Meet Your Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Dr. Paul McNamara, DACVS
Dr. Paul McNamara is a Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon (DACVS) with extensive experience in orthopedic and soft-tissue surgery for dogs and cats. He performs a full range of surgical procedures at our Hopewell Junction facility, and his surgical technicians are certified in the PennHIP technique for canine hip evaluation.
Whether your pet has a broken bone, a torn ligament, or a joint condition that's affecting their quality of life, Dr. McNamara has the training and experience to help. Not every orthopedic problem can be managed with rest and medication alone, having access to a board-certified specialist means your pet gets an accurate diagnosis and a surgical plan tailored to their specific needs.
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Orthopedic Conditions We Treat
Orthopedic surgery focuses on the bones, joints, ligaments, and musculoskeletal system. When a pet has a condition — whether from an injury, a developmental issue, or natural wear over time — that's causing pain or limiting movement, surgery is often the most effective way to restore comfort and function.
CCL / ACL Tears (TPLO Surgery)
A torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs — the equivalent of an ACL tear in people. Left untreated, it causes progressive joint instability, pain, and arthritis. Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) is the gold-standard surgical repair for this injury. Dr. McNamara performs TPLO at our Hopewell Junction facility, and most dogs return to normal activity within a few months of surgery.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition where the hip joint doesn't form properly, leading to instability, pain, and eventually arthritis. It most commonly affects larger breeds. Depending on the severity and your pet's age, Dr. McNamara may recommend Femoral Head Osteotomy (FHO) — a procedure that removes the femoral head to relieve severe hip pain when other options aren't possible — or another surgical approach suited to your pet's condition.
Luxating Patella
A luxating patella is a slipping kneecap, and it's especially common in smaller breeds. Some pets adapt to a mild luxation, but moderate to severe cases cause ongoing pain and can lead to long-term joint damage. Surgery to correct patellar luxation is straightforward and typically results in a full recovery.
Fractures & Bone Repair
When a pet breaks a bone, stabilizing and realigning that bone correctly is critical to proper healing. Dr. McNamara performs fracture repair surgery to ensure bones are set and secured so they heal as they should — restoring your pet's ability to move comfortably.
Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is an umbrella term for several developmental abnormalities affecting the elbow joint, commonly seen in large and giant breed dogs. It causes pain, lameness, and can lead to significant arthritis if left untreated. Surgical intervention helps relieve discomfort and slow the progression of joint damage.
Soft-Tissue & Gastrointestinal Surgery
In addition to orthopedic procedures, Dr. McNamara performs soft-tissue and gastrointestinal surgeries. These may include procedures involving internal organs, masses, or conditions that require surgical intervention beyond the scope of a general practice. If your primary vet has referred your pet for soft-tissue surgery, Dr. McNamara and our team are here to help.
What to Expect: From Consultation to Recovery
Before any procedure, we'll sit down with you to go over exactly what the surgery involves, what to expect during recovery, and how to care for your pet at home afterward. We use the most current anesthetic and pain management techniques, and your pet's anesthetic plan is tailored to their needs, taking into account their age, breed, weight, and overall health.
Pain management is built into every procedure we perform — we don't treat it as an afterthought. Keeping your pet comfortable after surgery helps them heal faster, move better, and return to their normal life sooner.
Recovery matters just as much as the surgery itself. Our team will walk you through post-op instructions and be available to answer questions as your pet heals at home.
Our Surgical Suite
Our facility is fully equipped with a modern surgery suite and monitoring equipment. Your pet will be cared for by a highly trained surgical team throughout the entire procedure. We prioritize both surgical precision and patient safety — from the moment your pet is prepped to the moment they wake up in recovery.
Scheduling & Referrals
Hudson Highlands Veterinary Medical Group works closely with referring veterinary practices throughout the area. If your primary vet has sent you to us, we'll keep them in the loop every step of the way, from your initial consultation through post-op care and recovery. Your pet continues to see your regular vet for day-to-day care, and we step in when specialist expertise is needed.
Please call (845) 221-2244 to schedule a visit. If you'd like to refer a patient or discuss a case, our team is glad to connect with your practice directly.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Orthopedic Surgery
How do I know if my dog needs orthopedic surgery?
What is TPLO surgery and how does it work?
What is the recovery time for dog ACL surgery?
Do I need a referral to see Dr. McNamara?
Does Hudson Highlands treat cats for orthopedic conditions?
What is the difference between TPLO and TTA surgery?
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Internal Medicine
Dr. John Broussard, Board Certified Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist, diagnoses and treats complex conditions affecting the internal organ systems — including metabolic disease, endocrine disorders, immune-mediated blood disease, gastrointestinal conditions, liver and kidney disease, infectious disease, and fever of unknown origin. Outpatient diagnostics, including high-resolution ultrasonography with guided aspirates, are available at our main facility.
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Cardiology
Dr. Jonathan Goodwin and Dr. Amanda Lawler provide advanced cardiac care at Hudson Highlands. They offer cardiology referral consultations for pets with congenital and acquired heart conditions. Both doctors work with pet owners and referring veterinarians to monitor and manage cardiac cases including murmurs, arrhythmias, valve disease, and cardiomyopathy.
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