Causes and Types of Orthopedic Injuries in Pets
Pets can experience a variety of orthopedic injuries just like humans. Common causes of orthopedic issues in dogs and cats include trauma, degenerative disease, malnutrition, hereditary conditions, and developmental abnormalities.
Some specific types of orthopedic injuries veterinarians frequently see include:
Cranial cruciate ligament tears: This ligament in the knee is one of the most commonly torn ligaments in dogs. It helps stabilize the knee joint. Without it, the tibia can slide too far forward relative to the femur, resulting in lameness.
Hip dysplasia: Veterinary Orthopedics is hereditary condition causes abnormal formation of the hip joint, leading to arthritis. Large and giant breed dogs are most at risk.
Elbow dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, this is an umbrella term for developmental orthopedic diseases of the elbow joint that cause lameness. Osteoarthritis: Natural wear and tear or past injuries can lead to cartilage thinning and bone changes in joints like the hips, knees, and spine. This causes chronic pain.
Fractures: Accidental trauma can break bones, especially long bones in the legs. Fractures require careful treatment and immobilization to heal properly.
Developmental orthopedic diseases: Conditions like angular limb deformities, luxating patellas, and osteochondrosis develop due to problems with bone growth.
Diagnosing Orthopedic Issues in Pets When a pet owner notices their dog or cat limping, slower movement, or reluctance to jump or play, it's important to schedule an exam with a veterinarian.
The vet will start by asking about the pet's history, medical problems, activities, and onset of clinical signs. A physical orthopedic exam evaluates range of motion, stability of joints, points of tenderness, muscle symmetry, and gait. Additional diagnostic tests may include x-rays, CT scans, MRI, and arthroscopy. X-rays can reveal fractures, arthritis, soft tissue calcification, and hip dysplasia. Advanced imaging like CT and MRI provide more detailed views of soft tissues like cartilage and ligaments. Arthroscopy involves inserting a tiny camera into the joint to directly visualize its structures. Other tests such as joint taps, bone scans, and bloodwork help rule out non-orthopedic causes and detect underlying diseases.
Treating Orthopedic Conditions in Pets
Veterinary orthopedic treatment focuses on reducing pain and inflammation, repairing injuries, and preventing further joint damage. Conservative options include pain medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, joint supplements, weight control, physical rehabilitation with laser therapy, massage, swimming or hydrotherapy. Protective bandages, splints or slings immobilize fractures to heal properly.
For tears of the cruciate ligament, surgical replacement or augmentation is usually recommended. Pets with hip or elbow dysplasia may need corrective surgeries like osteotomies that reshape bones and better align joints. Severe osteoarthritis may respond to joint lavage to flush out debris or arthroplasties like total hip replacement. During arthroscopy, surgeons can remove loose bodies, reconstruct torn structures, and conduct biopsies. Re-check exams are important post-surgery and treatment to track healing and prevent recurrence. With prompt veterinary care that addresses the underlying cause, many pets can experience long-term relief from orthopedic conditions. An individualized treatment plan tailored to each pet's needs helps them return to normal daily activity without pain. With advances in veterinary medicine, more pets now have surgical options once only available for humans to improve mobility.
Rehabilitation for Pets with Orthopedic Injuries
Even after surgery or other treatment, it's important for pets with orthopedic issues to undergo physical rehabilitation at home. Gentle exercises like leash walks, range of motion stretches, swimming, underwater treadmill therapy or laser therapy help strengthen muscles without stressing healing joints or bones. Pain-free movement keeps tissues supple and aids the healing process. Hydrotherapy provides an ideal low-impact exercise method. Unlike other therapies involving weight-bearing activity, the water's buoyancy supports pets without undue pressure on sore areas. It's also comfortable on all four legs compared to using a leash on land. Stationary underwater treadmills allow controlled walks while monitoring speed and time. With a life vest or floating device, pets can build endurance while physiotherapists guide specific movements. Laser therapy reduces inflammation and promotes new cell growth. The light stimulates injured areas without discomfort. Combined with rehabilitation exercises, laser therapy helps manage chronic conditions like arthritis between other treatments. Limb massage addresses muscle knots and tightness that develop due to disuse or pain inhibition. Gentle maneuvers increase circulation and flexibility in rehab. Integrating these at-home therapies builds strength gradually without setbacks. Pets recover full mobility while protecting healing areas from future strain. Consistency is key for lifelong management of orthopedic issues. With veterinary guidance, pets gain long-term relief from pain and mobility gains through rehabilitation.
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The major regions included in the report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, and Africa.Companies in the veterinary orthopedic implants market are investing in 3D printing techniques for creating veterinary orthopedic implants.
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