Why Your Pet May Need Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic surgery is a treatment procedure used to correct musculoskeletal conditions. In pets, the correct term is Veterinary orthopedic surgery. When pets get injuries or conditions that need surgery of the bones, ligaments, and joints, an orthopedic surgeon is required.
 

Orthopedic surgery mostly entails a process that begins with an examination, evaluation, surgery, aftercare, and physical therapy. Your pet may need orthopedic surgery as a result of injury or genetic condition. Here are some of the pet conditions that require surgical treatment.

 

Fractured Limbs

Active pets sometimes have accidents that result in fractures. If your pet has abnormal limping or swelling on a limb, contact a vet for assessment. The vet takes X-rays to determine the extent of the fracture. Some mild cases can be treated with a cast while other serious ones require orthopedic surgery.

Injured Ligaments

Pets also suffer from ligament injuries. Older pets are most likely to suffer from ligament injuries since they cannot jump or run as well as the younger ones. The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), which is located in the knee, is the most likely to suffer an injury. A torn CCL can result in serious mobility problems if not treated on time. Certain surgical procedures help to rectify a torn CCL. Some modern veterinary orthopedic surgeons use minimally invasive procedures that are pet friendly.

 

Hip Dislocation

Accidental trauma or old age can cause a dislocated hip. Some cases of hip dislocation can be fixed without surgical intervention. Surgery is required in pets whose hip pockets are shallow. Smaller cats and dogs have complicated hip joints that require surgery if they dislocate. Dislocated hips in pets are treated with a surgical procedure known as an open reduction.

 

Knee Joint Dislocation

Pets use their knees to walk, lie down, jump, and run. If the knee joint is dislocated, they have a difficult time moving around. Some dog breeds, especially the little ones, are genetically predisposed to knee dislocation. Genetic joint abnormalities in some pets also lead to knee dislocation.

 

Arthritis and Osteoporosis

Age-related conditions, such as arthritis and osteoporosis, also cause bone problems. Surgical procedures help to treat weak joints, brittle bones, and other arthritis symptoms. When dealing with a senior pet, it is important to evaluate the condition first. Sometimes, surgery may not be the best course of treatment, especially for a very old pet.

 

Limb Amputation

Sometimes, pets suffer from traumatic accidents that result in limb amputation. Some genetic conditions, such as cancer, can also lead to amputation. Extensive damage and infection to soft tissue on limbs can also result in amputations. Orthopedic surgery comes in hand if the pet has to undergo a limb amputation.

Corrective Surgery

Some pets undergo corrective surgery to help with their mobility. Veterinary corrective surgery helps to fix mobility issues. Pets undergo orthopedic surgery to correct deformed limbs. Limb deformities that impair the mobility of the pet are treated by a vet. Depending on the severity of the condition, the vet chooses the form of treatment to apply. Some deformities can be managed with a cast and physical therapy. Others require orthopedic surgery to correct.


 

To know more about orthopedic surgery, visit Vet Express at our offices in Port of Spain, Trinidad. You can also call (868) 221-2257 to book an appointment today.