Our services

Cruciate Disease

Current best evidence suggests that TPLO’s give the best outcomes, however all options will be discussed with the individual client. Evidence suggests that between 33-50% of dogs will rupture the contralateral cruciate within 13 months, and in cases that present bilaterally, we are happy to perform the surgery either simultaneously, or staggered by a few days, at reduced cost to the client.

Elbow dysplasia

Typically seen in young medium-large breed dogs with intermittent forelimb lameness. The most common underlying pathology is medial coronoid disease, but other pathologies include incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle (IOHC, particularly in Spaniels), OCD, ununited anconeal process (particularly GSD’s), and osteoarthritis. In most cases, a CT (performed under sedation) is required for a definitive diagnosis of the underlying pathology and treatment decision-making.

Medial coronoid disease

The evidence suggests no better outcome for medical vs surgical management, but in those dogs with a fissure / fragment identified on CT, that do not respond to appropriate conservative management, we recommend arthroscopic examination, fragment removal and debridement of the joint.

Incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle (IOHC)

Incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle (IOHC) tends to present in two ways:

• Intermittent chronic low grade lameness in a foreleg of predisposed breeds, especially Spaniels
• An acute fracture of the lateral humeral condyle, or a more catastrophic humeral Y or T fracture.

If an IOHC is diagnosed a trans-condylar screw can be placed ‘prophylactically’ to reduce the risk of subsequent fracture, although this is not without potential complications.

Patella Luxation

Routine correction of most Grade 2-3 medial patella luxations (MPLs) involves recession trochleoplasty, tibial tuberosity transposition and soft tissue imbrication. Where associated long bone deformity exists (femoral or tibial varus / valgus / torsion), a CT scan may be required to determine whether a distal femoral osteotomy (DFO) or less likely, proximal tibial osteotomy might be required.

Fracture repair

The cost of repair is determined by the complexity and therefore surgical time, and implants used.

Angular limb (ALD) and growth deformity correction

A CT is usually required to define the bony abnormality and plan the surgery. The simplest and most common ALD arises due to premature closure of the distal ulnar growth plate, creating a bow-string effect on the radius, which results in a 3D deformity, with radial curvature, valgus and rotation. Appropriate surgery depends on the age of the animal and may involve ulnar osteotomy / ostectomy and radial osteotomy.

Arthrodesis

Partial or complete carpal or tarsal arthrodesis.

Routine post-operative re-examinations

Routine post-operative re-examinations including consult, sedation and radiography.

Ongoing medical management

Optimising conservative / medical management of joint diseases (in association with our pain clinic and physiotherapy unit where appropriate), including hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis.