Arthrodesis surgery can sound pretty scary, but it is actually a fairly routine surgery for dogs dealing with chronic joint pain.
There are a lot of available surgeries for our pets, and it’s understandable that owners want to know more about veterinary medicine and what their pets are going through. If your pup ever does need surgery, your primary veterinarian and board-certified veterinary surgeon will be happy to walk you through the process and explain it to you until you’re comfortable.
This is simply a basic overview of arthrodesis surgery, which is sometimes required for dogs that have severely damaged joints.
What is arthrodesis surgery?
Arthrodesis surgery is the fusion of two joints. During this surgery, damaged cartilage is removed from the affected joint, and hardware is used to hold the joint together and allow it to fuse. The hardware used commonly consists of metal plates, screws, and wires.
Why is it performed?
Arthrodesis surgery is most commonly performed to combat pain due to arthritis. This kind of surgery is typically reserved for when pain has gotten to a point that other pain relief options are no longer working as they should, and the dog is experiencing chronic, severe pain. While arthritis is the most common reason for arthrodesis, it is sometimes also done due to a severe injury that leaves the joint damaged beyond normal repair.
MDVSS performs 3 types of arthrodesis surgeries:
- Pancarpal Arthrodesis
- Partial Carpal Arthrodesis
- Pantarsal Arthrodesis
What is the prognosis?
The prognosis for dogs that receive pancarpal or partial carpal arthrodesis is generally quite good, and these dogs tend to have an easier time getting back to normal due to the fact that these are low-motion joints and their limited range of motion after arthrodesis shouldn’t affect the pup too significantly in most cases. This also tends to be true for dogs who undergo pantarsal arthrodesis. The limited range of motion is more problematic when arthrodesis is done on the elbow or knee joints due to the dog not being able to bend their leg properly.
While all surgery comes with a level of risk, arthrodesis is not considered riskier than any other routine surgery. As always, keep a close eye on your furry companion after their surgery, follow the aftercare instructions you were given by your veterinary surgeon, and call your primary veterinarian with any questions or concerns you have.
Trust Maryland Veterinary Surgical Services With Your Companion’s Health
Your companion’s health is important, and the team at MVSS is ready to provide the best care possible for your furry family. We are dedicated to combining comprehensive exams and assessments with informative and honest discussions of your companion’s care. Once we have worked with you to decide on the best course of action for your dog, our professionals will use their surgical expertise to work towards the goal of giving your companion an active and pain-free life. We are proud to serve loyal companions in Catonsville and Baltimore. To learn more about our services, give us a call at 410-788-4088 or visit us online. For more information and tips for pet health, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.