You are wrong if you think only humans have joint problems. Pets are prone to musculoskeletal issues as humans, especially if they are active. Osteoporosis affects joints, bones, and muscles.
Who has muscular-skeletal issues in dogs?
Animals, especially dogs, are more prone to joint and muscle pain.
- Labradors
- Rottweilers
- GSDs
- Chihuahuas
How do you know if your dog needs surgery?
While medication can help with some orthopedic issues, surgery is sometimes the only way to improve your pet’s quality of life. So how do you know if your pet needs orthopedic surgery? Your vet’s website is probably the best source.
They can diagnose your pet’s illness, recommend non-surgical treatments, and tell you when to schedule an orthopedic procedure. Before that, let us look at a common orthopedic ailment’s
Orthopedic Surgery for Pets
The most common orthopedic issues in dogs requiring orthopedic surgery are:
Hip dysplasia
It is a genetic hip condition that affects large breed dogs. They take anti-inflammatory medications. If your pet develops arthritis, it may need titanium replacements. A surgical hip replacement can be costly and complex, but it may improve your pet’s quality of life.
These are signs of hip dysplasia in dogs.
- Inability to jump, run, or climb stairs
- swaying walk
- The leg gap may appear wider than usual.
- Your pet’s leg may appear shorter.
- Diminished mobility
- Backwardness
If anti-inflammatory drugs and other treatments do not work, your vet may suggest orthopedic surgery to replace the joint.
Orthopedics may use orthotic devices to help your pet recover or rehab from a procedure. Custom braces can support and heal the operated limb in non-surgical stem function correction.
Luxating Patella
Due to track width, a pet’s patella may slip out of the groove. It is a common knee joint problem in dogs, especially Pomeranians and Chihuahuas. It is almost always a surgical procedure.
Symptoms of a dislocated knee in your pet
- Acute pain
- It licks its knees.
- Limping
- Fear of walking
- The affected leg’s inability to bear weight
If this is the case, you have to search for an “emergency vet near me” to find the closest facility so that the vet specialist can treat your dog immediately.
Cruciate Ligament Tears
Anterior cruciate ligament tears occur when the anterior cruciate ligament, which helps keep the knee in good working order, is damaged. Regrettably, ACL tears do not heal independently with treatment or rest.
Like humans, you should surgically repair pets’ cruciate ligament tears to avoid painful arthritis. There are several ways to improve the cruciate ligament.
The vet can advise you on what will work best for your dog. You can always check with your veterinarian to learn more about orthopedic surgery. But these are the symptoms of a dog’s cruciate ligament rupture:
- Sudden lameness during an activity
- Knee joint swelling and thickening
- Knee licking and biting
- Strangely seated
- Tense thighs
- Clicking
- Acute pain
As a Summary
Orthopedic surgery improves their quality of life. For surgery, find a reputable orthopedic surgeon first. Let us say your primary vet can not help. You can visit the American College of Veterinary Surgeons website to find a local specialist. Follow the post-care instructions. It cannot be easy at first. But you will be glad you did.
