Orthopedics in pets is similar to orthopedics in people. It’s a branch of medicine that focuses on the skeleton, tendons, ligaments, muscles, or anything else involved with movement. When pets have problems walking, your pet may need orthopedic surgery. Friendly Animal Hospital in Huntington Beach, CA, lists the facts about pet orthopedics.
What Pets Need Orthopedic Surgery
Common conditions in dogs or cats that may require orthopedic surgery include patellar luxation, elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, broken bones, torn muscles, damaged vertebrae, and cranial cruciate ligament tear.
If Your Pet Is Limping
Limping is not normal in pets, even if the limp comes and goes. Always get a limp checked out by your vet if the limp lasts for more than 24 hours. It may not need surgery but be due to a condition such as arthritis or Lyme disease. Many medical problems that cause limping in dogs or cats can be treated without surgery if caught in time.
Emergency Situations
If your pet has a broken bone or suddenly becomes paralyzed in one or more limbs, go to an emergency veterinarian at once.
Presurgical Testing
Pets who are thought to benefit from orthopedic surgery will be given tests to ensure they are healthy for surgery and anesthesia. These tests include blood tests, urine tests, electrocardiograms, X-rays, and ultrasound. Your pet will need to fast overnight before surgery.
Prepare a Recovery Area
After surgery, pets need a warm, dark, quiet place to recover. Keep other pets and rambunctious children away. Have a bed of clean, soft bedding available. Dogs will need help getting out of the house to go to the bathroom. Have the dog on a leash so it will not get excited and start running before the body has a chance to heal. You may need to get a collar or cone in order to keep pets from chewing on their stitches.
Still Have Questions?
If you have further questions about whether orthopedic surgery is right for your pet and you live in the Huntington Beach, CA, area, contact Friendly Animal Hospital by emailing [email protected] or calling (714) 845-5722 to make an appointment today.