Costa Mesa Animal Hospital Offers Pet Orthopedic Surgery
Pets can develop orthopedic problems that are like those found in people. Normal wear and tear on joints, genetic factors, accidents, and overuse can leave them with pain, lameness, and poor mobility. At Costa Mesa Animal Hospital in Costa Mesa, CA, we help pets with orthopedic problems achieve greater comfort and better mobility.
What Orthopedic Disorders Are Common in Pets?
Orthopedic problems in pets can lead to significant discomfort and may affect the animal’s ability to get a healthy amount of exercise. Older animals often develop osteoarthritis from normal wear and tear on joints that occurs with aging. Accidents may cause fractures of the bones that require complex surgery to restore function. Luxation of the patella is seen in many small dogs, which causes the kneecap to go out of alignment. The result is limping, pain, and reluctance to exercise.
Active dogs sometimes experience a torn cruciate ligament which is like the ACL in people. These tears may need repairs to restore normal function. Hip and elbow dysplasia occur in some breeds that may require surgery to improve movement. In some cases, dogs may require joint replacement.
Diagnosing Orthopedic Issues
Veterinarians generally use x-ray and ultrasound testing to get an image of the inside of the bones and joints to diagnose abnormalities. In some cases, endoscopic methods, which uses a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera at the end, to understand the problem or take samples of joint fluid. These tests, along with the physical examination and watching the animal’s gait, allowing the vet to get an accurate picture of the disorder.
Treatments for Orthopedic Problems
If your pet has an orthopedic disorder, the vet can offer a variety of treatments to improve both movement and quality of life. Pharmaceutical companies have developed a number of medications for veterinary use, to reduce pain and inflammation. Various methods of physical therapy can improve mobility and comfort. If needed, a number of orthopedic pet surgery procedures are available that can help restore full function.
Make Costa Mesa Animal Hospital Your Veterinarian for Pet Orthopedic Care
The veterinarians and team at Costa Mesa Animal Hospital use their extensive training and many years of experience to help their patients in Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Fountain Valley and other communities enjoy better health at every stage. We offer a range of veterinary care services, including, vaccinations, spay and neuter surgery, preventative care, diagnostics, emergency care and pharmacy services. Call Costa Mesa Animal Hospital today at 949-548-3794 for an appointment to learn about today's options for pet orthopedic surgery.