Veterinary Orthopedics in Union City

Common Orthopedic Conditions

There are a wide variety of common orthopedic conditions that affect dogs and cats. The following are some of the most common varieties that we see.

• Hip Dysplasia

  Hip dysplasia is the medical term for a hip socket that doesn't fully cover the ball portion of the upper thighbone, allowing the hip joint to become partially or completely dislocated. It is most common in German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and other large breed dogs.

  Total hip replacement is the most effective surgical treatment for hip dysplasia. The surgeon replaces the entire joint with metal and plastic implants, returning hip function to a more normal range.

• Cruciate Ligament Tears

  A torn cruciate ligament in dogs, just like in people, needs to be surgically repaired to prevent arthritis from developing and severely impacting your pet down the road. There are many different varieties of surgical procedures that may be used to treat this injury depending on the size of the dog being treated. 

  CCL surgery for dogs may include a number of different techniques that aim to provide stability to the joint.

• Luxating Patellas

  The patella (knee cap) lies in a cartilaginous groove at the end of the femur at the stifle. A luxating patella occurs when the knee cap moves out of its natural position. Knee cap problems are common in many dog breeds, both large and small.

  Surgery is recommended for animals that have significant lameness as a result of luxating patellas, with the goal of keeping the patella in its appropriate location at all times.

• Disc Disease

  Just like in people, dogs can develop disc disease issues in their backs and necks. Breeds that most commonly suffer from issues in their spine like this include Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Dachshunds and Lhasa Apsos. Large breed dogs are more likely to have chronic lower back issues. 

  Dogs with advanced disc disease should have surgery as soon as possible. The sooner that surgery is done, the better the prognosis.

Orthopedic Surgery FAQs

• What happens during the surgical consultation?

  During the surgical consultation, we will perform a physical exam and review your pet’s medical history. Blood work and any other diagnostic tests that are needed to determine the nature of your pet's condition will also be undertaken at this time.

  Diagnostics may include x-rays, an ultrasound, or biopsies. Once the results are back, a plan for surgery is developed and discussed with you.

• Will the surgery and consultation happen on the same day?

  No. The consultation appointment is required for testing and examination, to determine the nature of your pet's health problem. Once any diagnostic test results have come back from our lab, a surgery appointment can be scheduled.

• How long will the surgery take?

  Orthopedic surgeries typically last between two and four hours, depending on the type of surgery being performed and on your pet’s specific condition.

• Does my pet have to stay at the hospital overnight either before or after the surgery?

  Depending on the time of day that the surgery is scheduled, it may be necessary to drop your pet off the night before.

  Many patients will need to remain with us overnight after their surgery so that they can be monitored in a sterile environment as they recover. Depending on the kind of surgery performed and how quickly they recover after their procedure, your pet may even be able to return home on the same day.