Orthopaedic
Orthopaedic Issues
Orthopedic issues in animals, particularly pets like dogs and cats, can result from various causes such as injuries, congenital conditions, or degenerative diseases. Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial for maintaining mobility and quality of life. Here’s an overview of common orthopedic problems and their treatments:
Common Orthopedic Issues:
Fractures:
- Cause: Trauma from accidents, falls, or severe impacts.
- Treatment: Stabilization using splints or casts, surgical repair with plates, screws, or pins, and rest to allow healing. Pain management and rehabilitation exercises are essential post-treatment.
Arthritis:
- Cause: Degenerative joint disease due to aging, wear and tear, or inflammation.
- Treatment: Anti-inflammatory medications, pain relievers, joint supplements (glucosamine and chondroitin), weight management, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgical options like joint replacement.
Hip Dysplasia:
- Cause: Genetic predisposition leading to abnormal hip joint development.
- Treatment: Weight management, anti-inflammatory medications, joint supplements, physical therapy, and surgical options such as femoral head ostectomy (FHO) or total hip replacement.
Cruciate Ligament Tears:
- Cause: Injury or degeneration of the cruciate ligaments in the knee.
- Treatment: Surgical repair (TPLO or lateral suture technique), weight management, pain relief, and physical therapy to restore function.
Luxating Patella:
- Cause: Genetic predisposition leading to dislocation of the kneecap.
- Treatment: Surgical correction to realign the patella, pain management, and physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles.
General Care Tips:
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on joints and prevents many orthopedic issues.
- Regular Exercise: Low-impact exercises such as swimming and controlled walks help maintain joint health and muscle strength.
- Balanced Diet: Providing a diet rich in essential nutrients supports overall bone and joint health.
- Joint Supplements: Supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin can help maintain joint health, especially in aging pets.