As pets grow older, they may begin to experience mobility challenges. Just like humans, pets can develop joint issues, arthritis, or other orthopedic conditions that affect their ability to move comfortably. These problems can significantly reduce their quality of life, turning once playful and active companions into pets who struggle to walk, climb stairs, or enjoy their favorite activities.
At Avon Animal Hospital, we understand how heartbreaking it can be to watch your beloved pet struggle with mobility issues. Our veterinary team specializes in Orthopedic Surgery for Pets in Surrey, offering advanced surgical solutions to help improve your pet’s mobility and quality of life.
Recognizing Signs of Mobility Issues in Senior Pets
It’s important to recognize the early signs that your pet is experiencing difficulty with their movement. While some signs of aging are normal, like slowing down a bit, other more pronounced symptoms may indicate a serious orthopedic issue that requires professional intervention. Here are some common signs:
- Limping or favoring one leg: If your pet is constantly limping or avoiding putting weight on a specific leg, this could signal a joint or ligament injury.
- Difficulty standing up or lying down: Pets with joint problems may struggle to get up or lie down, and they may appear stiff or in pain when moving.
- Reduced activity levels: If your senior pet suddenly becomes less active, stops jumping on furniture, or avoids stairs, they may be experiencing discomfort from an orthopedic condition.
- Whining or vocalizing in pain: Pets may communicate their discomfort through vocalizations, especially when attempting to move or engage in physical activities.
If your pet is showing any of these signs, it’s important to consult a veterinarian who specializes in Orthopedic Surgery for Pets to determine whether surgery could help restore their mobility and alleviate their pain.
Common Orthopedic Conditions in Senior Pets
Many of the orthopedic issues that affect senior pets are related to wear and tear on their joints and bones over time. Some of the most common orthopedic conditions that may require surgery include:
- Cruciate Ligament Injuries: One of the most common orthopedic issues in dogs, cruciate ligament injuries, can cause severe pain and instability in the knee joint. Left untreated, this condition can lead to arthritis and further joint damage. Surgical options like cruciate surgery or TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) can help stabilize the knee and improve your pet’s mobility.
- Arthritis: Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes inflammation and pain in your pet’s joints. While medication and physical therapy can manage mild cases, severe arthritis may require surgical intervention to repair damaged joints or remove bone fragments that cause pain.
- MPL (Medial Patella Luxation): This condition occurs when the kneecap dislocates or moves out of place, causing discomfort and affecting your pet’s ability to walk properly. MPL repair surgery can correct the alignment of the kneecap, allowing your pet to move more comfortably.
- Hip Dysplasia: Common in larger breeds, hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition that affects the stability of the hip joint. As the joint deteriorates over time, it can cause chronic pain and reduced mobility. In severe cases, hip replacement surgery may be necessary to restore function and alleviate pain.
- Amputation: In some cases, if an injury or disease is too advanced, amputation may be the best option to eliminate pain and improve your pet’s quality of life. Pets are incredibly resilient and can adapt well to life on three legs with proper post-surgical care.
How Orthopedic Surgery for Pets in Surrey Can Help
At Avon Animal Hospital, our team of highly trained veterinarians offers a range of orthopedic surgeries designed to improve your pet’s mobility and comfort. Here’s how our orthopedic services can help your senior pet:
1. Improved Mobility
Orthopedic surgery can restore your pet’s ability to move comfortably, whether it’s correcting a joint misalignment or repairing a damaged ligament. After surgery, many pets experience a dramatic improvement in their ability to walk, run, and engage in activities they love.
2. Pain Relief
Chronic pain from orthopedic conditions can significantly impact your pet’s quality of life. Surgical intervention can address the root cause of the pain, providing long-lasting relief. After recovery, your pet will experience reduced pain and inflammation, allowing them to enjoy a better quality of life.
3. Prevent Further Damage
Some orthopedic conditions, like cruciate ligament injuries, can worsen over time if left untreated. Surgery can prevent further joint damage and reduce the risk of arthritis, helping your pet maintain long-term joint health.
4. Post-Surgical Care for a Smooth Recovery
At Avon Animal Hospital, we provide comprehensive post-surgical care to ensure your pet has a smooth and comfortable recovery. From pain management to physical therapy recommendations, we’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure your pet heals properly and regains their strength.
When Should You Consider Orthopedic Surgery?
Not every mobility issue requires surgery, and some conditions can be managed with medication, weight management, and physical therapy. However, if your senior pet’s mobility issues are significantly impacting their quality of life and other treatments have not been effective, it may be time to consider surgery.
Consulting with a veterinarian who specializes in Orthopedic Surgery for Pets can help you understand your options and determine the best course of action for your pet. Our team at Avon Animal Hospital will perform a thorough examination, including diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, to assess your pet’s condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
Conclusion
Watching your senior pet struggle with mobility issues can be heartbreaking, but orthopedic surgery can offer a path to improved comfort and mobility. At Avon Animal Hospital, we specialize in Orthopedic Surgery for Pets in Surrey, providing expert care for pets suffering from conditions like cruciate ligament injuries, arthritis, and patella luxation.
If your pet is showing signs of pain or difficulty moving, don’t wait—schedule a consultation with our veterinary team today.
