Orthopedics
Orthopedics is a specialty that deals with disorders of the bones, joints, and spine. It is the field of medicine and surgery that treats injury and disease of the musculoskeletal system, which includes ligaments, joints, bones, muscles, and tendons of the body.
Fractures from accidents, degenerative conditions, and hereditary problems may occur that affect an animal’s ability to move normally. Orthopedic treatment helps to relieve pain from these problems and to restore normal mobility.
Spinal problems are common with very active animals. Arthritis is also a common problem in older pets, in which the joints become inflamed and painful, leading to problems with movement.
Dr. Berrios with his team will carefully examine your pet for problems with movement. Diagnostic tests such as x-rays, ultrasound, and blood tests help to detect the problem, so appropriate treatment can be administered.. Medications, surgery, and physical therapy may all be used to help animals regain normal function.
Dr. Berrios has extensive experience treating pets with each of these conditions and can provide you with treatment options – both surgical and non-surgical – to allow your pets the ability to return to full function.
Depending on your pet’s needs, a combination of treatment techniques can help your pet get back on the road to good health.
Before the surgical intervention, other treatments are available and can provide relief:
- Nutritional and cartilage-protecting supplements (omega-3 and glucosamine/chondroitin)
- Anti-inflammatory and pain medications
- Laser therapy