Orthopedics

Orthopedic problems affect your pet’s musculoskeletal system, which causes significant pain and immobility. At Elmvale Veterinary Hospital, our team is dedicated to alleviating your pet’s symptoms and restoring their range of motion.

What are common orthopedic issues?

Some pets are more prone to certain orthopedic conditions because of their age, weight, breed, and lifestyle. To detect orthopedic conditions, our team will use X-rays and ultrasounds to get images. Some common orthopedic conditions diagnosed include:

1. Osteoarthritis
2. Hip dysplasia
3. Luxating patellas
4. Fractures
5. Torn ligament
6. Intervertebral disc disease

What are signs my pet has an orthopedic issue?

Orthopedic problems are extremely painful for your pet. When the pain is unbearable for your pet, their behaviour will change, and you’ll start to spot the signs that they are in pain. Since orthopedic issues affect your pet’s mobility, they’ll have difficulty using the stairs, develop swollen joints, not want to be touched, begin to limp or have stiffness when moving, and will be hesitant to run or jump. Contact our team at 705-322-2661 to have our veterinarian assess your pet.

What treatments are available for my pet’s orthopedic problem?

Once we’ve diagnosed your pet, we can create a treatment plan to get them back on their feet. We may recommend one or more of the following to improve your pet’s condition:

• Pain medication 
• Surgery
• Physical rehabilitation
• Home exercises
• Weight management

What’s orthopedic surgery like for my pet?

Orthopedic procedures at our hospital are performed by Dr. Storimans. We follow our general surgery protocols to ensure the safety of your loyal companion. The surgeon will use internal fixation instead of cast or splints to repair fractures since pets often chew or bite them. Orthopedic surgery involves using stainless steel or titanium pins, plates, wires, and screws to repair broken bones. This is a superior repair method for small animals, so they can’t damage or chew the implant. At Elmvale Veterinary Hospital, we also have experience with other orthopedic procedures such as cruciate ligament repair, patellar luxation surgery, and femoral head excision.