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Matilda X-ray with external fixator

Orthopaedics

Fracture Surgery

Experts in fracture surgery. Pain free commitment.

Our orthopaedic team

Our orthopaedic surgeons, Patrick McKee and Niall Thompson, have repaired a wide variety of fracture cases. Our expertise, unique surgical approach and pain free commitment consistently result in a smooth recovery and excellent long term exercise ability.

To speak with Patrick or Niall, call us on 028 9041 9374 or message us on WhatsApp.

Patrick McKee and Niall Thompson

The damage caused

When a dog breaks a bone, the symptoms will often be evident right away. The bone will either have broken through the skin, or it will have broken inside the body without breaking the skin; both cause a severe amount of pain.

If your dog whines or whimpers when a specific body part is touched, that may be one clue that they have sustained this significant injury. Other signs of a broken bone may include:

  • Swelling and bruising surrounding the affected joint
  • Difficulty moving the leg, accompanied by pain and stiffness
  • An asymmetrical appearance (one leg looks deformed, swollen, or otherwise out of place)
  • Bending, twisting, or shortening of the leg
Types of bone fracture

How is a fracture treated?

There are a few options when it comes to repairing fractures. These may include performing surgery to repair the bone, setting the bone or, in extremely severe cases, amputating the limb.

The first step in repairing a fracture is taking X-rays to assess the type and extent of the fracture.

Fracture repair surgery requires a very careful and planned approach to get consistently good results, with great care taken in getting the detail of the surgery correct for each patient. Surgical repair is commonly the most effective way to deal with broken bones in animals, and Patrick and Niall apply meticulous surgical principles to every case.

Archie radius X-ray after plate repair

Fracture repair testimonial

Matilda, 6 years old, Domestic Shorthair

Right hind tibial fracture repair.

Before

Matilda X-ray before surgery

After

Matilda X-ray with external fixator
Matilda the cat relaxing at home

“We found Matilda outside the house in a bad way in January 2019, and we assumed she had been hit by a car and crawled home. Ashwood Vets stayed open to allow us to get her there and she was treated as an emergency. Her injuries were severe but somehow Patrick and the team performed amazing surgery and gave her great aftercare. Five years later she’s larger than life and loves jumping to play.”

Sharon Smyth

Owner of Matilda, who at only one and a half years old underwent tibial fracture repair with an external fixator, removed in stages over four months as the bone healed and grew stronger.

Fracture repair

Archie, 3 years old, Poodle

Fracture repair of the right radius.

Before
Archie radius fracture X-ray before surgery
After
Archie radius X-ray after plate repair

Talk to Patrick or Niall

We accept referrals for orthopaedic problems and lameness investigations. Call or WhatsApp the clinic, or book a consultation to get started.

Message us on WhatsApp

Send us a message and we will reply as soon as we can.

Start the conversation

07893947106

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