Orthopedic surgery refers to bone surgery. There are many different situations where bone surgery may be necessary including:
- Leg fractures
- Hip dysplasia
- Knee injuries
- Shoulder injuries
Often we refer our patients to Dr. Jim Turpel at Upper Canada Animal Hospital for our orthopedic repairs.
Leg Fractures
Leg fractures are the most common orthopedic problem presented at our clinic and usually result from a mishap with an automobile. They can be treated in a variety of ways depending on the location and type of fracture.
A cast can be applied to the leg to treat certain fractures; however, many fractures will require surgical intervention:
- Pinning is a surgical technique whereby a long stainless steel rod is inserted into the middle of the bone. The rod traverses the fractured area.
- Plating is a surgical technique whereby a flat stainless steel ?plate? is attached to the bone using screws on either side of the fracture.
- External fixation is a technique used to stabilize fractures with a series of pins on the outside of the leg that pass through the skin and into the bone on either side of the fracture.
The method of repair will depend on the location and type of fracture present. We hope you do not have to use our orthopedic services for this purpose. In the unfortunate event that you do, you can be assured that we are able to proceed with a treatment that will enhance your pet?s healing time and reduce the long term potential problems associated with a fracture or other orthopedic surgery.
Call us today to book an appointment or to learn more about our orthopedic surgery services.
Serving St. Catharines and Niagara Region