We assess many types of orthopedic (bone) conditions in our clinic. Many of these conditions require surgical repair. Because we want to ensure that our patients receive the best possible outcome, we often refer them to board-certified orthopedic surgeons to perform the surgeries to ensure your pet is receiving the best care possible.
Leg fractures are the most common orthopedic problem presented at our clinic and usually result from a mishap with an automobile. They can be treated in a variety of ways depending on the location and type of fracture. We can apply a cast to treat certain fractures; however, many fractures will require surgical intervention:
“Pinning” stabilizes the fracture by inserting a long stainless steel rod into the middle of the bone across the fractured area.
“Plating” involves attaching a flat stainless steel plate to the bone using screws on either side of the fracture.
“External fixation” stabilizes fractures using a series of pins on the outside of the leg that pass through the skin and into the bone on either side of the fracture.
Other orthopedic surgeries performed can be related to hip dysplasia and disc disease. Please contact us if you have any questions about these procedures or if you think your pet might benefit from them.
