Orthopedic and neurological conditions do not always carry the same degree of urgency.
Most stable and chronic conditions should be assessed on a regular consultation by appointment with our surgery Specialist. This will usually allow for a smoother and faster process, with the option to carry out the initial assessment and diagnostic techniques on the same day in most cases. Therefore, we recommend starving your pet from the evening preceding the appointment.
Alternatively, unstable patients, patients with acutely worsening neurological conditions or painful traumatic injuries will always benefit from an urgent admission and assessment by our experienced team of critical care clinicians and our 24/7 Emergency department. After an initial stabilisation and pain management, your pet could be assessed by our department once fit enough to receive its orthopedic or neurological examination. This approach to the unstable patient enables us to optimise the management of these frequently challenging cases.
The starting point for each patient is a detailed consultation and discussion with the owner. Should the owner not be able to attend the consultation, an information sheet can be filled online or a hard copy can be provided at the time of the admission.
Diagnosing the cause of lameness or the spinal disorder often necessitates further investigation. At VES Hospital, our clinicians have access to our state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities, including digital radiography, arthroscopy, computerised tomography (32 slices CT scan) and access to magnetic resonance Imaging (ON site MRI). We also benefit from the expertise of our on-site Diagnostic Imaging Specialist allowing both appropriate technique and a faster interpretation.
All interventions involving the use of implants (joint replacement, fractures) require very high levels of aseptic technique in order to minimise the risk of postoperative infection. Our operating theatres are designed and managed to the highest standards. We equipped them with the latest, high quality, orthopedic instrumentation, enabling our surgeons to perform a wide range of surgical procedures with the best chance of good outcome for your pet.
Following an orthopedic or spinal surgery, immediate and late aftercares are integral part of the outcome. Our surgeons are supported by a highly trained team of veterinary technicians. If your pet requires hospitalisation, be assured that she/he will be monitored closely by our on-site hospital team.
At VES Hospital, we are committed to provide pet owners with regular updates and comprehensive discharge instructions in order to facilitate the aftercare of the patients once at home. We also keep in touch with the referring veterinarian with daily updates via email or phone calls.
Fracture Management:
- External skeletal fixation
- Application of AO / ASIF, SOP plates
- Complicated healing: malunion / nonunions / corrective osteotomies
- Angular deformities
- Intramedullary locking nails
Joint Surgery:
- Diagnostic and therapeutic arthroscopy (Key-hole) & arthrotomies
- Arthrodesis
- Elbow / hip dysplasia
- Cruciate ligament surgery:
- Extracapsular stabilisation, tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA), cranial closing
- wedge ostectomy (CCWO), tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO)
- Luxations / sprains / shear injuries
Spinal Surgery:
- Ventral slots (slipped disc in the neck)
- Laminectomy/ Hemilaminectomy (slipped disc in the thoracolumbar spine)
- Wobblers (Caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy in large to giant breeds)
- Distraction/fusion of failed intervertebral discs
- Atlantoaxial instabilities
- Foraminotomy (L7 sciatica)
- Fracture/luxations requiring stabilisation
- Vertebral/spinal/brain tumour excisions
- Spinal congenital deformities
