No Bones About It, We’re Tops For Orthopedic Surgery in Pets
Veterinary medicine has a lot to do with diagnosing, treating, and preventing problems that affect the different body systems. Most veterinarians are adept at managing chronic kidney disease, allergic dermatitis, or an upper respiratory infection. Not all veterinarians are equipped to handle orthopedic issues, though, especially when it comes to those that are best addressed surgically.
At Blue Valley Animal Hospital, our doctors are here to help your furry family friend even when it comes to orthopedic issues. We are equipped to do orthopedic surgery in pets in many situations. It is our pleasure to offer excellent care in this arena for our clients.
When Good Bones Go Bad
Orthopedics involve the assessment and treatment of the musculoskeletal system. This is a big part of keeping our pets comfortable, functional, and happy and it is why we strive to offer the best care possible when it comes to this body system in our patients.
Some orthopedic problems in pets may be treated medically. Examples might include degenerative joint disease (arthritis), minor sprains and strains, or inflammatory joint conditions such as those caused by tick-borne diseases.
Other problems with the musculoskeletal system must be addressed surgically. Examples of situations in which orthopedic surgery in pets is the treatment of choice can include:
- Fractured bones
- Joint dislocations
- Severe soft tissue injury such as the rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL)
- Developmental problems such as a luxating patella or hip dysplasia
These types of problems can be very painful and often affect our pets tremendously. We are proud to be able to offer a solution for many of the patients suffering from these conditions right at our hospital.
Orthopedic Surgery in Pets
Orthopedic surgery in pets is a big deal. Not all veterinary offices are equipped with the facilities, expertise, and tools to do it well. There is a lot that goes into deciding which pets are candidates for surgery and if it is a procedure that we can successfully complete.
An accurate diagnosis is important prior to surgery so that we know what we are getting into and can discuss a prognosis. We must also be sure that the patient is healthy enough for general anesthesia and that there are no complicating factors. This means that diagnostics such as radiographs and blood work are most often completed prior to any procedure.
Special tools such as bone plates, screws, and bone cutters are required for many procedures. Sterility is extremely important and many specialized orthopedic items are unique to each individual patient. Special training and experience is also essential to good outcomes in many of these procedures.
Pain management is also a vital part of any good orthopedic surgery. Many times these procedures are quite painful, so good pain control before, during, and after the surgery is essential.
Orthopedic surgery in pets is often instrumental in providing good care for them. We are proud at Blue Valley Animal Hospital to be able to help those patients who need these services. Please don’t hesitate to call us if you have questions about our orthopedic capabilities, we are here to help.