What is orthopedic surgery?
Orthopedic surgery for pets consists of surgical procedures that address the joints, skeletal system, and their associated soft tissues, including muscles, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
We provide surgical care for a range of conditions, including cruciate ligament tears, disc disease, and luxating patellas (abnormal knee cap position).
Our advanced imaging and diagnostic tools help us provide an accurate and effective orthopedic diagnosis. We also provide comprehensive rehabilitation for many of our orthopedic patients to help them on their road to recovery.
Rehabilitation for Orthopedic Surgeries
Due to their complex nature, orthopedic surgeries require a lengthy recovery time. To help aid your pet in healing, we offer post-surgical rehabilitation packages to our patients. Rehabilitation may include things like veterinary acupuncture, cold laser therapy, and aquatic therapy to help reduce pain and promote healing.
Orthopedic Surgery FAQs
- What happens during the surgical consultation?
During the surgical consultation, we will perform a physical exam and review your pet’s medical history. Blood work, and any other diagnostic tests that are needed to determine the nature of your pet's condition will also be undertaken at this time.
Diagnostics may include X-rays, a CT scan, an ultrasound, or biopsies. Once the results are back, a plan for surgery is developed and discussed with you.
- Will the surgery and consultation happen on the same day?
No. The consultation appointment is required for testing and examination, to determine the nature of your pet's health problem. Once any diagnostic test results have come back from our lab, a surgery appointment can be scheduled.
- How long will the surgery take?
Orthopedic surgeries typically last between two to four hours, depending on the type of surgery being performed and on your pet’s specific condition.
- Does my pet have to stay at the hospital overnight either before or after the surgery?
Depending on the time of day that the surgery is scheduled, it may be necessary to drop your pet off the night before.
Many of our patients need to stay with us overnight after surgery so that we can monitor them as they recover. Depending on the type of surgery that is performed and how quickly they recover after anesthesia and surgery, your pet may be able to go home on the same day.
New Patients Welcome
Monte Vista Small Animal Hospital is accepting new patients! Our experienced vets are passionate about the health of Turlock companion animals. Get in touch today to book your pet's first appointment.