Pet Orthopedic Surgery
If your pet has recently started experiencing pain or has chronic pain, it could result from a variety of orthopedic conditions, such as hip dysplasia or knee problems. Whether these orthopedic issues result from age, breed, or injury, they can impact your pet’s overall quality of life.
One treatment option to help your pet minimize pain and regain mobility is orthopedic surgery. At our orthopedic surgery team will work with you and your pet to determine which surgery option is most beneficial for your pet and their needs.
Our Veterinary Orthopedic Surgery Services
At Hartrick Veterinary Clinic we understand each pet has different needs for treating and relieving pain. Our orthopedic surgeons and veterinarians will communicate with you and examine your pet to fully diagnose their orthopedic problems while answering any questions you may have about the upcoming surgical procedures. We offer the following orthopedic services at our clinic:
Cruciate Repair for ACL Tears
Tearing the cranial cruciate ligament is one of the most common pet injuries. When this ligament tears, the shin bone slides forward and meets the thigh bone. As these bones touch, the cartilage becomes unstable and may cause your pet to develop osteoarthritis.
Your pet may have a torn cranial cruciate ligament if they have one of these common symptoms:
- Obvious pain
- Stiffness in the hind legs
- Swelling of the knee joint
- Licking or biting the knee
- Clicking sounds when they walk
- Not using a leg after activities
Since you cannot heal a cranial cruciate ligament tear with medication or rest, your pet must undergo cruciate repair surgery to return to normal function. Our expert team has years of experience performing cruciate repair surgery and will explain the entire process to ensure you feel comfortable and confident moving forward.
At Hartrick Veterinary Clinic, our team is equipped to perform the following cruciate surgeries:
- Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO)
- Lateral Suture
Patella Repair
Many toy and miniature pet breeds are susceptible to patella issues, such as the kneecap slipping out of the groove if it is too shallow. When the patella becomes dislocated, you may notice signs like:
- Visible pain
- Inability to walk
- Difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg
- Greater attention to the knee area, such as increased biting or licking
Patella luxation repair surgery can help your pet regain mobility and restore their quality of life. Additional Orthopedic Surgeries Performed by Dr. Schade Include:
- Hip surgery
- Femoral head and neck ostectomies (FHOs) for small breed dogs with severe hip osteoarthritis or cats that fracture their femoral heads
- Achilles tendon repair
- Acute tendon rupture/laceration repair
How Does Orthopedic Surgery Work?
Orthopedic surgery for pets involves procedures that help to restore your pet’s limbs to their uninjured state and promote healing. Depending on your pet’s specific medical needs, our veterinary surgery team may use bone plates, pins or screws, nylon, casts or artificial joints to achieve their orthopedic surgery goals.
Before starting orthopedic surgery, your pet will undergo heavy sedation and receive supplementary oxygen, as their specific procedure may take a few hours to complete. Since orthopedic surgery is an intensive process, your pet will need blood work and an overall analysis to ensure they are in good health before starting surgery.
What to Expect During Your Pet’s Recovery Period
After their procedure, your pet will require time to recover in the hospital and additional care at home. Our surgery team will discuss post-operative care to ensure you understand how to help your pet on their road to recovery. This period ensures they are comfortable and fully recovered from their operation.
Your pet will need to rest after surgery, and they are likely to be groggy and confused as the anesthesia wears off. You will also need to ensure your pet is not too active, which may impact the healing process. Administer all prescribed medications as directed during the recovery period and monitor the incision for infections. If your pet experiences any complications, make sure to call our office immediately so we can help your pet recover and feel their best as soon as possible.
What Are the Benefits of Orthopedic Surgery for Your Pet?
Orthopedic surgery effectively improves mobility, reduces pain and improves your pet’s overall quality of life. Some additional benefits of orthopedic surgery are:
- Orthopedic Surgery serves as a curative treatment for many joint problems, such as fractures and arthritis.
- Undergoing an orthopedic procedure can improve your pet’s overall mobility and helps them get better faster.
- Orthopedic surgeries aim to prevent complications that may arise if your pet’s condition remains untreated.
- Pets experience no pain during orthopedic surgery since they must receive anesthesia.
Schedule an Appointment for Your Pet at Hartrick Veterinary Clinic
Help your pet restore and improve their quality of life with orthopedic surgery services from Hartrick Veterinary Clinic, world-class services will ensure your pet receives the expert care they need. What’s more, we are more than happy to walk you through the entire process, so you feel confident about your pet’s care plan.
Are you looking for veterinary orthopedic surgery in Royal Oak, MI? Contact the team at Hartrick Veterinary Clinic today to learn more about our orthopedic surgery services or schedule an appointment for your pet.
