At Grand Valley Animal Hospital (GVAH), we believe your pets deserve the same level of care as any beloved family member. Their comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life are our top priorities. When orthopedic care issues arise, seeking help can feel daunting, especially when referrals to distant specialists are involved. The cost of these services, combined with the inconvenience of travel, can make specialist care inaccessible for many pet owners.
That’s why we’re proud to offer advanced orthopedic services right here in your community. Our expertly trained team brings the same high standard of care you’d expect from large referral centers, but with the convenience and affordability of a trusted local provider.
Preventing Orthopedic Issues in Pets
While some orthopedic conditions can’t be avoided, plenty of them can be prevented with proper care. Taking simple steps can significantly reduce your pet’s risk of developing joint or musculoskeletal problems. Consider the following tips to keep your furry companion active and healthy:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight – Extra pounds place added stress on your pet’s joints, heightening the likelihood of injury or pain.
- Encourage Regular Exercise – Activities that promote muscle strength and joint flexibility are crucial for long-term mobility.
- Consider Joint Supplements – Certain supplements can support joint health, particularly for aging pets or breeds prone to orthopedic issues.
By keeping your pet active and ensuring they maintain a balanced diet, you can help prevent many common orthopedic challenges and improve their overall quality of life.
However, not all conditions can be avoided. Accidents, genetic predispositions, or age-related wear and tear can still lead to orthopedic issues in pets. When this happens, our team at GVAH is here to step in with orthopedic care tailored to your pet’s unique needs.
Orthopedic Care and Surgeries at GVAH
At Grand Valley Animal Hospital, we provide expert care for various orthopedic issues that can affect your pet’s mobility and quality of life. These issues may arise from injuries, genetic factors, or natural wear and tear over time.
Our team offers treatment for conditions such as:
- Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Injury – Similar to ACL injuries in humans, this affects stability in the knee joint.
- Medial Patella Luxation (MPL) – A kneecap dislocation that hinders movement.
- Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD) – A cartilage issue often seen in the shoulder joint.
- Long Bone Fractures – Broken bones requiring secure stabilization.
- Femoral Head Osteotomy (FHO) – A surgical treatment for severe hip joint problems.
- Joint Arthrodesis – A joint stabilization procedure used for complex tendon injuries.
To address these conditions, we offer advanced surgical techniques that are tailored to your pet’s unique needs. These include:
- TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) and ExtraCapsular Stabilization for CCL injuries.
- MPL Correction Surgery to restore kneecap alignment.
- FHO Surgery to repair debilitating hip joint issues.
- Fracture Repair Surgeries to stabilize broken bones.
With every treatment, our goal is to reduce your pet’s pain, restore their mobility, and help them get back to an active, happy lifestyle as soon as possible.
Our Approach to Diagnosing Orthopedic Issues
Every treatment at GVAH begins with a thorough physical examination to identify the problem area. If more detailed information is needed, we may sedate your pet and take radiographs (X-rays) to better assess the issue. To ensure precision, we use advanced software like V-Pop, which allows us to measure bones and joint spaces and plan surgeries tailored to your pet’s unique anatomy.
Comprehensive Pain Management and Recovery Support
We believe in a multimodal approach to pain management, to keep your pet as comfortable as possible during and after surgery. Here’s how we address pain and recovery:
- Use of local anesthetics, oral NSAIDs, and, if needed, opioid medications.
- Anti-nausea medications to promote faster recovery from anesthesia.
- Cold laser therapy to reduce post-operative inflammation and speed up healing.
- Providing a warm, comfortable environment post-surgery with attentive nursing care.
Once your pet is ready to go home, we equip you with detailed recovery plans, including activity restrictions, tips for managing mobility, and extended pain control measures to give your pet the best chance at a successful recovery.
Supporting Your Pet’s Recovery at Home
Your role in your pet’s recovery is crucial. At GVAH, we provide detailed post-surgery care plans that include:
- Exercise restrictions and gradual activity progression.
- Tips for moving your pet safely and effectively during the recovery period.
- If applicable, information on implementing cold laser therapy follow-ups for faster healing.
Remember, following these instructions carefully will play a big part in how quickly and smoothly your pet recovers.
Preparing for Orthopedic Surgery
Considering orthopedic surgery for your pet may feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Here’s what you can expect:
- Thorough Consultation: We’ll discuss your pet’s condition, the recommended procedure, and all potential risks and benefits.
- Clear Cost Estimate: You’ll receive a detailed estimate for the surgery and deposit, so you can plan accordingly.
- Expert Care: Our team is highly trained to provide the care your pet requires.
If a referral to a board-certified veterinary surgeon is required, we also collaborate with regional specialists to ensure your pet receives the best care possible.
Why Choose GVAH for Orthopedic Care?
At Grand Valley Animal Hospital (GVAH), your pet’s orthopedic needs are met with exceptional skill and care. Our expert team is led by Dr. Dan Burchill, a seasoned veterinarian with over 20 years of experience in orthopedic repair, and Dr. Darin Meulebroeck, who has expanded his advanced surgical expertise through training at the prestigious Oquendo Center in Las Vegas. Though not board-certified surgeons, together with their combined decades of experience and advanced training with state-of-the-art techniques, they provide the high-level care your pet deserves.
We are proud to be your local option for advanced orthopedic care, eliminating the need for expensive trips to distant specialists. At GVAH, you’ll find a compassionate team offering the same quality of orthopedic care often found at referral centers, but with the convenience and affordability of staying close to home. From diagnosis to recovery, we are dedicated to delivering innovative, personalized solutions that meet your pet’s unique needs.
Whether your pet requires assistance with mobility, pain management, or a complex surgical procedure, we are here to help them regain their comfort and quality of life. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward helping your furry family member live a happy, active life!
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