LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga., June 23, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pain management is important for people in order for them to achieve and maintain wellness; animal pain management is equally important for the same reason. Yet it's difficult to achieve that goal for beloved pets because they can't explain what's bothering them or what happened to cause the pain in the first place. Russell Ridge Animal Hospital recently launched its new website, which includes valuable information on animal pain management. The highly qualified team of three veterinarians, with over four decades of veterinary experience among them, explain that animal pain management is essential because "No one likes to see their pet go through pain, but just like people, pets get older and need animal pain management to help them stay happy and comfortable" and "we can help you identify potential causes of pain in your pet," say the veterinarians.
Common causes of pain in pets can vary from ear infections and gastrointestinal distress, to dental problems, arthritis, and hip dysplasia. Since pets unfortunately cannot tell their owners what's wrong, and sometimes don't exhibit any obvious signs of pain, the vets at Russell Ridge emphasized the importance of regular wellness exams for pets, combined with diagnostic tests and radiology services if an exam reveals a problem.
When animal pain management goes beyond the pain relief solutions of animal medications and strengthening exercises, the vets at Russell Ridge explained a potential next step is pet orthopedic surgery most commonly to repair various types of fractures.
For instance, some canine breeds are prone to hip dysplasia and fractures, which require what is known as Femoral Head Osteotomy (FHO) surgery. This surgery aligns the hip joint and improves stability and mobility. This is an important aspect of animal pain management, because unrepaired hip dysplasia and fractures can lead to erosion of joint cartilage, and eventually, the pain of arthritis. FHO surgery, therefore, is a preventative measure.
Another common pet orthopedic surgical procedure is one that repairs knee injuries in dogs. This procedure is known as Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA), which involves improving how the quadriceps muscle rotates as it pulls on the tendon connected to the patella. This important step in animal pain management relieves knee pain common in larger dogs, improves range of motion, and therefore staves off the development of arthritis and its accompanying pain. TTA surgery, like FHO surgery, is a preventative measure and an important tool in animal pain management.
Russell Ridge Animal Hospital is located at 738 Ridge Road in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Pet owners in Lawrenceville and surrounding communities are welcome to visit the website at http://www.mygavet-rrah.com/ to speak with the Animal Hospital's client care manager or one of the receptionists, all of whom are happy to answer questions or concerns about animal pain management, as well as to make appointments. Your pets, young and old, will be in good hands at Russell Ridge Animal Hospital.