Sulphur Springs Vet Clinic doctors and staff will give your cat or dog a thorough evaluation provide you with all the information you need about diagnostic testing, treatments and prognosis. If surgery is the best option for your pet you can be sure that your pet is in experienced and capable hands. Our doctors and technical staff are here to help you and your pet. When possible we use minimally invasive techniques such as arthroscopy, endoscopy, and laparoscopy. These procedures result in faster healing time for your pet.
Some of the orthopedic conditions we correct are described below.
FRACTURES
We commonly see four types of fractures in dogs and cats.
- Closed - A broken bone that does not penetrate the skin.
- Compound or Open - A broken bone that penetrates the skin. Surgery may be required to clean the fracture area. There are more often problems associated with healing when a fracture is open to the skin. The animal must be treated for possible infection.
- Epiphyseal - Fracture in the growth plates or epiphyseal plates of young animals that are still growing
- Greenstick - Fracture in which the bone is cracked but not broken.
All fractures should be treated immediately to prevent further damage and to control pain. The type of treatment is dependent on the type, location, and severity of the fracture and your pet's age. Splints, casts, pins, steel plates, and screws can be used to realign the bone for proper healing.
A pet with a fractured leg may or may not use the leg depending on the severity of the fracture and the amount of pain.
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF FRACTURE
Fractures require immediate medical care .
Be aware that your pet is frightened and in pain. It may claw or bite you. The first step in handling an injured dog should be to muzzle it. Cats should be restrained by wrapping them in a towel or blanket.
If you know or suspect that your pet has a fracture, keep the animal quiet to prevent more damage to the bone or surrounding tissue, nerves, and blood vessels.
Broken legs can be splinted using two straight pieces of wood or metal, placed on each side of the leg then wrapped with a bandage. Be sure the bandage is not so tight that it cuts off circulation.
For fractures of the
body or head, slide or roll your pet onto a stretcher, a blanket or a board. Secure the animal then use the support to carry your pet to the car. If possible, have someone drive while you keep the pet from becoming more frightened.
Sulphur Springs Veterinary Clinic doctors stabilize many types of broken bones whether the injuries are minor or major. Severe fractures can require surgical repair. We have the equipment and knowledge necessary to apply plates to fracture sites, when necessary. We have bone kits for small, medium, and large dogs and cats.
To read more about other orthopedic conditions and treatments click on each title.
CRUCIATE LIGAMENT TEAR
HIP DYSPLASIA
ELBOW DYSPLASIA
PATELLAR & TRAUMATIC LUXATION
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