Orthopaedic Surgery
Orthopaedic surgery is the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Lameness, stiffness, being slow to rise, or even behavioural problems (such as irritability or increased resting/sleeping behaviour) are a sign that there may be a problem within a joint or bone. We investigate this by watching your pet’s movement, and a careful complete physical examination of all the limbs and spine. Sometimes, further examination via manipulation under anaesthesia, x-rays and occasionally biopsies are then required to determine the cause of the problem and create a solution. Common orthopaedic problems we treat include:
- Cruciate Ligament Rupture. Dogs have knees that are very similar to ours and can do the same damage to the cranial cruciate ligament and ‘cartilages’ (meniscii). A tear or complete rupture of these structures will lead to pronounced lameness and ongoing arthritis. Surgery to stabilize the joint is the best treatment for almost every dog injured in this way.
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia. This is a common problem in many large breed dogs. Early diagnosis (before 4-6 months) provides a window of opportunity to correct this condition before arthritis sets in. Surgery may not be the best option if arthritis already exists and the animal is comfortable through rest, gentle exercise, medication and physiotherapy.
- Fractures or Broken Bones are quite common, especially in young animals and after trauma such as motor vehicle accidents or a fall. Casting or Splinting is sometimes appropriate, but often more advanced procedures requiring pins, plates screws and external frames are required to ensure uneventful healing and a complete return to function.
Surgery at Better Pet Vets
We understand that surgery is not an easy experience for you and your pet. At Better Pet Vets our primary goal is to ensure your pet’s surgical procedure is as comfortable and stress-free as possible, with a rapid recovery to a full and active life at home with you – illness and pain free.
But we know that as our client you need a clear understanding of what needs to be done and why, any possible or likely complications and the post-operative care required. We respect your opinions and will happily answer any questions you may have so that you are confident in our surgical care of your pet.
Pre and Postoperative care is critical to the success and comfort of our surgical patients. We believe that since animals can’t tell us that they are in pain, they should be cared for in a way to ensure they are comfortable, pain free, and able to heal
Pain Relief starts before the procedure with analgesia provided even before anaesthesia. For many procedures such as dentistry or orthopaedic procedures we will provide local nerve blocks to prevent any pain stimulus during surgery. These blocks also allow us to use a lighter anaesthesia for these patients and, in turn, this makes their anaesthetics safer.
Post operatively patients are provided with anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications as appropriate to their procedure.
The surgical technique of experienced and proficient surgeons results in less tissue trauma, bruising, swelling and shorter surgery times. All these factors reduce anaesthetic risk, improve healing, and reduce post operative discomfort or pain.
Patient warming is critical during and after surgery. Maintaining patient temperature during and after anaesthesia increases patient comfort, improves wound healing, decreases pain, decreases infection and speeds anaesthetic recovery. We use heated surgery table mats and IV fluid warmers for each and every patient, and have a constant body temperature monitor during anaesthesia to ensure they remain warm throughout their procedure.
After recovery, patients are wrapped up with warm blankets and their nurse will stay with them until they are awake and fully recovered. Waking up after anaesthesia in an unfamiliar environment to strange sounds and smells is potentially very frightening – so our nurses cuddle and speak gently to them until they know that they are safe and having nothing to be afraid of.
We have high Nurse:Patient ratios to ensure that your pets surgery and anaesthetic is monitored from the time of premedication to the time of recovery. Once recovered we will let you know that the procedure has been completed so you can relax knowing that your pet is safe and sound.
This level of attention to detail for each and every surgical patient is only possible in a fully equipped practice, staffed and trained appropriately. It’s a practice that prides itself on excellence in care for your pet.
Post Operative Care
As your pet is being discharged from the practice, we will provide you with detailed information on how to properly care for your pet at home after surgery. We are also happy to answer any questions or concerns that may arise once you get your pet home. Please call us if you have any concerns.
