Does your pet limp or have a hard time jumping on the couch?
These are some precursory signs of orthopaedic disorders in dogs and cats.
Just like their humans, our cute pets are prone to joint, bone, and muscular disorders that impair their locomotion and overall well-being.
The early identification of these problems can really help manage the health of a pet, keeping it active without much discomfort.
So, how do you know the early signs before they worsen? Let’s take a look!
Common Orthopaedic Conditions In Dogs And Cats
Pets are susceptible to a variety of orthopaedic conditions.
Below are some of the most common issues that affect them:
| Condition | Symptoms | Treatment Options |
|---|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | Lameness, difficulty standing or walking | Surgery, weight management, medication |
| Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Injury | Limping, swelling around the knee, reluctance to use a limb | TPLO surgery, physical therapy |
| Patellar Luxation | Skipping gait, occasional lameness | Surgical correction |
| Arthritis | Stiffness, reduced activity levels | Pain management, physical therapy |
| Fractures | Visible limping, swelling, pain | Surgery, immobilisation, surgery |
Signs Of Orthopaedic Problems In Dogs And Cats
Some of the signs and symptoms that indicate there is an orthopaedic problem include:
- Limping or Favouring a Limb: If your pet tries as much as possible to avoid standing on a limb, or limps, then this might mean that there is a joint or bone issue.
- Having a problem getting up or sitting down: Pets with hip or joint issues often have trouble standing up or lying down.
- Change in Gait: If your pet starts walking abnormally, stiff, or unsteady, it may be due to some orthopaedic condition.
- Swelling or Heat Around a Joint: A swell or inflammation around a joint or bone usually indicates damage or arthritis.
- Resilience Not to Jump or Climb Stairs: Pets that all of a sudden avoid stairs or jumping may have something along the lines of hip dysplasia or cruciate ligament injury.
Diagnosis And Treatment Options
When you notice any of the above signs, it’s important to consult with an orthopaedic vet who specialises in diagnosing and treating these conditions.
Depending on the issue, the treatment may range from medication and physical therapy to surgery.
Here are some of the more common treatment methods:
- Medicamentous and Pain Management: This is highly applicable to conditions like arthritis. If they see discomfort, the vet will prescribe anti-inflammatory medicines and supplements for the joint so that the pets feel relieved.
- Surgical Interventions: Sometimes surgery is required, such as in the case of a dog where there is a cranial cruciate ligament rupture; the surgery might be a TPLO surgery or a Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy. This is done by an orthopaedic vet surgeon to stabilise the knee joint.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help pets regain strength and mobility after surgery or in managing chronic conditions like arthritis.
- Weight Management: Keeping your pet at a healthy weight can reduce strain on their joints, particularly in cases of hip dysplasia or arthritis.
- Advanced Orthopaedic Care: In complex cases, you may need to consult Perth vet specialists or small animal orthopaedics experts for more advanced diagnostic techniques and treatments like arthroscopy or joint replacement.
Prevention And Management
While some orthopaedic conditions are unavoidable, others can be. There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of developing a condition and manage any that already exist:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Ensure regular appropriate exercise
- Use joint supplements as advised by your veterinarian
- Provide appropriate nutrition
- Regular check-ups with an orthopaedic vet
Take Action For Your Pet's Orthopaedic Health
If you observe any indication that your dog or cat has been in chronic joint pain, limping, or stiffly moving, then this would be worthwhile investigating as soon as possible. Here at SAI Veterinary Hospital, we have the experience and talent of Dr Aaron Raney and his team to help diagnose and treat conditions such as orthopaedic cases.
Do not wait for your pet’s condition to deteriorate. Ring us today on 08 6319 2390 or email us on reception@saivet.com.au to book a consultation and get your pet the care they deserve.
