Orthopaedic surgery
Principles of orthopaedic surgery
Orthopedic surgery is designed to correct or repair an anatomical anomaly in the musculoskeletal system. This anomaly may be congenital or hereditary, or the result of an accident or joint disease. It concerns the musculoskeletal system in the broadest sense, including the skeleton, muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints. It is potentially responsible for pain, discomfort and disability of varying degrees, and therefore needs to be corrected.
The two main objectives of orthopaedic surgery are to restore normal function to the affected limb(s) as quickly as possible, and to ensure pain-free recovery. Orthopedic surgery techniques have evolved enormously, thanks in particular to improved techniques, orthopedic implants and pain management.
Orthopaedic surgery covers a number of different fields
- Surgery on flat and long bones, usually performed on fractures
- Joint and ligament surgery
- Musculotendinous surgery
When should orthopedic surgery be performed?
Whenever your pet has a condition that causes pain and disability: fractures, joint dislocations, wounds, tumors, tendon or ligament ruptures, muscle tears, tendonitis, growth defects, cartilage diseases, etc.
Lameness, lack of weight-bearing ability and a raised leg may suggest pain and potentially an orthopedic problem. It's important to have your veterinarian consult your pet in such cases.
What happens during orthopedic surgery at the AgoraVet clinic?
This depends on whether or not the operation is very urgent. For so-called "regulated" surgeries, i.e. those for which the timing of the operation is possible, preparation (shearing, disinfection with shampoo) is recommended. This period also allows us to prepare the animal for the resting conditions that will be necessary after the operation, and to check that they can be properly respected.
In all other cases, your pet will undergo surgery as soon as possible to relieve pain and prevent his condition from worsening. However, in the case of severe trauma (falls from great heights, road accidents, etc.), the animal's general condition must first be stabilized before any intervention.
What should I do after the operation?
The most important instructions after orthopedic surgery concern post-operative rest. Regardless of the species involved, rest is essential. Prolonged walking, jumping, running, trotting, strolling and stair climbing are forbidden, for the length of time specified by the surgeon. Dogs must therefore be confined to a small space (park, small room, transport crate, etc.) and kept on a leash outside in ALL cases, even if you have a garden. Only hygienic outings are authorized. Cats should be kept in a playpen or an umbrella bed during convalescence. NACs should be kept in their cages, with any floors blocked off.
Follow-up consultations are usually recommended to monitor healing progress and anticipate any complications. It is important to respect the dates of these check-ups.
Orthopedic surgery is only one step in your pet's recovery, and your contribution is essential.
Should orthopedic implants such as plates or screws be removed after healing?
Whenever possible, and in the case of young animals in particular, removal of the implants is recommended after healing.