Orthopaedic Surgery

Orthopaedic surgery is the field of medicine involved in the surgical treatment of conditions concerning the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles.

Examples of conditions that may require orthopaedic surgery include:

• Trauma (e.g., cruciate ligament tear, fractures caused by motor vehicle accidents, high rise syndrome in cats, and other traumatic fractures, dislocations, etc.)
• Degenerative disease (e.g., arthritis, intervertebral disc disease)
  Infections
• Tumour
• Congenital disorders (e.g., hip and elbow dysplasia, medial patellar luxation)

After having undergone orthopaedic surgery, it will typically include multiple weeks of rest and limited physical activity to allow proper recovery and reduce pain post-operatively.  A vet will provide complete instructions before and after the surgery, and physical activity can be gradually reintroduced. Early recovery stages may include short walks or a little free time inside the home.

Veterinarians may also recommend physiotherapy or other complementary therapies for the pet to help with pain management and rebuild muscle. They may also go through specific exercises to prevent injuries in the future.