Orthopedic

Whether your furry friend is a couch potato or a professional athlete, they may experience issues with their musculoskeletal health at some point of their life. Conditions or injuries can occur from accidents, wear and tear, as well as genetic predisposition. Here at South Shore, we provide a wide range of orthopedic services for our patients at our fully-equipped facility. Our pet parents have peace of mind knowing that if they ever come across any orthopedic issues, we are just a call away at 902-543-5602.

What dog/cat breeds are more likely to have orthopedic problems?

Larger dog breeds like Labradors, Rottweilers and German Shepherds are more prone to developing arthritis and other conditions. On the other hand, Main Coons, Persians and Siamese cats are more vulnerable to developing hip/elbow dysplasia and arthritis. That being said, orthopedic problems can affect all pets, regardless of their breed. Lifestyle and nutrition, as well as any pre-existing health conditions all play a part in this.

How are dog/cat orthopedic problems treated?

It really depends on the specific condition at hand, and your pet’s health status. For example, early stages of arthritis may be treated with supplements or weight loss. While certain injuries will require more rigorous treatments like rehab or surgery.

What are signs my pet has an orthopedic problem that needs surgery?

At the end of the day, only your veterinarian can determine if your pet needs to take a trip to our operating room. Surgical intervention is usually reserved for when all other less-invasive options cannot be effective in treating your pet. Hip dysplasia, knee ligament tears and knee caps that slip out place (a.k.a. patellar luxation) are some of the common conditions that require surgery.