6701 Johnston St
Lafayette, LA 70503
Our services
Surgical repair for torn cranial cruciate ligaments relieves pain and restores knee stability so your pet can run and play freely again.
Welcome to Carson Animal Hospital, where our experienced veterinary team provides lateral suture surgery in Lafayette, LA to repair torn cranial cruciate ligaments in dogs and cats.
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), also called the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in pets, is vital for knee stability and mobility. When this ligament tears, pets can experience pain, limping, and difficulty walking or running. Lateral suture, also known as extracapsular repair, is one of the surgical techniques we use to stabilize a knee after a cruciate ligament tear. Rather than cutting and repositioning bone, this method places a strong suture on the outside of the joint that mimics the function of the torn ligament while scar tissue forms around the knee to provide lasting stability.
Lateral suture is often a good option for smaller dogs, cats, and less active pets, and typically involves a shorter surgery time and a more straightforward recovery than bone-altering procedures like TPLO. At Carson Animal Hospital, our veterinary professionals evaluate each pet's size, activity level, and knee anatomy to determine whether lateral suture or another technique is the best fit. Our compassionate approach ensures that every pet receives personalized care, from diagnosis through recovery.
When your pet needs lateral suture surgery in Lafayette, you can expect comprehensive, attentive care at every step. Our team guides you and your pet through diagnosis, surgery, and recovery with clear communication.
Our veterinarians begin with a detailed orthopedic exam and advanced imaging, such as digital radiographs, to confirm the ligament injury and assess your pet's knee. This step helps us determine whether lateral suture is the right surgical approach for your pet's size and activity level.
Lateral suture repair is tailored to your pet's individual anatomy and lifestyle. Dr. Jim Carson III and our skilled surgical team will explain how the procedure works, discuss expected recovery, and answer any questions before the day of surgery.
On surgery day, your pet is cared for in our AAHA-accredited facility with advanced anesthesia monitoring and pain management. During lateral suture repair, our surgical team places a strong suture outside the joint capsule to stabilize the knee, using sterile techniques and state-of-the-art equipment for the safest possible experience.
After surgery, we provide detailed discharge instructions and pain management tailored to your pet. Activity restriction is especially important while the joint stabilizes, and our team guides you through each stage of recovery, including follow-up visits and rehabilitation recommendations to support your pet's return to healthy activity.
Lateral suture repair in Lafayette gives many pets with knee ligament injuries a less invasive path back to comfort and mobility. Without treatment, a torn ACL/CCL can cause ongoing discomfort, limit mobility, and lead to irreversible joint changes. Stabilizing the knee restores function and helps your pet enjoy a more active, pain-free life.
Lateral suture relieves pain and restores normal movement, allowing your pet to walk, run, and play comfortably again. Addressing the injury early can prevent permanent lameness and improve long-term joint health.
Because lateral suture does not require cutting or repositioning bone, it typically means a shorter procedure and a more straightforward recovery for smaller or less active pets compared to bone-altering techniques.
Pets with a stabilized knee regain confidence and activity, which supports their physical and emotional well-being. Our veterinary team's expertise helps ensure the best recovery and outcome for your companion.
Recognizing the signs of a torn ACL/CCL can help you seek timely care. If your pet displays any of the following, an evaluation for lateral suture or another repair technique may be needed:
If you notice these symptoms, contact our veterinary team promptly. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your pet's recovery and comfort.
Lateral suture is typically a one-time surgical procedure performed after a confirmed ligament tear. However, pets with one torn ACL/CCL are at higher risk for injuring the opposite knee in the future. Regular orthopedic checkups and monitoring are recommended after surgery to ensure healthy healing and address any new concerns. If your pet is limping or has a history of knee injuries, schedule an evaluation as soon as possible. Our team at Carson Animal Hospital is here to guide you through every step of your pet's orthopedic health.
Carson Animal Hospital is proud to offer lateral suture and other advanced ACL/CCL repair options in Lafayette and surrounding communities. Our orthopedic capabilities, compassionate approach, and commitment to patient safety set us apart.
Lateral suture, also called extracapsular repair, is a surgical technique used to stabilize a pet's knee after a torn cranial cruciate ligament (ACL/CCL). Instead of cutting bone, it uses a strong suture placed outside the joint to mimic the torn ligament while scar tissue forms for lasting stability. It relieves pain, restores function, and helps prevent long-term joint damage. If your pet is limping or struggling to walk, contact Carson Animal Hospital for an evaluation.
The cost of lateral suture repair varies depending on your pet's size and specific needs, but it is often more affordable than bone-altering procedures like TPLO. Our team provides detailed estimates and discusses payment options, including insurance and Care Credit. Most pets recover well within 8-12 weeks with proper aftercare and activity restriction. Schedule a consultation at (337) 981-7998 for personalized information.
Before surgery, follow your veterinarian's fasting and medication instructions. After surgery, strict activity restriction is essential while the knee stabilizes, along with prescribed medications and follow-up visits. Our veterinary professionals will guide you through every step of preparation and recovery to help ensure the best outcome for your pet.
Lateral suture is often recommended for smaller dogs, cats, and less active pets with a torn ACL/CCL, since it avoids cutting bone and typically means a shorter, more straightforward recovery. Larger or highly active dogs may be better suited to TPLO or another technique. Our veterinary team evaluates each pet individually to recommend the best surgical option. Contact us for an evaluation.
Call Carson Animal Hospital at (337) 981-7998 to schedule your pet's lateral suture consultation. We're located at 6701 Johnston St, Lafayette, LA 70503. Our hours are Monday through Friday 7:30 AM–5 PM and Saturday 7:30 AM–12 Noon.
If your pet is struggling with a knee injury, Carson Animal Hospital is ready to help. Our convenient Lafayette location across from the BMW dealership makes visits easy. Call us at (337) 981-7998 or visit us at 6701 Johnston St, Lafayette, LA 70503. We are open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 7:30 AM to 12 Noon. Our veterinary team is committed to providing compassionate, advanced lateral suture and orthopedic care for your pet's best possible outcome.
Have a question about a procedure for your pet? We're happy to walk through it.
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