At Southwest Florida Veterinary Specialists, we offer diagnostics and treatment of a wide variety of orthopedic problems, from fractures to pelvic disease. Led by Dr. Richard Hall D.V.M., who has more than 30 years of experience practicing advanced orthopedics, our staff will take the utmost care of your injured or ailing dog or cat.
Common Orthopedic Ailments
Among the common orthopedic issues animals can have are anterior cruciate ligament tears, bone fractures, joint pain or damage, and diseases of the elbow, shoulder, and pelvis.
Large-breed dogs will more likely suffer from knee, hip, and elbow problems, while small breeds tend to have issues with their patellas and knees. Cats, on the other hand, have fewer joint challenges but are more prone to fractures due to their adventurous nature.
While some injuries and diseases are difficult, if not impossible, to prevent, you can help your pet avoid some orthopedic problems. For example, keeping your dog lean and fit will make a positive difference. Extra weight wears on the joints and ligaments, and toned muscles can help joints work properly.
Treatments and Therapies
When your pet does contract a disease or become injured, our staff is equipped and trained to perform the necessary treatment or therapy. After diagnosing the issue, Dr. Hall will prescribe the most appropriate and least invasive remedy.
You may hear terms like tibial tuberosity advancement, tightrope, and a lateral suture techniques as ways to repair your pet’s cranial cruciate ligament tear, which is similar to an ACL tear in a human. The staff will explain these to you and answer any questions you may have about these procedures. Bone fractures may be repaired using plates, internal pins, and screws. Spinal trauma or certain disc herniations will require emergency surgery. Our surgical team is available 24/7 for such emergencies, so your pet will have the best chance for a successful outcome.
In general, when feasible, Dr. Hall will turn to alternatives to surgical procedures, such as medicine and laser therapy, to help your pet heal.
What to Expect
A variety of factors, including the surgical procedure itself, its complexity, and your pet’s overall health, will determine how long your companion animal will take to fully recover. Typically, however, the healing time is between four and six weeks. You will be sent home with rehab instructions specific to your pet so that you will know how to care for him or her during the recovery process.
If your pet is experiencing pain or has had an injury, call us today to schedule a consultation.
