In-Home Orthopedic Vet Exam For Dogs
Within the comfort of your home, our dedicated WonderVet veterinarians will conduct a comprehensive physical and orthopaedic assessment of your pet’s well-being. We use a myriad of techniques to scrutinise your pet’s orthopaedic status. As symptoms often appear subtly, it is crucial to share any changes in your pet’s behaviour or condition that you’ve observed.
Our Approach
From the moment we meet your pet, the in-home orthopaedic evaluation commences. We begin by observing your pet’s movement and coordination. While many pet owners anticipate vocal indicators of discomfort, pets often mask their pain and weakness, only showing subtle signs such as a slight limp, hesitation to move, struggle with stairs, or a heightened sensitivity to touch in certain areas. Our veterinarians will discuss these observations with you, in addition to evaluating your pet’s joint mobility and checking their spine for any signs of discomfort.
In-Home Orthopaedic Support for Senior Dogs and Cats
Elderly pets frequently show signs of deteriorating orthopaedic health, thus, it’s essential to develop a care plan that prioritises your pet’s mobility and quality of life. Based on the in-home orthopaedic evaluation, our veterinarians will propose suitable recommendations, including pain management strategies. We are committed to enhancing your pet’s quality of life and ensuring joyful and healthy years ahead. If you have concerns about your pet’s well-being, we can also provide Quality-of-Life Consultations, guidance, and end-of-life care. In some instances, we might suggest further testing or referrals to a board-certified veterinary orthopaedic specialist (for an extra charge).
Frequently Asked Questions
An orthopaedic evaluation for a dog is a thorough examination by a veterinarian to assess the status of the musculoskeletal system. Our in-home evaluations include an exhaustive inspection of your pet’s muscles, joints, ligaments, and bones. We also measure your pet’s range of motion and search for any indications of discomfort or pain.
During a home visit, one of our veterinary doctors will gather information about your pet’s age, appetite, weight, and lifestyle. Based on this information, we will make recommendations for your cat or dog’s nutritional needs. We can assist you in determining the appropriate formulated diet based on your pet’s life stage. We also consider any chronic illness that could be managed with diet and can recommend nutraceuticals as needed.
The evaluation of your pet’s orthopaedic health commences with an overview of your pet’s medical history and a general physical examination. This is followed by an in-depth orthopaedic assessment that can be performed during a home visit, which includes a thorough evaluation of your pet’s muscles, joints, ligaments, and bones. Based on the assessment, we may suggest additional tests or refer your pet to an orthopaedic specialist.
Hip dysplasia is among the most prevalent orthopaedic issues in dogs. This condition, where a dog’s hip joints do not develop properly, results in the bones rubbing against each other. Over time, this friction leads to the deterioration of the hip joints, causing discomfort, and pain, and potentially affecting your pet’s mobility.
Osteoarthritis is a commonly observed orthopaedic condition in cats. Often diagnosed based on our physical examination and your cat’s medical history, we can recommend various treatments to manage your cat’s symptoms, such as pain medication and dietary modifications.
Indicators that your dog may have a torn ligament or muscle include pain when touched, lameness, limping, swelling, and possibly bruising. In cases of mild tears, the only visible symptom might be your dog favouring one leg. If you notice any of these signs, it’s advisable to schedule an appointment with our mobile veterinarians. Based on a thorough physical examination, we may recommend additional diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, for a clearer understanding of your dog’s condition. In cases of severe injuries, a referral to a veterinary orthopaedic specialist might be necessary.
