We perform many types of orthopedic surgeries at out clinic. Orthopedic surgery for animals refers to a specialized branch of veterinary surgery that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, including bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other related structures. These surgical procedures are designed to correct orthopedic issues, alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance the overall quality of life for animals.
Prior to surgery, a thorough evaluation and diagnostic workup are essential. This may include physical examinations, imaging studies (X-rays), and laboratory tests (CBC, chemistry and clotting factors) to assess the nature and extent of the musculoskeletal problem.
Orthopedic surgeries are performed under general anesthesia to ensure the animal is unconscious and pain-free during the procedure.
Fracture Repair: This involves the stabilization and alignment of broken bones using techniques such as internal fixation (plates, screws, pins) or external fixation (external devices).
Amputation: In cases of severe trauma, bone cancer, or chronic limb disease, amputation may be necessary to relieve pain and improve the animal’s quality of life.
Cranial cruciate ligament repairs:
- TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) and CBLO (Cora Based Leveling Osteotomy) are both surgical procedures used to treat cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries in dogs. These procedures aim to stabilize the knee joint and improve the dog’s comfort and mobility, but they differ in their surgical techniques and approaches.
Both TPLO and CBLO surgeries require a period of post-operative rest and limited activity to allow for proper healing. Pain management and physical rehabilitation are important components of the recovery process for both procedures.
Some dogs may be better candidates for TPLO, while others may benefit more from CBLO, depending on factors such as the severity of the CCL injury, the dog’s size and anatomy, and the surgeon’s recommendation.
Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO): Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) is a surgical procedure performed in animals, primarily dogs and cats, to address certain orthopedic conditions involving the hip joint. FHO is typically considered when conservative treatments are ineffective or when other hip surgeries, such as hip replacement or hip dysplasia surgery, are not feasible or too expensive. FHO is usually performed when an animal is experiencing significant pain and loss of hip joint function. Common reasons for FHO include:
- Hip Dysplasia: FHO may be considered when hip dysplasia (a malformation of the hip joint) leads to severe arthritis and pain.
- Hip Trauma: FHO can be used to address traumatic injuries to the hip joint, such as fractures or dislocations.
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease: This condition affects the blood supply to the femoral head (the ball of the hip joint), leading to its degeneration. FHO can help relieve pain in affected animals.
The goal of FHO is to alleviate pain and improve the animal’s quality of life by removing the femoral head, which is the ball-shaped portion of the hip joint. FHO can effectively alleviate pain and improve the quality of life in animals with hip joint problems, especially when other surgical options are not suitable. It allows the animal to use the limb, relying on the surrounding muscles for stability and support, even in the absence of the femoral head.
Orthopedic surgery can alleviate pain and discomfort, restore normal function and mobility, and improve the overall quality of life for animals suffering from musculoskeletal conditions.