Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we are asked most often about ordering, delivery, loaner kits and our veterinary orthopaedic implants, instruments and power tools. Can’t find what you need? Call 0800 8611 086 or email info@vetorthopaedics.com.

Ordering and accounts

How do I place an order?

You can order online through our shop, call us on 0800 8611 086 (Monday to Friday, 9:00–16:00) or email info@vetorthopaedics.com. Every product page lists our VO product codes, so quoting these makes ordering by phone or email quicker.

Are your prices inclusive of VAT?

No. Prices on our website are shown excluding VAT, which is added at checkout or on your invoice. Goods are invoiced at the price on the date of dispatch.

Can my practice pay on account?

Yes. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment is due 30 days from the date of invoice, in pounds sterling. Please get in touch to discuss account terms for your practice.

Who do you supply?

We supply veterinary referral hospitals, first-opinion practices, in-house referral services and mobile surgeons, both in the UK and overseas.

Delivery and returns

How quickly will my order arrive?

In-stock orders placed before 3pm are normally dispatched the same working day. If you need kit urgently for a scheduled procedure, call us on 0800 8611 086 and we will do our best to help. Delivery dates are estimates and cannot be guaranteed.

Do you deliver outside the UK?

Yes, we supply surgeons and practices overseas. Any import duties, taxes or local charges are the customer’s responsibility, and orders must comply with UK export control and embargo rules.

What if my order arrives damaged or incomplete?

Please note any obvious damage or shortages on the delivery note when it arrives, and tell us within five working days of delivery so we can put it right.

Can I return an item?

Please contact us before sending anything back, as returns need our prior written agreement. If an item does not meet your expectations, we will refund or replace it. Full details are in our Terms and Conditions.

Loaner kits and surgical support

How does loaner kit hire work?

If you would rather not buy a full set for an occasional procedure, we can send you a loaner kit, such as a minimal TPLO kit or a complete locking plate kit, with everything you need for the surgery. The kit is yours for a week; simply send it back and we invoice you only for the items used. See Loaner Kit Hire.

Can you help me choose the right implants for a case?

Yes. Veterinary Orthopaedics is run by a referral orthopaedic surgeon with over 20 years’ experience, and we are happy to talk through your case and help you choose implants and instruments. Email info@vetorthopaedics.com or call us.

Do you design custom or new implants?

We design our own implants, including the Apollo range, and work with surgeons to develop new implants and instruments. If you have a design idea or a specific requirement, please get in touch.

Implants, instruments and power tools

Which size Apollo TPLO plate should I use?

As a general guide: the 2.4mm plate suits dogs of roughly 5–15kg, the 2.7mm plate roughly 10–18kg and the 3.5mm plate roughly 20–40kg. The final choice always depends on the patient’s anatomy and the surgeon’s judgement, and we are happy to advise.

What makes the Apollo TPLO plate different?

The Apollo TPLO plate was designed by orthopaedic surgeons with more than 10,000 TPLO cases between them, to fit the proximal tibia closely. Locking screw holes are angled away from the joint surface, K-wire holes allow temporary stabilisation before drilling, and compression holes at slightly different angles allow tailored compression of the osteotomy. Left and right versions are available.

What is the difference between locking plates and dynamic compression plates?

With a locking plate, the screw heads lock into the plate to form a fixed-angle construct that does not rely on the plate being pressed tightly against the bone. This can be helpful in comminuted fractures, poor-quality bone or short bone segments. Dynamic compression plates (DCPs) rely on friction between plate and bone, and their hole design lets the surgeon compress a fracture as screws are tightened. We stock both, in a range of sizes.

Do you supply stainless steel and titanium implants?

Yes. We supply stainless steel plates and screws as well as titanium locking plates and screws. Titanium is lightweight and biocompatible, while stainless steel remains a widely used, cost-effective choice for most orthopaedic procedures.

Do your power tools come with a warranty?

Yes. Our Platinum Series drills and saws and our spinal power tools come with a one-year warranty, and the Multifunction 500 handpiece comes with a two-year guarantee. Warranty details are shown on each product page.

Do you supply patient-specific 3D-printed implants?

Veterinary Orthopaedics is the exclusive UK distributor for LimesVet, a range of patient-specific, CT-based 3D-printed surgical guides and titanium implants for small animal orthopaedic and spinal surgery. The range is coming soon; please see the LimesVet page or contact us to register your interest.

Training and about us

Do you run training courses?

Yes. We run practical courses for veterinary surgeons, such as our Patella Groove Replacement dry lab course with Alasdair Frost. Upcoming courses are listed in our Courses section.

Who is behind Veterinary Orthopaedics?

Veterinary Orthopaedics (Animal Orthopaedics Ltd) was founded in 2012 by Alasdair Frost BVM&S Cert SAS MRCVS, a referral orthopaedic surgeon who has worked at leading UK referral hospitals including Fitzpatrick Referrals and Wear Referrals. We are based in Melsonby, North Yorkshire. Meet the team.