Orthopedics and Surgery

A ruptured cruciate ligament in a dog is a serious injury that requires veterinary attention. The cruciate ligaments are important for stabilizing the knee joint, and a rupture can cause pain, lameness, and difficulty walking. Treatment options may include surgery to repair or reconstruct the ligament, as well as physical therapy and medications to control pain and inflammation.

TPLO stands for tibial plateau leveling osteotomy. It is a surgical procedure that is used to treat ruptured cruciate ligaments in dogs. The cruciate ligaments are important for stabilizing the knee joint, and a rupture can cause pain, lameness, and difficulty walking. In a TPLO surgery, the surgeon cuts and re-angles the top of the tibia (the larger bone in the lower leg) to change the way the joint functions and relieve pressure on the damaged ligament. This can help to stabilize the joint and allow the dog to walk and move more normally.

Patellar luxation is a condition in which the kneecap (patella) becomes dislocated from its normal position. This can occur as a result of trauma, congenital defects, or other underlying conditions. In dogs, patellar luxation most commonly affects small breed dogs and can cause lameness, pain, and difficulty walking.

Surgery is often recommended for dogs with severe or recurrent patellar luxation. The specific type of surgery will depend on the underlying cause of the luxation and the specifics of the individual case. Some common surgical options include:

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• Repositioning the patella: In this procedure, the surgeon will manipulate the patella back into its proper position and may also make adjustments to the surrounding tissues to help keep it in place.

• Trochleoplasty: This procedure involves reshaping the groove (trochlea) on the end of the femur where the patella sits. This can help to prevent future luxations.

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Joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis, is a common condition in dogs that can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving. It is caused by inflammation and degeneration of the joints, and can be the result of wear and tear, injury, or underlying health conditions.

Symptoms of joint disease in dogs may include:

• Difficulty climbing stairs or jumping

• Lameness or limping

• Stiffness or reluctance to move

• Decreased activity level

• Difficulty standing up or lying down

• Pain or discomfort when touched

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Treatment options for joint disease in dogs may include:

• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other medications can help to control pain and inflammation.

• Physical therapy: Exercise, massage, and other physical therapy techniques can help to improve mobility and reduce pain.

• Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight can help to reduce the burden on the joints and improve mobility.

• Nutritional supplements: Supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin can help to support joint health and reduce pain.

• Alternative therapies: Acupuncture, laser therapy, and other alternative therapies may be helpful for managing pain and improving mobility.

Surgery is often necessary to repair a bone fracture in a dog. The specific type of surgery will depend on the location and severity of the fracture, as well as the overall health of the dog. Some common surgical options include:

• Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF): In this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision over the fracture site and manually repositions the bone fragments into their normal alignment. The bone is then held in place using screws, pins, or plates.

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Rest is often an important part of the recovery process after bone fracture repair surgery in dogs. The specific recommendations will depend on the location and severity of the fracture, as well as the specific type of surgery that was performed.

In general, your veterinarian may recommend the following:

• Confinement: It's important to keep your dog confined to a small area, such as a crate or a room, to prevent it from moving around too much and risking further injury.

• Exercise restriction: Your veterinarian will recommend limiting your dog's exercise and activity level during the healing process. This may involve keeping your dog on a leash when outside and avoiding activities that involve running, jumping, or playing.

Bladder stones (also known as urinary calculi) are hard masses that form in the bladder and can cause pain, difficulty urinating, and other urinary tract problems. They are more common in dogs than in cats, and certain breeds such as miniature schnauzers, shih tzus, and poodles are at increased risk.

Bladder stones can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, genetics, and underlying health conditions such as urinary tract infections. Symptoms may include pain while urinating, blood in the urine, frequent attempts to urinate, and difficulty urinating.

Bladder stone removal surgery (cystotomy) is a surgical procedure used to remove bladder stones in dogs. The surgery is typically performed using general anesthesia and involves making an incision in the lower abdomen to access the bladder. The stones are then removed and the bladder is flushed to remove any remaining debris.