My first trip to the dog orthopedic veterinarian was as a result of worst Incident. I had just moved to League City, Texas, after picking up a new job there. I had noticed that the gait of my dog was different, and I was worried. I opened multiple tabs on my favorite browser and frantically typed “Vet Orthopedic Surgery Texas”, “Pet Orthopedic Surgery League City”, “vets near me”, “orthopedic veterinarian near me” and different other variations on the internet.
Apparently, there were several veterinarians near me. Top on my search results was Safarivet, a veterinary hospital that boasted of skilled board-certified surgeons with over 30 years of experience who used the most recent techniques supplemented by the most advanced equipment to ensure that pets have the optimal chances for recovery. I have been using them ever since, and they have never disappointed.
An orthopedic veterinarian is a doctor that specializes in the correction of diseases and injuries of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and other skeletal structures through surgical and non-surgical means. Orthopedic surgeons will usually explore non-surgical treatments options before recommending surgery.
It is possible to manage your pet’s musculoskeletal injury and discomfort with any of the following: physiotherapy to boost flexibility and strength, avoiding damaging exercises or activities, braces, joint fluid medical care that involves injecting lubricating medication at the affected joint, vitamins and supplements like glucosamine or chondroitin, and anti-inflammatory medications. Using these treatments might assist you in avoiding the hassle, cost, and discomfort of surgery; however, you have to monitor your pet’s condition and visit your orthopedist frequently to make sure your pet’s condition does not deteriorate over time.
Pet Orthopedic Surgery facts
The orthopedic condition and treatment of each pet vary; however, understanding a number of the overall statistics on pet orthopedic surgery will assist you to familiarize yourself with this field and decide if you are open to surgical intervention. Below are some facts on orthopedic surgery:
- The most common type of surgery performed by veterinary orthopedic surgeons is knee surgery.
- Most veterinarian orthopedic surgeons operate from private practices.
- The average success rate for most veterinarian orthopedic procedures is between 65 percent to 80 percent.
Orthopedic Surgery Cost
The cost of orthopedic surgery is usually dependent on the type of procedure carried out. The price of your orthopedic surgery depends on the following factors:
- Anesthesia used: The orthopedic veterinarian will consider the invasiveness and length of your procedure before recommending anesthesia. He or she could recommend local anesthesia, general anesthesia, intravenous sedation, oral conscious sedation, or some combination of these. The price of anesthesia is typically between $2,000 and $5,000 for orthopedic procedures.
- Diagnostic exams and assessments. Your orthopedic surgeon will assess the affected area of your pet at your first appointment, but he or she may also order additional tests, such as x-rays, MRIs etc.
- Where you have your operation. Some of the orthopedic surgeons are performing procedures within private practices or clinics, while others do have privileges at local hospitals.
By the choice of a reputable, qualified orthopedic veterinarian can save you time, money, and discomfort in the long term.
