Are you looking for a veterinarian to provide orthopedic surgery for your cat or dog? Contact Fairlea Animal Hospital, which serves Fairlea, Lewisburg, and the surrounding areas. Surgery, even minor orthopedic procedures, can be a bit intimidating for pets and owners alike. Our veterinarians will address your concerns and help you prep your pet for the operation.
Minor Orthopedic Surgery For Pets Explained
Orthopedic surgery typically involves procedures that address muscle, joint, and skeletal issues. This may include the tendons, ligaments, and cartilage as well and can provide pain relief and improve your pet’s mobility. Pet surgeries can be a bit complicated because not even a veterinarian can fully communicate with your animal companion. We cannot explain to your pet why the surgery is important and why they shouldn’t be afraid. Still, vets can help calm your pets and ease discomfort as much as possible.
Bone fracture repairs are among the more common orthopedic pet surgeries. Depending on what bones are broken, the operation might be rather minor or could be quite extensive. In either case, our veterinarians will put your pet’s health and comfort first.
What to Expect
Some surgeries are not invasive, such as an arthroscopy, which can be used to evaluate and heal joint issues. Laparoscopy is another minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in which small incisions are made in and around the abdomen so a vet can “explore” and find out what might be wrong. Small cameras and other tools may be used during the procedure.
Even with minimally invasive surgeries, the pet will likely need to be put under anesthesia. If your pet moves while under surgery it could cause complications. An anesthetic agent is used to put your pet to sleep for a few to several hours so the vet can perform the operation or other procedures.
Whether your pet is undergoing a major or minor orthopedic surgery, proper preparation is required. If you do not follow the vet's instructions closely while prepping your pet for the operation, you might increase the risk of serious complications.
Prepping Your Animal Companion For Surgery
First, you need to speak with the veterinarian about your pet and the specific orthopedic surgery that is needed. Prepping your pet may vary a bit from surgery to surgery. That said, the vet will typically recommend that you withhold food for several hours before the surgery (often up to and occasionally 24 hours).
This can be difficult on your pet, but it is usually necessary. Anesthesia often suppresses the gag reflex. If your pet vomits, he or she may not expel the materials in the throat, resulting in choking. You may have to withhold water as well, but sometimes you only have to withhold water for a few to several hours before the surgery.
Contact Fairlea Animal Hospital to Learn More
Do you live in Fairlea, Lewisburg, or the surrounding areas and need quality veterinary care? Call our team at Fairlea Animal Hospital today at (304) 645-3550 to schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians.
