Bucharest/ Veterinary Orthopaedics

Veterinary Orthopaedics deals with diseases and injuries of the bones, joints, ligaments and tendons in dogs, cats and other companion animals. A veterinary orthopaedic consultation includes a detailed orthopaedic examination, with gait assessment and palpation of each joint, then radiographs, and in complex cases CT or arthroscopy. Common conditions are cranial cruciate ligament rupture, patellar luxation, hip and elbow dysplasia, fractures, osteoarthritis, and growth problems in large-breed puppies.

An owner reaches an orthopaedic vet when the dog limps after exercise or first thing in the morning, avoids stairs, jumps up with difficulty, has a swaying gait, or has caught a leg in an accident. In young animals some developmental problems are corrected better if caught early, and in adults a clear diagnosis helps in choosing between conservative management, with weight control, medication and physiotherapy, and surgery. Excess weight makes almost any orthopaedic problem worse, so slimming down is part of the treatment.

When you look for a veterinary orthopaedics service, check whether the vet has experience with the type of operation you need, what fixation systems and instruments are used, whether there is good-quality radiology on site, and whether a post-operative rehabilitation programme is offered or recommended. Ask how many such procedures the team does each year and what a typical recovery plan looks like week by week. The cost of an orthopaedic procedure includes the consultation, imaging, anaesthesia, implants, the procedure and, importantly, the physiotherapy sessions and re-checks; ask for a full estimate and ask how long recovery takes and what restrictions it means at home.

Until the consultation, limit walks to short lead outings for toileting, avoid stairs, jumping and play with other dogs, and put non-slip mats on slippery floors. Use this directory to find clinics offering veterinary orthopaedics in your city, compare surgical experience and rehabilitation options, and open each page for contact details, a map and reviews before booking an orthopaedic consultation.