Just like humans, dogs and cats can suffer from fractures due to accidents, fights, or sports injuries, affecting the long bones in their legs. Fractures may be incomplete, where the bone bends but does not break completely, or complete, which can be classified as transverse, oblique, or comminuted. Open fractures involve a wound through the skin, while closed fractures do not. Signs of a fracture include severe lameness and the inability to bear weight on the affected limb. A thorough evaluation by a veterinarian is essential, often involving X-rays to assess any underlying injuries. Treatment options may include casts, splints, or surgical fixation, with the approach determined by the fracture type and the pet's overall health. Post-surgery, it’s vital to monitor bandages, restrict activity, and follow the veterinarian's care instructions. Physical therapy can also aid recovery, helping to improve mobility and reduce pain.

Canine elbow dysplasia (ED) is a condition affecting the elbow joint, particularly in large and giant breeds, caused by growth abnormalities in the radius, ulna, and humerus that prevent proper alignment. This misalignment leads to abnormal weight distribution, resulting in pain, lameness, and the eventual development of arthritis. Symptoms often appear as early as 5 months old, with lameness worsening after exercise. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and X-rays, and may include advanced imaging like CT or MRI scans. Treatment usually requires surgical intervention for moderate to severe cases, such as removing loose cartilage or correcting joint incongruity, followed by essential post-operative care to limit activity during recovery. While ED cannot be cured, a combination of surgery and medical management can significantly improve a dog's comfort and mobility.

Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) disease is a prevalent cause of hind leg lameness in dogs, affecting the stability of the knee joint, similar to the ACL in humans. Unlike sudden injuries in humans, dogs typically experience gradual degeneration of the CCL, leading to partial or complete ruptures, resulting in pain, limping, and arthritis. All breeds, sizes, and ages can be affected, with overweight or poorly conditioned dogs at higher risk. Common symptoms include difficulty standing, sitting, or jumping. Early detection is crucial, as osteoarthritis may develop before noticeable symptoms appear. Diagnosis involves assessing gait, performing physical exams, and using X-rays to evaluate joint health; specific tests like the cranial drawer and tibial compression tests help assess stability. Timely management can slow the progression of arthritis and relieve discomfort.

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a common spinal condition affecting dogs, particularly those with chondrodystrophic traits, such as Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, and Shih Tzus. It involves the degeneration of intervertebral discs, leading to reduced shock absorption, disc herniation, and potentially spinal cord compression. IVDD can manifest as Hansen type I, characterized by the sudden extrusion of inner disc material in smaller breeds, or Hansen type II, involving gradual bulging in larger breeds. Symptoms include localized pain, reluctance to move, abnormal posture, and in severe cases, weakness or paralysis. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and advanced imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. Treatment options range from conservative management, such as rest and pain relief, to surgical intervention for severe cases, which can relieve pressure on the spinal cord and improve mobility. Post-surgery recovery may include a tailored rehabilitation program, and while some dogs may regain full function, others might require mobility aids if they experience significant mobility loss.

Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO) is a specialised surgical procedure for treating dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries. It involves creating a curved cut in the tibia and rotating the tibial plateau to stabilise the knee joint without relying on the CCL. A metal plate and screws secure the bone in its new position, which are typically left in place unless complications arise. TPLO surgery offers superior long-term outcomes compared to traditional ligament replacement techniques, allowing for quicker recovery and enabling dogs to start using the affected limb within days. With a success rate exceeding 90%, many dogs return to normal activity levels post-recovery, making it a trusted option for performance dogs. Advanced techniques, like gait analysis, are utilised to assess walking patterns before and after surgery to ensure optimal results.

A splenectomy is a surgical procedure that may be necessary for dogs when certain medical conditions arise. The spleen (which plays a role in filtering blood, storing red and white blood cells, and supporting the immune system) sometimes needs to be removed due to issues like tumours, trauma, or ruptures. During a splenectomy, the dog is placed under general anesthesia, and the surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen to remove the spleen. Recovery usually takes about 10 to 14 days, during which time it is important to keep the dog in a calm environment and monitor the incision for signs of infection or internal bleeding.

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart defect where a fetal blood vessel (ductus arteriosus) fails to close after birth. This vessel, which connects the aorta and pulmonary artery, allows blood to bypass the lungs while the fetus receives oxygen from the placenta. When a puppy takes its first breath, the ductus normally closes, ensuring blood circulates through the lungs for oxygenation. However, if it remains open, or “patent,” blood is redirected from the aorta back into the pulmonary artery, leading to increased workload on the heart. Over time, this can result in heart enlargement, congestive heart failure, or even reverse PDA. PDA is more common in female dogs and certain small breeds (Maltese, Pomeranians, and Shetland Sheepdogs). The diagnosis typically occurs when a veterinarian detects a loud heart murmur during an exam. Chest x-rays and an echocardiogram can confirm the diagnosis. Treatment includes surgical closure of the duct with a high success rate if treated early.

Anal sacs are small pouches located near the anus of dogs and cats that produce smelly secretions. Although most pets experience no issues with their anal sacs, some may develop infections or cancer in these glands. Anal sac infections can cause pain and discomfort and may require surgery, known as an anal sacculectomy. Anal sac cancers, such as apocrine gland adenocarcinoma, are more common in older pets and may present as a lump near the anus. The diagnosis is typically made by a rectal examination and confirmed by fine needle aspiration (FNA). Surgery may be necessary to remove the affected sac and, if needed, nearby lymph nodes. While all surgeries carry some risk, including infection or complications with major blood vessels, these risks are minimized when performed by specialized veterinary surgeons. After surgery, pets will need a quiet recovery period and proper wound care.

Skin flaps are used to treat wounds caused by trauma, burns, or surgery. A skin flap is a section of skin that remains attached to the body via a major artery and vein, allowing it to heal more effectively. Skin flaps are preferred over skin grafts because they have their own blood supply, making them more resilient to factors like movement, fluid buildup, and infection. In contrast, a skin graft is a thin layer of skin removed from the body and placed over a wound, relying on blood vessels from the wound to attach over time. There is a risk that the tip of the flap could fail, potentially requiring additional surgery, however, most skin flaps heal successfully without complications, providing a reliable way to treat large or difficult wounds.

Lung lobe torsion is a rare condition where a lung lobe twists on its attachment, cutting off its blood supply. Affected dogs are usually 4-5 years old, with males being more prone. Causes for lung torsions can be spontaneous or linked to conditions like chylothorax, tumours, or prior thoracic surgery. The twisting leads to lung congestion, fluid buildup (pleural effusion), or air in the chest (pneumothorax), making breathing difficult. Symptoms can range from sudden to a more gradual onset, including coughing, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. To diagnose lung lobe torsion, blood tests and imaging like x-rays or CT scans are essential. Treatment begins with stabilizing the patient, often requiring drainage of fluid or air through a procedure called thoracocentesis. The definitive treatment is surgical removal of the affected lung lobe (lobectomy), performed through a thoracotomy (incision into the chest).

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) affects short-muzzled breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs, causing breathing difficulties due to airway obstructions like narrowed nostrils, elongated soft palates, and narrow windpipes. Symptoms include noisy breathing, exercise intolerance, regurgitation of food or foamy saliva, and in severe cases, collapse or blue gums. While mild cases can be managed with weight control and minimizing stress, severe cases often require surgery to improve airflow, with earlier intervention leading to better outcomes. Surgical options include widening of the nostrils (Naroplasty) or shortening the soft palate (Soft Palate Resection).