Your Pet's Journey
We aim to manage orthopaedic problems and injuries in as straightforward a manner as we can, caring for your pet and additionally looking after you and your concerns with care and professionalism.
Your Pet’s Preparation
Please do not feed your pet in the morning of your consultation. This is because a sedation or an anaesthetic might be required and it is important to have an empty stomach prior to either of these to avoid problems.
If your pet normally has medication in the morning and this is normally given with food, please call us prior to your appointment and we will advise you as to what is best to do.
What will happen at my appointment?
We will discuss your pet’s condition with you, either in one of our consultation rooms or if your dog is nervous in the clinic, we will discuss your pet’s condition outside in our hospital grounds. Once we understand the nature of the history of the condition, we will examine your pet and seek to determine any abnormalities and specifically the localisation and cause of the problem.
If necessary, we will then recommend further investigation, which may include taking x-rays or a CT scan in addition to any images already taken at your own vets prior to referral. In some cases, further investigations may also involve sampling and analysis of joint fluid, or occasionally a biopsy. Rarely, other tests, such as ultrasound or MRI may be needed, which may be arranged in our clinic, or the case of MRI, externally.
Treatment
Once tests have been completed, we will review the results and a treatment plan will be recommended.
If surgery is required, we will explain the procedure, any potential risks involved and the aftercare required. We are happy to answer any questions that you have.
We normally perform straightforward surgical procedures on the day of the consultation, and depending on the treatment administered or the operation performed, your pet may be ready to go home the same day, or we may advise overnight postoperative stay in the clinic for on-going care.
In some circumstances and for some conditions, surgery may not be appropriate for your pet, and we may recommend a non-surgical treatment course instead.
At all times, you are in control of your pet’s investigation and treatment.
Aftercare
When your pet comes home, we will give you an aftercare plan. We will also send all the information to your primary care vet including details about the treatment your pet has received and the follow-up plan.
Some patients need regular follow-up with us; in other cases, your pet’s care may be continued at your primary vet’s practice. Either way, we will keep in touch with you and with your vet, if our input is necessary for ongoing support with your pets’ condition.