Orthopedic veterinarians are specialized veterinarians who are trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal disorders in animals. These veterinarians have undergone advanced training in orthopedic surgery and are skilled in treating a wide range of conditions such as fractures, joint problems, and degenerative conditions in animals.
Orthopedic veterinarians typically work in animal hospitals or specialized clinics where they see a variety of patients, ranging from small animals like dogs and cats to larger animals such as horses and livestock. They work closely with other veterinary specialists, such as radiologists, anesthesiologists, and rehabilitation therapists, to provide comprehensive care for their patients.
One of the most common reasons that pets are referred to orthopedic veterinarians is for treatment of orthopedic injuries, such as fractures or ligament tears. These injuries can occur from a variety of causes, such as a fall or a car accident, and require prompt diagnosis and treatment to ensure a successful recovery. Orthopedic veterinarians may use a variety of diagnostic tools, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans, to accurately diagnose the injury and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment for orthopedic injuries may involve surgery to repair the affected area, followed by a period of rest and rehabilitation to help the animal regain strength and mobility. Depending on the nature and severity of the injury, the animal may need to wear a cast or splint, or undergo physical therapy to help restore mobility and prevent future injuries.
Orthopedic veterinarians also treat degenerative conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, such as osteoarthritis. This condition can cause pain and stiffness in the joints, and may require ongoing management with medications, joint supplements, and lifestyle changes to help improve the animal’s quality of life.
In addition to treating injuries and degenerative conditions, orthopedic veterinarians also perform elective surgeries, such as hip replacements and cruciate ligament repairs. These surgeries can help improve an animal’s mobility and quality of life, and are often recommended for older animals or those with chronic conditions.
Overall, orthopedic veterinarians play a crucial role in ensuring the health and wellbeing of animals with musculoskeletal disorders. Through advanced training and expertise in orthopedic surgery, they are able to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, from acute injuries to chronic degenerative conditions. If you suspect that your pet may have an orthopedic problem, it is important to seek prompt veterinary care to ensure a successful outcome.
Cranial Cruciate Rupture Repairs
Cranial cruciate rupture is a common orthopedic injury that affects dogs, particularly those who are overweight or obese. It is a tear in the cranial cruciate ligament, which is located in the knee joint and helps to stabilize the joint during movement. Without proper stabilization, the knee joint can become unstable and painful, leading to lameness and decreased mobility.
In Orlando, North Orange Animal Hospital specializes in cranial cruciate rupture repair surgery. This surgery involves stabilizing the knee joint by replacing the damaged ligament with a synthetic material, such as nylon or a metal implant. The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and requires several weeks of rest and rehabilitation to ensure a successful outcome.
There are several surgical techniques that can be used to repair a cranial cruciate rupture, including TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy), TTA (tibial tuberosity advancement), and extracapsular repair. Each technique has its own benefits and drawbacks, and the choice of technique will depend on the specific needs of the individual patient.
In addition to surgery, rehabilitation is a crucial component of the recovery process for dogs with cranial cruciate rupture. Rehabilitation may include physical therapy, such as range of motion exercises and underwater treadmill therapy, as well as pain management and anti-inflammatory medications to help manage pain and inflammation.
If you suspect that your dog may have a cranial cruciate rupture, it is important to seek veterinary care promptly. Delayed treatment can lead to further joint damage and decreased mobility. By choosing a reputable veterinary clinic or hospital in Orlando that specializes in orthopedic surgery, you can ensure that your dog receives the best possible care and a successful outcome from their cranial cruciate rupture repair surgery.
Medial Patella Luxation
Medial patella luxation is a common orthopedic condition that affects dogs, particularly small and toy breeds. It is a condition where the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal position in the groove of the thigh bone (femur), causing pain and discomfort. This condition can be caused by a genetic predisposition, trauma, or anatomic abnormalities.
North Orange Animal Hospital is one of the few veterinary clinics and hospitals in Orlando that offer diagnosis and treatment for medial patella luxation. The condition is typically diagnosed through a physical exam and diagnostic imaging such as x-rays or ultrasound. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition, but may include medical management or surgery.
Medical management of medial patella luxation may involve weight management, exercise restrictions, and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and inflammation. For more severe cases or cases that do not respond to medical management, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Surgical treatment options for medial patella luxation include realignment of the patella and reconstruction of the surrounding soft tissues. In some cases, a combination of procedures may be necessary to stabilize the patella and restore normal joint function. After surgery, rehabilitation may be necessary to promote healing and prevent future complications.
It is important to seek veterinary care promptly if you suspect your dog may have medial patella luxation. Delayed treatment can lead to further joint damage and decreased mobility. By choosing a reputable veterinary clinic or hospital in Orlando that specializes in orthopedic surgery, you can ensure that your dog receives the best possible care and a successful outcome from their medial patella luxation treatment.
TTA Surgery
TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement) surgery is a common orthopedic procedure that is used to treat dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries. The CCL is an important stabilizing ligament in the knee joint, and when it is damaged or ruptured, dogs may experience pain, inflammation, and decreased mobility. TTA surgery is designed to stabilize the knee joint by altering the angle of the tibial plateau.
During a TTA surgery, the tibial tuberosity (a bony prominence on the tibia) is cut and repositioned to create a more level tibial plateau. This helps to shift the weight-bearing forces in the knee joint from the damaged CCL to the healthy structures of the joint, promoting healing and stability. A metal implant is then used to secure the repositioned tibial tuberosity in place, allowing for proper healing.
TTA surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and requires a period of rest and rehabilitation to ensure a successful outcome. Rehabilitation may include physical therapy, such as range of motion exercises and controlled exercise, to promote healing and improve mobility. Pain management and anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed to help manage pain and inflammation.
Overall, TTA surgery is a highly effective treatment option for dogs with CCL injuries, providing improved stability, decreased pain and inflammation, and increased mobility. If you suspect that your dog may have a CCL injury, it is important to seek veterinary care promptly. By choosing a reputable veterinary clinic or hospital that specializes in orthopedic surgery, you can ensure that your dog receives the best possible care and a successful outcome from their TTA surgery.
Synthetic Bone Graft
Synthetic bone graft surgery is a common orthopedic procedure that is used to promote healing and regeneration of bone tissue in pets. This surgery involves the use of synthetic materials, such as calcium phosphate or hydroxyapatite, to replace or supplement missing or damaged bone tissue. These materials are biocompatible, meaning they do not cause an immune response in the body and are safe for use in pets.
Synthetic bone graft surgery may be necessary for pets who have experienced traumatic injuries, such as fractures or bone loss, or for pets who have underlying conditions that affect bone health, such as osteoporosis or bone cancer. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and may involve the use of imaging technology, such as X-rays or CT scans, to guide the placement of the synthetic material.
During the surgery, the synthetic material is inserted into the area where bone tissue is missing or damaged. Over time, the material is gradually replaced by new bone tissue, promoting healing and regeneration of the affected area. The healing process can take several weeks to months, and may require ongoing monitoring and rehabilitation to ensure a successful outcome.
Synthetic bone graft surgery has several advantages over traditional bone graft procedures, including reduced risk of infection and rejection, faster healing time, and improved surgical outcomes. Additionally, because the synthetic material is readily available and does not require harvesting from the pet’s own body, the procedure can be performed more quickly and with less discomfort for the pet.
If you suspect that your pet may benefit from synthetic bone graft surgery, it is important to seek veterinary care promptly. By choosing a reputable veterinary clinic or hospital that specializes in orthopedic surgery, you can ensure that your pet receives the best possible care and a successful outcome from their synthetic bone graft surgery.
TPLO
TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) surgery is a common orthopedic procedure that is used to treat dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries. The CCL is an important stabilizing ligament in the knee joint, and when it is damaged or ruptured, dogs may experience pain, inflammation, and decreased mobility. TPLO surgery is designed to stabilize the knee joint by altering the angle of the tibial plateau.
During a TPLO surgery, a portion of the tibia (shin bone) is cut and repositioned to create a more level tibial plateau. This helps to shift the weight-bearing forces in the knee joint from the damaged CCL to the healthy structures of the joint, promoting healing and stability. A metal plate and screws are then used to secure the repositioned bone in place, allowing for proper healing.
TPLO surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and requires a period of rest and rehabilitation to ensure a successful outcome. Rehabilitation may include physical therapy, such as range of motion exercises and controlled exercise, to promote healing and improve mobility. Pain management and anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed to help manage pain and inflammation.
Overall, TPLO surgery is a highly effective treatment option for dogs with CCL injuries, providing improved stability, decreased pain and inflammation, and increased mobility. If you suspect that your dog may have a CCL injury, it is important to seek veterinary care promptly. By choosing a reputable veterinary clinic or hospital that specializes in orthopedic surgery, you can ensure that your dog receives the best possible care and a successful outcome from their TPLO surgery.
XCAP
XCAP (Extra-Capsular Anterior Cruciate Ligament) surgery is a common orthopedic procedure that is used to treat dogs with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The ACL is an important stabilizing ligament in the knee joint, and when it is damaged or ruptured, dogs may experience pain, inflammation, and decreased mobility. XCAP surgery is designed to stabilize the knee joint by using a strong suture material to create an external support system for the joint.
During an XCAP surgery, a strong suture material is passed through the bones of the knee joint and secured in place to create an external support system for the joint. This helps to stabilize the joint and prevent abnormal movement, promoting healing and reducing pain and inflammation. XCAP surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and requires a period of rest and rehabilitation to ensure a successful outcome.
Rehabilitation may include physical therapy, such as range of motion exercises and controlled exercise, to promote healing and improve mobility. Pain management and anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed to help manage pain and inflammation.
Overall, XCAP surgery is a highly effective treatment option for dogs with ACL injuries, providing improved stability, decreased pain and inflammation, and increased mobility. If you suspect that your dog may have an ACL injury, it is important to seek veterinary care promptly. By choosing a reputable veterinary clinic or hospital that specializes in orthopedic surgery, you can ensure that your dog receives the best possible care and a successful outcome from their XCAP surgery.
MPL
Medial patella luxation (MPL) is a common orthopedic condition in dogs, particularly small and toy breeds. It is a condition where the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal position in the groove of the thigh bone (femur), causing pain and discomfort. Medial patella luxation repair surgery is a common procedure that is used to treat this condition in dogs.
There are different types of MPL repair surgery, depending on the severity of the condition. The most common types of surgery involve realigning the patella or reconstructing the surrounding soft tissues. During the surgery, the veterinarian will move the patella back into its normal position and use sutures to hold it in place. If the surrounding soft tissues are damaged or stretched, they may be reconstructed using a variety of techniques, including tissue grafts and tendon transfers.
After the surgery, the dog will typically need to undergo a period of rest and rehabilitation to promote healing and prevent complications. Rehabilitation may include physical therapy, such as range of motion exercises and controlled exercise, to promote healing and improve mobility. Pain management and anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed to help manage pain and inflammation.
Overall, MPL repair surgery is a highly effective treatment option for dogs with this condition, providing improved stability, decreased pain and inflammation, and increased mobility. If you suspect that your dog may have MPL, it is important to seek veterinary care promptly. By choosing a reputable veterinary clinic or hospital that specializes in orthopedic surgery, you can ensure that your dog receives the best possible care and a successful outcome from their MPL repair surgery.
Femoral Head & Neck Ostectomy
Femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHNO) is a surgical procedure that is commonly used to treat hip problems in dogs, such as hip dysplasia or trauma. The procedure involves the removal of the femoral head and neck, which are the ball and neck of the thigh bone (femur) that normally fit into the hip socket.
During FHNO surgery, the femoral head and neck are removed and the muscles and tissues surrounding the joint are allowed to form a fibrous connection, which provides stability and support to the hip joint. This fibrous connection allows the dog to continue using the limb without pain, but with a reduced range of motion.
FHNO surgery is typically recommended for dogs who have chronic hip pain that cannot be effectively managed with medication or other non-surgical treatments. It may also be recommended for dogs who are not good candidates for total hip replacement surgery due to advanced age or other health issues.
After the surgery, dogs will typically need a period of rest and rehabilitation to allow the surgical site to heal and to help rebuild strength and mobility. Rehabilitation may include physical therapy, such as range of motion exercises and controlled exercise, to promote healing and improve mobility. Pain management and anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed to help manage pain and inflammation.
Overall, FHNO surgery is a highly effective treatment option for dogs with hip problems, providing improved comfort, mobility, and quality of life. If you suspect that your dog may benefit from FHNO surgery, it is important to seek veterinary care promptly. By choosing a reputable veterinary clinic or hospital that specializes in orthopedic surgery, you can ensure that your dog receives the best possible care and a successful outcome from their FHNO surgery.
