing and adjust recovery milestones

Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most impactful choices you can make for their long-term health. At Paws ‘n’ Claws Veterinary Hospital, we provide these essential procedures to pets in Yorba Linda, Placentia, Anaheim Hills, Brea, Chino Hills, and Fullerton. Every surgery is personalized based on your pet’s age, breed, and medical history.

Our veterinary team uses modern surgical techniques with careful anesthesia monitoring at every step. Post-surgery support includes guidance on pain management and tips for monitoring your pet’s recovery at home. Additional reasons these procedures matter for your pet’s health:

• Spayed females avoid the physical stress of pregnancy and the hormonal shifts of heat cycles
• Neutered males are less likely to roam, which reduces exposure to injury and disease
• Removes the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers in female pets entirely
• Reduces the likelihood of certain behavioral issues driven by reproductive hormones
• Contributes to lowering the number of animals in shelters across the region

Our surgical team brings experience, precision, and genuine care to every case we take on. Each pet that comes through our doors receives the same focused, personalized attention from pre-surgical prep all the way through recovery.

Preventive care is the foundation of a long, healthy life for your pet. During a wellness exam, our veterinarian evaluates your pet head to tail, reviewing vaccinations, parasite prevention, nutrition, and age-appropriate lab work. Senior pets over the age of seven benefit most from twice-yearly visits, since age-related conditions are far easier to manage before symptoms become severe.

New puppy and kitten visits set the tone for a lifetime of good health. We address everything from socialization tips and dietary recommendations to identifying potential household hazards for young pets. Specific areas our wellness exams cover that go beyond the basics:

• Assessment of the cardiovascular, neurologic, and urogenital systems
• Evaluation of lymph nodes, skin, and coat condition for early signs of disease
• Dental health screening to catch periodontal disease before it affects organ health
• Parasite prevention review and recommendations based on your pet’s lifestyle
• Exercise assessments relevant to your pet’s age, breed, and overall condition

Leaving your pet with us means they stay inside a fully equipped veterinary facility with trained medical staff nearby. Dogs enjoy structured play sessions through our Paws ‘n’ Play DayCare program, grouped by size, temperament, and energy level. Cats are housed in dog-free spaces with individual attention, clean bedding, and monitored appetites.

We also board exotic animals and small mammals. Owners are asked to bring their pet’s home enclosure whenever possible to preserve familiar surroundings and reduce stress. All dogs must be current on DHPP, Bordetella, and Rabies vaccines, and dogs over one year must be spayed or neutered to participate in daycare. What makes our boarding and daycare setup distinct:

• New dogs complete a temperament trial before joining the daycare group
• A separate calm area is available for dogs that prefer a lower-energy environment
• Staff monitor appetite, behavior, and energy levels throughout every stay
• Cats are housed away from dog areas to reduce noise-related stress
• Exotic pet boarding availability may vary, so contacting us in advance is recommended

Healthy pets start with consistent care, and that care begins with a team that knows your animal well. The more we see your pet, the better equipped we are to catch changes early and keep them thriving in the long term.

X-rays and ultrasound each serve a different purpose. Radiographs excel at capturing bones, joints, the chest cavity, and dense tissue with precision. Ultrasound allows our veterinarian to assess soft-tissue structures in real time, including organ size and condition. Used together, these tools provide a comprehensive internal view that a routine checkup cannot offer on its own.

Both modalities are available on-site, allowing imaging results to be reviewed and discussed with you during the same visit rather than days later. Specific conditions our imaging regularly helps identify:

• Heart and lung conditions, including abnormal fluid accumulation in the chest
• Gastrointestinal obstructions caused by swallowed foreign objects
• Tumors or masses in the internal organs or along the skeletal system
• Urinary stones, gallstones, and reproductive tract abnormalities
• Bone fractures, joint deterioration, and early signs of arthritis

Imaging doesn’t just identify a problem, it shapes how we respond to it. Results from X-rays and ultrasound directly inform the treatment plan your veterinarian recommends, whether that means moving forward with surgery, adjusting medications, or scheduling further diagnostics. Having that information during the same visit means care moves forward without unnecessary delays.

Across our services, imaging plays a supporting role at multiple stages of care. How radiology connects to the broader treatment process:

• Imaging findings are used to confirm diagnoses identified during a physical evaluation
• Pre-surgical imaging helps finalize the surgical plan before any procedure begins
• Ultrasound supports soft tissue assessment as part of our in-house diagnostic workup
• X-rays are used alongside in-house lab results to build a complete clinical picture
• Follow-up visits monitor healing progress after procedures like TPLO

Changes in appetite, a sudden limp, a day that just seems off. Your pet can’t tell you what’s wrong, but imaging can. Reach Paws ‘n’ Claws Veterinary Hospital at (714) 693-3800 and let our team put the right tools to work for your pet.