Pet Orthopedic Examinations
As part of your pet’s physical examination, your BetterVet veterinarian will evaluate their orthopedic health and neurologic function. There are a variety of ways we can assess your pet’s orthopedic functioning. Problems often manifest themselves very subtly, so it is important for you to let us know of any changes you’ve noticed at home.
Same-day or next-day availability in most locations
Our Process
Our assessment will begin the moment we arrive to evaluate your pet’s gait and coordination at our greeting. Pet parents often expect their dog or cat to cry if they're in pain. However, pets experiencing orthopedic pain often hide their weakness and pain and may only exhibit mild lameness, hesitation to rise or lie down, difficulty navigating stairs, and/or increased reactivity around a particularly painful area. Our veterinarians will ask you about these observations. In addition, we will evaluate the range of motion in your pet’s joints and palpate their vertebrae to check for back pain.
Orthopedic Care for Older Dogs and Cats
Older animals often experience a decline in orthopedic health, so it is important to create a treatment plan that addresses your pet’s mobility and quality of life. Our veterinarians will make appropriate recommendations, including pain management, based on our examination. We are committed to the quality of life of your pet and ensuring that you enjoy many happy years together. If you have concerns about your pet’s quality of life, we can also provide Quality-of-Life Consultation and guidance as well as end-of-life care. We may also make recommendations for further testing or refer you to a board-certified pet orthopedic specialist (for an additional cost).
