Orthopedics

Orthopedic treatment of animals

At Vetriver Veterinary Clinic, which has been operating since 1998, we provide assistance in treating animals' musculoskeletal systems - both outpatient and inpatient. Orthopedics for dogs and cats is aimed at helping domestic pets return to their original fitness after injuries and surgeries. It also includes therapies for pets suffering from musculoskeletal disorders. At our veterinary clinic, we conduct diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your pet's health problems, and then prepare a program of orthopedic treatment for your pet.

At the facility, we accept patients with various types of conditions - from minor injuries to serious damage requiring surgical intervention or long-term treatment. Among others, we use IRAP, TTA RAPID and other therapies, adapting them to the type of ailment or severity of the disease. We precede the orthopedic treatment of animals with a detailed interview with the owner to determine the possible causes of the condition and their timing.

Hip dysplasia

Misalignment at the joint and displacement of the femoral head relative to the position of the acetabulum, as well as luxation at the joint, are the most common consequences of hip dysplasia. In orthopedics, it is referred to as a hereditary disease, meaning it is passed on to offspring, but recent studies have shown that environmental factors can also influence the development of the condition. The onset of the condition can be indicated by, among other things, a stiff gait, reduced mobility, more careful sitting and lying down, problems climbing stairs or jumping into a car.

Elbow joint dysplasias

Elbow joint dysplasia consists of as many as three defects that occur in the elbow joint leading to inflammation and degeneration of the joint. The main cause of this disease is genetics, but nutrition and physical activity are not without influence on the development of the condition. The first symptoms appear even as a puppy and can include a wobbly gait, soreness within the joint, difficulty in moving and climbing, reduced physical activity, and a change in running. It is then necessary to visit an orthopedic veterinarian immediately.

Aseptic necrosis of the femoral head

Inadequate blood supply to the femoral head is the main cause of Legg Calve Perthes disease, or aseptic necrosis of the femoral head, which requires orthopedic treatment in a veterinary clinic. The pathological site begins to necrotize, as foci of necrosis occurring in the ossification nucleus of the femoral head and neck begin to disrupt the process of bone formation and remodeling. Over time, the femoral head becomes flattened and deformed. The problem generally affects growing small-breed dogs and manifests itself as early as 4-7 months of age, usually with unilateral lameness and a shorter limb.

Patellar luxations

Displacement of the patella medially or laterally beyond the so-called edge of the femoral block is commonly referred to as a dislocation of the patella.The condition affects all breeds of dogs, with more common in small quadrupeds.The problem can occur in one or both knees. Generally, the dislocation occurs between 2 and 6 months of age, when the puppy begins to lead an active lifestyle. With a mild degree of the condition, the symptoms may be hardly noticeable (such as a slightly different gait), with severe conditions there is soreness, swelling and raised temperature in the area.

Patella fractures

The small, flat bone that, together with the femur and tibia, builds up the knee joint is of great importance in the movement of the animal. As a result of intense physical activity or an unfortunate accident, it can fracture, causing great daily discomfort and pain. There is also a genetic predisposition in dogs with weaker bones.The most common symptoms that may indicate the condition include swelling of the knees and soreness in this area and reluctance to move.It is then necessary to visit a veterinary clinic immediately.

Bone fractures

Among the most common causes of visits to the orthopedic veterinarian are bone fractures. They can occur as a result of a serious accident or aggressive dogfighting. In puppyhood it can happen during, for example, too much running during development. If the problem occurs frequently it is likely that the pet is facing a much more serious problem such as degeneration or bone cancer. The most common symptom is swelling at the fracture site and pain.In addition, there are pronounced problems with walking, and sometimes the dog practically stops moving.

Joint dislocations

Joint dislocations in dogs and cats are understood as displacement of the bone in relation to the socket. This can be due to a congential condition, when the animal is already born with such a dislocation, as well as an acquired form of the condition. A dog or cat can acquire a dislocation as a result of an accident, but also during play. Most often, the condition manifests itself by not bearing weight on the painful limb. A veterinary orthopedist will perform a diagnosis at the clinic and assess the cause and location of the problem, and then indicate a course of treatment.

Degenerative changes in the joints

Osteoarthritis results from cartilage damage. The most common causes include post-traumatic changes and changes of unknown origin (known as idiopathic). Such problems can also occur with age, and are aggravated by being overweight, which puts undue stress on the joints. In dogs, it can manifest as a reluctance to go out for a walk, run and jump, and a cautious gait; in cats, there is a marked increase in sleeping time. Canine and feline orthopedics use IRAP therapy, among other treatments.

Cruciate ligament ruptures

We deal with the problem of cruciate ligament ruptures more often in canine orthopedics than in feline. The ailment is manifested primarily by lameness, but also by an excessively bent knee joint and swelling. The damage occurs as a result of mechanical trauma and acute rupture, or it can be a consequence of slow degenerative changes. Treatment of this type of condition requires surgical intervention, and one method is TTA Rapid. It involves the insertion of a titanium block at the site of displacement, which promotes stabilization.