Orthopedic Services

Orthopedic issues affect furry friends’ joints, bones and soft tissues. This can cause pain, inflammation and discomfort, depending on the severity of the issue. These ailments can be treated with a combination of medication, surgery or other therapeutic methods. Depending on your pet’s unique needs, we cater a treatment plan to best support quality of life.

What causes orthopedic issues?

More severe orthopedic issues can be caused by genetics, untreated injuries as well as long term wear and tear. Common orthopedic issues that affect furry friends are:

• Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) – The cartilage between the joints wears away causing pain and inflammation in areas like the hips, knees, elbows and ankles.
• Hip dysplasia – For canine friends, they are born with this condition. For feline friends, the hip joints gradually loosen, which causes swelling, damage and discomfort.
• Fractures – Joint fractures can be caused by injuries, creating pain and joint swelling
• Elbow dysplasia – Stems from issues when the bones were formed.

What are possible treatments for pets with orthopedic problems?

Depending on the severity of your furry friend’s condition, we might recommend a combination of medication, surgery and therapeutic treatments. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact us at 403-337-3221.

What is orthopedic surgery?

Based on our veterinarians’ recommendations, we’ll examine your pet to determine if they’re a good fit for surgery. Before surgery, we’ll discuss what you should expect as well as aftercare for your pet. Our clinic is equipped with two surgical rooms to ensure your pet will be well taken care of during their procedure.

Orthopedic procedures performed at Carstairs Veterinary Clinic include:

• TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy)
• FHO (Femoral Head Osteotomy)
• Ridgestop (for patellar luxation)
• Intermediate Fracture Repairs
• Amputations