Expert Surgical Care for Your Dog
At Skinner Animal Clinic, we understand that hearing your dog needs surgery can be a frightening prospect. However, with our experienced veterinary team in Wilmington, IL, your pet will be in safe hands, ensuring a comfortable recovery and quick healing.
What is Orthopedic Surgery?
Orthopedic surgery addresses issues within the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles. While some orthopedic problems in dogs might be minor, others can be debilitating, significantly impacting your pet’s quality of life. When these serious conditions arise, orthopedic surgery may be the necessary solution to restore your dog’s mobility and comfort.
Upon visiting , our priority is to ensure your dog feels relaxed and comfortable. Our veterinarians will conduct a thorough physical examination and review your dog’s medical history to determine if orthopedic surgery is the appropriate course of action. If surgery is recommended, we will clearly explain the entire procedure, discuss the recovery process, and support you every step of the way.
Understanding the Causes of Orthopedic Problems in Dogs
While day-to-day activities expose your dog to various risk factors, certain circumstances can significantly increase their susceptibility to orthopedic disorders. Understanding these potential causes can help you take preventative measures to reduce the chances of your dog developing bone and joint issues. One significant factor is excessive body weight. A heavy body puts undue pressure on bones and joints, contributing to conditions like arthritis, ligament tears, and other bone and joint disorders.
Poor feeding habits during your pet’s developmental stages can also lead to orthopedic problems. Both an excess or a deficiency of calcium, for example, can negatively impact bone development and health. Furthermore, many orthopedic problems stem from underlying genetic conditions. Breeds are often predisposed to specific orthopedic issues like dysplasia, highlighting the importance of understanding your dog’s genetic background.
Recognizing When Your Pet May Need Orthopedic Surgery
It’s important to note that not every sign of an orthopedic problem necessitates surgery. However, if you observe any of the following symptoms in your pet, we encourage you to contact the veterinarians at promptly for an evaluation: an abnormal stance or gait, lameness or clear signs of walking difficulties, lethargy or a noticeable lack of energy and enthusiasm, misshapen limbs, a reluctance to move, stiffness or an inability to rise and move with ease, or swelling of the joints.
Our experienced veterinarians will accurately assess your pet’s condition and determine if orthopedic surgery is required. Each surgical procedure is tailored to the individual pet’s specific needs, and we are committed to providing you with all the necessary information and details before any surgery is performed.
