We perform several types of orthopaedic (bone) surgeries in our clinic. Because we want to ensure that our patients receive the best possible outcome, we occasionally refer them to board-certified orthopaedic surgeons to perform very complex surgeries such as back surgery or surgeries requiring tools and materials that we do not have.
Leg fractures are one of the most common orthopaedic 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: they type of stabilization depending on the location, type, and severity of the fracture.
- “Pinning” stabilizes the fracture by inserting a long stainless steel rod into the middle of the bone across the fractured area.
- “Cerclage wiring” – done in conjunction with pinning to stabilize a bone
- “Plating” involves attaching a flat stainless steel plate to the bone using screws on either side of the fracture. (we will refer to a surgeon, as we do not have the necessary materials)
- “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 (the vast majority of cases requiring this will be referred to a surgeon)
We also perform a lot of orthopaedic surgeries related to torn ligaments in the knee, as well as some related to hip dislocations and hip dysplasia. Please contact us if you have any questions about these procedures or if you think your pet might benefit from them.