Orthopedic Surgery

Common orthopedic procedures performed in cats and dogs include:

• Fracture Repair: Fracture repair involves stabilizing broken bones using techniques such as pinning, plating, or external fixation. Fractures can result from trauma, falls, or other accidents.
• Cruciate Ligament Repair: Cruciate ligament injuries, particularly in the knee joint (cranial cruciate ligament rupture), are common in dogs. Surgical options include TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy), TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement), or extracapsular repair techniques.‍
• ‍Luxating Patella Repair: Luxating patella, or kneecap dislocation, is common in small breed dogs. Surgical correction involves realigning the patella and stabilizing the knee joint to prevent further dislocations.
• Hip Dysplasia Surgery: Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to pain and lameness. Surgical options include femoral head ostectomy (FHO), total hip replacement, or pelvic osteotomy.
• Bone Tumour Removal: Orthopedic surgeons may perform limb-sparing surgery or amputation to remove malignant bone tumors such as osteosarcoma while preserving limb function and alleviating pain.
• Joint Stabilization (e.g., Elbow Dysplasia Surgery): Conditions like elbow dysplasia may require surgical intervention to stabilize the joint and alleviate pain associated with arthritis and cartilage damage.

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Pain Management and Rehabilitation for Pets After Orthopedic Surgery:

Pain Management

• Veterinarians use a multimodal approach to manage pain in pets after orthopedic surgery, which may include opioids, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), local anesthetics, and adjunctive medications such as gabapentin or tramadol.

• Pain medications are tailored to the individual patient's needs and are administered before, during, and after surgery to provide continuous relief.

Physical Rehabilitation

• Physical therapy and rehabilitation play a crucial role in helping pets recover from orthopedic surgery. This may include exercises to improve range of motion, strength training, and hydrotherapy.

• Rehabilitation therapists may also use modalities such as laser therapy, ultrasound, and therapeutic massage to reduce pain, inflammation, and promote healing.

Restricted Activity and Rehabilitation Plan

• Veterinarians provide owners with specific instructions for post-operative care, including restrictions on activity, such as limited exercise and controlled movement.
• A gradual rehabilitation plan is tailored to each pet's needs, taking into account factors such as age, weight, and the type of surgery performed.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

• Owners are encouraged to closely monitor their pets for signs of pain, discomfort, or complications during the recovery period and report them to the veterinarian promptly.
• Follow-up appointments are scheduled to assess the pet's progress, adjust medications if needed, and modify the rehabilitation plan as the pet's condition improves.

Overall, effective pain management and rehabilitation are essential for ensuring a successful recovery and restoring mobility and function in pets undergoing orthopedic surgery. Collaboration between veterinarians, owners, and rehabilitation specialists is key to achieving optimal outcomes for orthopedic patients.