Orthopedic Pet Care At Our Forsyth Veterinary Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC

Is your beloved pet no longer running, playing, or acting like his old self? Pets who suffer from common orthopedic conditions can find even a few stairs or a short walk agonizing or downright impossible, forcing them into a sedentary lifestyle they don't truly enjoy. If you hate seeing your pet in this debilitated state, bring him to Forsyth Veterinary Hospital. We're proud to offer state-of-the-art orthopedic care for animals in Winston-Salem NC.

What Is Orthopedic Surgery?

The term "orthopedic pet surgery" refers to surgical procedures aimed at repairing joint damage or improving joint function in animals. For example, if your pet has a ruptured CCL, we may replace the damaged ligament with a nylon band, or we may reshape the components of the knee joint so the knee will be stable without a functioning CCL. Severe hip dysplasia may require surgery to modify/replace the diseased joint. Chronic joint pain may also respond nicely to medication or dietary changes, from NSAIDs and steroids to anti-inflammatory supplements such as fish oil and turmeric.

Possible Issues That Should Be Addressed in an Orthopedic Exam

Our team at Forsyth Veterinary Hospital can perform orthopedic exams to discover the cause of a pet's joint trouble. These exams may include:

• X-rays to check for fractures
• Palpation to feel for swelling
• Observations of stance and gait issues such as lameness
• Discussions of your pet's behavior or any signs of joint pain

Common Orthopedic Problems in Animals

Older animals routinely develop wear and tear in their weight-bearing joints, with damaged cartilage causing the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis. Some age-related conditions also have congenital origins. For instance, the pain and stiffness of hip dysplasia, a hereditary vulnerability in many dog breeds, may cause your pet increasing pain and lameness as he grows older.

Some orthopedic problems are the direct result of an acute injury. One of the most common examples is a rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament, or CCL, in dogs. A sudden failure in this connective tissue can make the knee unstable and painful. A fracture in a joint or leg bone also counts as an acute orthopedic issue

How Our Veterinarian Can Help Post-Surgery

Once the orthopedic pet surgery is complete, our Winston-Salem veterinarian, Dr. Gillis, will continue to help your pet recover. We can provide antibiotics, painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and instructions on how to check your pet for signs of complications. We can also administer follow-up exams as needed.

Let Forsyth Veterinary Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC Help Your Pet Feel and Move Better

If you want your pet to feel and move better, make your next move a trip to Forsyth Veterinary Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC. Call 336-765-1225 today!