Orthopaedics

Orthopaedics is the branch of surgery concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. Orthopaedic surgeons use both surgical and non-surgical techniques to treat musculoskeletal damage (bones, muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons), sports injuries (in working dogs), degenerative diseases, infections, tumours and congenital conditions. Lameness is a common presenting sign and your specialist has to decide whether it is due to injury, infection, nerve damage or deformity, or general wear and tear.

A variety of procedures are carried out at NKR Veterinary Specialists including different repair techniques for damaged knee ligaments and cartilages, fracture repairs using external or internal metalwork and total hip replacements for badly arthritic joints. For certain joint conditions we can even perform 'keyhole surgery' resulting in faster recovery than with conventional surgery.

Not all conditions require surgery and often we recruit the help of hydrotherapy or rehabilitation physiotherapy. Acupuncture also has a role to play in reducing pain and increasing mobility of injured limbs.

Having thoroughly examined your pet at the consultation the specialist will discuss the best options to treat your pet and recommend a treatment plan. They will probably arrange for specific imaging to be carried out by a diagnostic imaging colleague. Where surgery is indicated, blood tests will be taken to ensure that general anaesthesia will be safe for your pet. Wherever possible surgery will be carried out on your pet on the same or the next day to minimise the anxiety and inconvenience of delay for both of you.