Veterinary Orthopedic Specialists in Tampa

Has your dog started skipping on a back leg, stopped enjoying walks, or been diagnosed with a joint injury? Orthopedic surgeons in Tampa offer evaluations and procedures for mobility problems, including patellar luxation, ligament damage, and fractures. Compare the listed providers and their areas of care to help you discuss treatment choices with your veterinarian.

Compare Veterinary Orthopedic Surgeons in Tampa

Explore three listed surgeons at Tampa-area veterinary facilities. Their profiles include knee procedures such as TPLO, TTA, or CBLO, fracture repair, arthroscopy, and sports medicine. Contact the individual center to confirm which services are appropriate for your pet.

Leslie Thomas, DVM, DACVS (SA)

Veterinary Orthopedic Surgery
TPLO • Fracture repair • Orthopedic surgery

Michael Reems, DVM, MS, DACVS (SA)

Veterinary Orthopedic Surgery
TPLO • TTA • CBLO • Fracture repair • Arthroscopy

Colby Burns, DVM, DACVS, DACVSMR

Veterinary Orthopedic Surgery
TPLO • Fracture repair • Patella luxation • Sports medicine

Injuries and Joint Problems Orthopedic Surgeons Evaluate

Luxating Patella

A kneecap that slips out of position can cause intermittent skipping, lameness, or discomfort. An orthopedic assessment can help determine the severity and whether treatment or surgery should be discussed.

Athletic and Activity-Related Injuries

Active dogs can develop injuries affecting joints, ligaments, or other structures involved in movement. The veterinary team may assess activity history, examine the affected limb, and recommend a suitable care plan.

Knee Instability

An unstable knee can affect weight-bearing and everyday activity. A surgeon may discuss procedures such as TPLO, TTA, or CBLO when indicated, along with their potential benefits and recovery requirements.

Injuries Requiring Fracture Repair

Some fractures need surgical fixation to restore alignment and support healing. Your veterinarian can assess the urgency, and the surgeon can explain the proposed repair and aftercare.

How Pet Insurance May Apply to Orthopedic Procedures

Orthopedic surgery estimates can include consultations, imaging, anesthesia, implants, hospitalization, and recheck appointments. Before a scheduled procedure, request an itemized estimate and ask the insurer how it treats each category of expense. Coverage depends on your individual policy and clinical history; an estimate or preauthorization does not necessarily guarantee final payment.

May Be Covered

A qualifying claim may include specialist assessment, diagnostic tests, eligible knee or fracture surgery, anesthesia, prescribed medication, and covered follow-up treatment.

Coverage May Depend On

The insurer may apply waiting periods, pre-existing or bilateral-condition clauses, medical necessity rules, deductibles, reimbursement percentages, sublimits, or other exclusions.

Questions About an Excluded Knee or Joint Procedure?

A denial involving a kneecap condition, ligament injury, or surgical implant may depend on the policy wording and the history documented by your veterinarian. Your Pet Attorneys can review the denial, clinical records, itemized charges, and coverage terms to help you understand whether there are grounds to question the insurer’s decision.

No recovery, no fee.

What Tampa Pet Owners Want to Know About Orthopedics

Skipping can occur with patellar luxation, but it is not enough to establish a diagnosis. Your veterinarian can examine the leg and advise whether orthopedic assessment is needed, especially if episodes become frequent or painful.
They are different surgical approaches that may be considered for certain canine knee ligament injuries. The appropriate option depends on your dog’s anatomy, examination, imaging, and the surgeon’s assessment; ask the specialist to explain the proposed procedure.
Ask the hospital for an itemized estimate covering the planned procedure, anesthesia, imaging, hospitalization, medication, and anticipated follow-up care. Confirm which charges are estimates and what could change during treatment.
Review the specific exclusion cited in the denial, when the condition or symptoms were first documented, any waiting period, and any bilateral-condition language. The veterinary history and policy wording can help clarify how the decision was reached.