At Maraboon Vet Surgery, we understand how much your pets mean to you. When it comes to orthopaedic issues, we are committed to providing the best possible care for your furry family members. Orthopaedic surgery plays a crucial role in treating conditions that affect
the bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles of your pet's body. Whether it’s from an injury, congenital condition, or wear and tear, our team is here to support you through the process to help improve the mobility and quality of life for your pet.
In this blog, we’ll explain what orthopaedic surgeries are, when they are needed, and how we ensure your pet's comfort and safety throughout the process.
What is Orthopaedic Surgery?
Orthopaedic surgery involves procedures designed to treat injuries or diseases related to the musculoskeletal system. This can include fractures, dislocations, ligament tears, joint issues, and more. Just like humans, pets sometimes need surgery to repair bones, ligaments,
or muscles that have been damaged.
Common orthopaedic surgeries that our amazing surgeons can perform at Maraboon Vet Surgery include:
- Fracture Repair: Fractures are one of the most common orthopaedic injuries. Our team use advanced surgical techniques to realign and stabilize the bone for proper healing. Depending on the severity of the fracture, we may use different techniques to stabilize the bone, ensuring that it heals correctly.
- Cruciate Ligament Repair: The cruciate ligament in the knee (stifle) can tear, leading to pain and difficulty walking. We perform surgical procedures like TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) and Lateral Suture to stabilize the joint and restore mobility.
- Medial Luxating Patella Repair: Some pets have a condition where their kneecap (patella) moves out of its normal position. Surgery is often needed to reposition and stabilize the patella for improved function.
- Hip Toggle & Femoral head Osteotomy (FHO): These surgeries are used to repair hip dislocations. FHO is often performed in cases of hip joint arthritis or injury, where the head of the femur is removed to reduce pain and restore mobility.
- Carpal or Tarsal Arthrodesis: This procedure involves the fusion of bones in the carpal (wrist) or tarsal (ankle) joints, typically due to injury or degeneration. It can help stabilize a joint and reduce pain, though it may limit some range of motion.
- Limb Amputation: In cases of severe injury or illness, such as cancer or trauma, limb amputation may be necessary to improve the quality of life and reduce pain.
- Simple and Complex Fracture Repair (Including Tibial Crest Avulsion Surgery): Tibial crest avulsion is a type of injury where the tibial crest (a part of the bone where ligaments attach) is pulled away. This specific procedure is often done in puppies, especially when they are still growing, to address issues before they cause long-term problems.
Maraboon Vet Surgery is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including an in-house digital radiograph machine for precise imaging. Our modern surgical suite is outfitted with top-of-the-line orthopaedic equipment, ensuring the highest quality care for your pet. We offer a customised orthopaedic surgical plan tailored to your pet's needs, along with a comprehensive pain management and recovery package, which will be thoroughly discussed with you at the time of admission and discharge. Additionally, many pet insurance companies offer a gap-only payment option, making the process more affordable for pet owners.
Example of a hip toggle procedure in a dog to stabilise a dislocating hip:
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Example of a TPLO radiograph in a dog to stabilise the joint:
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When is Surgery Necessary?
Orthopaedic surgery is often necessary when conservative treatments like rest, medication, or physical therapy aren’t enough to heal the injury or condition. Some common signs that surgery might be needed include:
- Limping or lameness: Persistent limping or difficulty walking.
- Swelling: Noticeable swelling, heat, or deformity around a joint or limb.
- Chronic pain: If your pet is frequently showing signs of discomfort, such as licking at a specific area, avoiding movement, or displaying behavioural changes, surgery might be the best option for pain relief.
- Limited mobility: Difficulty climbing stairs, jumping, or playing can signal a structural issue that may improve with surgical repair
Maraboon Vet Surgery are proud to offer the highest standard of care for your pets. We understand that surgery can be a stressful experience for both you and your pet, which is why we are here to guide you through every step of the process with compassion and expertise.
If you are wanting to know any further information here are some helpful links to our website or call the clinic on (07) 4987 6800 to speak to our experienced staff.
https://www.maraboonvet.com.au/cruciate-ligament-disease
https://www.maraboonvet.com.au/fractured-bones
https://www.maraboonvet.com.au/hip-dislocation
https://www.maraboonvet.com.au/lameness
https://www.maraboonvet.com.au/medial-luxating-patella