Traumatology and orthopaedics
Orthopaedics is an area of medicine related to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Orthopaedic problems of dogs and cats can occur for a variety of reasons: injury, congenital anomaly, age-related degenerative disease, or infection.
When to apply to a Veterinarian Orthopaedist?
You have to consult a specialist if you notice these symptoms of your dog or cat:
• Limping: the pet begins to limp or avoids using one of its limbs.
• Pain: the pet shows discomfort or pain when moving, climbing stairs, or jumping.
• Swelling: swelling of the limbs or joints that does not disappear.
• Unusual posture: the pet holds or walks unusually, has an unusual posture.
• Decreased activity: the pet becomes less active, avoids physical exertion.
• Injuries: after any injury, such as a fall or collision, when you notice that the pet is not completely healthy.
Most common orthopaedic surgeries for dogs and cats
Veterinarian Orthopaedists perform a variety of surgeries that can help your pet regain mobility and reduce pain. Some of the most commonly performed orthopaedic surgeries:
1. Dislocation of knee joint patella:
• this problem is most common for small breed dogs, but can also occur for cats.
• the patella is stabilised during the surgery to prevent further dislocations.
2. Hip joint dysplasia:
• this is a genetic disease that often occurs for large breed dogs.
• treatment may include hip replacement surgery or other surgical methods to stabilize the joint.
3. Rupture of anterior cruciate ligament:
• it is a common problem for dogs when the cruciate ligament in the knee joint ruptures.
• ihe ligament is being repaired or stabilized by using various surgical techniques, for instance, TPLO (tibial plateau levelling osteotomy) during the surgery.
4. Bone fractures:
• fractures due to injuries (falls, car accidents, etc.) require surgical treatment to properly align and stabilize the bones using plates, screws, or other devices.
5. Osteoarthritis:
• although the surgery is not the primary treatment, the surgery in some cases may be necessary to reduce pain and improve joint function.
Only the experienced Surgeons Orthopaedists perform these surgeries who first assess the stability of the pet’s condition, as general anaesthesia is used for the surgeries.
Course of orthopaedic consultations
1. Initial assessment: Veterinarian will perform a thorough clinical examination to diagnose the problem. X-ray or other diagnostic imaging examinations may be required.
2. Diagnostics: Veterinarian will make a diagnosis based on examination results and discuss treatment options.
3. Treatment plan: surgical or non-surgical treatment may be recommended. Non-surgical treatment may include physiotherapy, medications, weight control, etc.
4. Surgery (if necessary): if surgical intervention is recommended, a Veterinarian will explain the procedure, risks, and healing process.
5. Post-operative care: after the surgery, it is important to follow the instructions of Veterinarian for post-operative care that may include physical therapy, a special diet, and limited physical activity.
The timely diagnosis and treatment of orthopaedic problems is essential for your pet’s health and quality of life. If you notice any orthopaedic symptoms of your pet, contact a Veterinary Doctor Orthopaedist for a consultation immediately.
Only highly experienced specialists work in our veterinary clinic who constantly improve their qualification and address traumatological-orthopaedic disorders and diseases professionally and effectively.
If you have a referral to a specialist for a procedure or would like a consultation, please contact by provided phone number: +3701288788
Head of Department of Orthopaedics, Veterinarian Tadas Juozelėnas
Doctors of Department:
Veterinarian Margarita Grikšaitė
Veterinarian Ernestas Morkys
Veterinarian Veslava Kaikarienė