Local Palm City Veterinarian Office

1. Orthopedics
Orthopedics is the branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels, skin, and connective tissue are all considered parts of the musculoskeleton. Orthopedists treat conditions affecting the muscles, bones, joints, and related structures. They specialize in treating diseases of the spine, limbs, and joints; they perform operations on the hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, ankle, foot, and hand.

2. Fractures
Fractures occur when bone breaks due to trauma or disease. A fracture may involve only a small area of bone, or it may extend through the entire length of the bone. Common types of fractures include those of the arm, leg, pelvis, ribs, skull, and jaw. Fractures are classified according to their location in the body, type of injury involved, and whether the bone heals without intervention.

3. Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation of a joint. There are two forms of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage deteriorates, causing pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis causes damage to the synovial membrane, which produces fluid that accumulates between the lining of the joint capsule and the joint itself. This thickens the lining, narrowing the space around the joint and making movement difficult. The most common symptoms of arthritis are joint pain, tenderness, swelling, and limited motion.

4. Tendonitis/Ligamentitis
A tendon is a cordlike band of fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone. Tendons attach muscles to bones at specific points called insertion areas. Ligaments are bands of tough white fibrous tissue that connect one bone to another. Tendons and ligaments allow us to move our bodies. When a tendon becomes inflamed or injured, it can cause pain and limit movement.

1. Laparoscopic Ovariectomy
Laparoscopic ovariectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove the ovaries from female dogs. This surgery is performed using a laparoscope, small camera attached to a light source and a long thin tube called a trocar. A small incision is made near the navel where the abdominal muscles are separated. The surgeon inserts the laparoscope into the abdomen and uses the trocar to puncture the skin and muscle layers. Once inside the body cavity, the surgeon removes the ovary by grasping it with forceps inserted through the trocar. After removing the ovary, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures.

2. Portosystemic Shunt Ligation
Portosystemic shunt ligations are surgical procedures that redirect blood flow away from the liver and back to the heart. They are commonly used to treat portosystemic shunts in dogs. A portosystemic shunt occurs when a vein bypasses the liver and returns blood directly to the heart. When this happens, the liver cannot filter toxins from the blood. As a result, the dog may develop problems related to the buildup of toxic substances in the bloodstream.

3. Splenectomy
Splenectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the spleen. It is often used to treat immune disorders in dogs. The spleen filters red blood cells and white blood cells from the blood. If the spleen does not work properly, the blood will contain too many red blood cells or white blood cells. This condition is known as splenic dysfunction.

4. Laparoscopic Gastropexy
Laparoscopic gastropexy is a surgical procedure that attaches the stomach to the diaphragm. It is commonly used to prevent gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) in dogs. GDV is a life threatening condition caused by twisting of the stomach around its esophagus. During laparoscopic gastropexy, a surgeon makes two small incisions in the abdomen. One incision is placed between the ribs while the second is placed just above the umbilicus. The surgeon then inserts a laparoscope and grasps the stomach with forceps. Using these instruments, he pulls the stomach toward the diaphragm and secures it with staples.