Here at the Avenue Veterinary Centre, we pride ourselves on being able to cope with most orthopaedic conditions, including fractures and spinal surgery. We are equipped to a high standard and can treat most small animal orthopaedic surgical cases.

Partner Richard Huddart has a keen interest in orthopaedics and was elected as Chairman of the Executive Committee of the British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association in 2013.

Equipment

Over the years, the practice has acquired a large range of orthopaedic equipment including air powered tools, implants, and an arthroscope, which allow us to treat most orthopaedic conditions. We can also offer arthroscopic joint surgery in some cases.

Hip Dysplasia

We offer surgery to help prevent the deterioration of hip dysplasia in young dogs as well as treating existing cases. We can also treat most types of fracture in dogs and cats.

Surgery for Cruciate Ligament Disease or Rupture

One of the most common conditions causing lameness in dogs is disease of the cranial cruciate ligament of the knee (stifle joint).  At Avenue Vets, we can offer a variety of surgical treatments for cruciate ligament disease including the Extracapsular Lateral Suture, Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) and Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO).

Orthopaedic and Spinal Emergencies

Most fractures occur as a result of trauma and we are able to manage most of these successfully. In addition, the practice is unusual in being able to manage many spinal surgical cases as this is usually the province of referral centres some distance away. We often collaborate with physiotherapy and hydrotherapy units in the area to assist in the post-operative recovery of our patients.

Referrals

Occasionally an injury or condition occurs which cannot be treated at the practice. Using our extensive range of contacts, we will refer these patients on to a specialist clinic where any required procedures can be safely carried out. Examples of these would include cases requiring MRI or CT imaging. We would normally recommend referral if Joint replacement surgery is advisable.

Acupuncture involves stimulation of specific locations in the body, usually by fine needles. These points trigger nervous or hormonal responses which aid in pain relief, enhance rates of healing and promote disease resistance.

Acupuncture is intended to complement conventional therapy, not replace it, so your pet will be offered acupuncture alongside other investigations or treatments such as X-rays, operations and/or medication.

What will an acupuncture session involve?

At first consultation, your pet's clinical history and recent treatments will be reviewed and a full examination given. This will include location of points specific to your pet’s condition (acupoints), palpation of any sore or tender areas, tender (Chinese ‘Ah Shi’) points and identification of ‘trigger points’ within muscles or joints. Fine needles will then be placed in the area for a few moments or removed straight away (depending on clinical assessment and your pet’s response). You are welcome to stay with your pet during the session, or take a seat in the waiting room if you prefer.

How often will my pet need to come for treatment?

This depends entirely on the condition under treatment and your pet’s response. Post-operative treatment for improved rates of healing may only require one or two sessions. Treatment of chronic arthritis may need weekly sessions initially, but could be maintained at 4 to 6 week intervals.

Are there any side effects?

Most of the adverse reactions documented are from human acupuncture and include:

• Fainting
• Sweating
• Sedation
• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Pain
• Stuck needles
• Local infection
• Contact allergy
• Nerve damage

Most of these are temporary and easily resolved, but do ask if you have any specific concerns.

Will my insurance cover acupuncture?

Most companies will now honour claims for acupuncture courses, but we’d advise you to check with your own company before making a claim.

Are there any situations in which acupuncture would not be used?

Pregnant animals or those fitted with a cardiac pace-maker will need special assessment before proceeding with acupuncture. Some animals may not like the needling sensation. General anaesthetic or sedation may be used in some circumstances, but treatment should not be pursued if it is causing distress.