Heartworm disease, spread by mosquitoes, damages the heart and lungs and can cause serious, lasting illness in dogs. Year-round prevention and annual testing are the safest and most effective ways to protect your pet.

Discovering Heartworm Disease in Dog's

Pet birds - from parakeets to finches - need proper nutrition, enrichment, and safe housing to stay healthy and happy. Because they hide illness well, any change in behavior should prompt immediate veterinary attention.

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Storms and hurricanes can separate pets from their families, making emergency planning essential. Keep medical records accessible, ensure microchipping, and maintain a stocked pet emergency kit with basic supplies, food, and water.

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Overgrooming often appears as broken, fuzzy hairs - especially on the belly and inner thighs - and can stem from medical issues like parasites, allergies, or endocrine disease. Stress can also be a major trigger, but with proper diagnosis, most cases resolve successfully.

Overgrooming in Cats

Intervertebral Disc Disease causes spinal pain and mobility issues, especially in long-backed breeds, and requires prompt veterinary attention. With proper diagnosis, treatment, and careful home support, your involvement is key to helping your pet recover comfortably.

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Fri Jun 13 2025 17:01:29 GMT+0530 (India Standard Time)

Colorado Canine Orthopedics

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At Colorado Canine Orthopedics, we deliver advanced orthopedic care for dogs and cats with innovative treatments, compassionate service, and an exceptional client experience, improving the lives of pets and their families.

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Boarding, bathing, and daycare reservations can be made online via our webpage or by downloading the Blue Springs Pet Resort app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store.<div> </div><div>Please note that our reservation system requires payment by credit card and we cannot accept other forms of payment for Pet Resort services.&nbsp;</div><div> </div><div>Select your preference below and set up your account to get connected with us. ***Please create only one account per family.***</div><div> </div><div>We look forward to seeing your pet soon!</div><div> </div>

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<div class="embed-script-block embed-script-block--video embed-script-block--align-center " data-type="embed-script" data-content="&lt;iframe 
 width=&quot;100%&quot; 
 height=&quot;400&quot; 
 src=&quot;https://player.vimeo.com/video/489038576&quot; 
 title=&quot;Video player&quot; 
 frameborder=&quot;0&quot; 
 allow=&quot;accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture&quot; 
 allowfullscreen
 style=&quot;aspect-ratio: 16/9; max-width: 100%;&quot;&gt;
&lt;/iframe&gt;" data-title="Vimeo Video" data-embed-type="video" data-video-url="https://vimeo.com/489038576" data-width="100%" data-align="center" data-inline="false" style="width: 100%; max-width: 100%; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><iframe class="embed-script-output-frame embed-script-output-frame--video" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/489038576" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 16/9; max-width: 100%; border: none; display: block;"></iframe></div><h2 dir="auto">Overview</h2>The word fracture as used in orthopedic surgery, essentially means “broken bone”. The word fracture does not imply the severity or lack of severity of the break. The most common cause of fractures in small animals involves some form of trauma such as being hit by an automobile. Virtually all bones are susceptible to fracture, but fractures of the long, weight bearing bones (humerus, radius, femur and tibia) and pelvis are most common. Simple non-displaced fractures can be repaired by external coaptation (splints and casts). Complicated and displaced fractures usually require some form of internal fixation such as plates, rods, nails, pins, wires, and screws for stabilization.The most important aspect of fracture management is to be certain no life threatening problems exist. Fractures, in and of themselves, are almost never life threatening but concurrent thoracic and abdominal trauma may be. Animals that have sustained major trauma should be taken to a general veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately following trauma. Once the patient is stable and internal injuries have been ruled out or addressed, fracture repair options should be considered.<h2 dir="auto">Fracture Classification</h2>Fractures are classified by what bone is involved (example: femur), location of fracture (example: mid-shaft), morphology or configuration (example: spiral), multi-fragments (example: comminuted), if the skin has been penetrated (example: open) and joint involvement (intra-articular). An additional classification system is present for juvenile fractures involving the growth plates (physes). Moreover, complex classification systems exist for specific joint involvement and for open fractures. Fracture classification is useful in communication, fracture planning and prognosis.<h2 dir="auto">Diagnosis of Fractures</h2>The diagnosis of fractures are based on physical examination followed by radiographs (X-rays). In some instances, a CT scan is indicated to identify all fracture fragments. CT scans are especially helpful in complicated pelvic fractures and fractures involving joints.<div style="text-align: center;" class="image"><img height="auto" style="" src="https://cms-uvc-prod-asset.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/1759451549208-c552f0ac-5cb2-4481-88f2-5252f7f517b5-9.png" flipx="false" flipy="false" width="500" align="center" inline="false"></div><div class="columns" cols="2"><div class="column" index="0"><h2 dir="auto"></h2></div><div class="column" index="1"></div></div><div class="columns" cols="2"><div class="column" index="0"><h2 dir="auto">Treatment Options for Fracture Repair</h2>Of course, the first question regarding fracture repair is does the patient require surgery or can the case be well managed with splints, casts and confinement. Non-displaced fractures, especially in young animals are often amendable to external support, also known as external coaptation (splints and casts). External coaptation has pros and cons like any treatment option. The pros are the patient avoids surgery and the initial cost is much less. The cons are splint management, fracture displacement and non-unions. Splints and cast are virtually always problematic in one way or another. Slippage, cast sores, vascular compromise and soiling are the most common problems. Splints and casts must be kept clean and dry and should be changed weekly or every-other week. Animals wearing splints or casts require confinement and Elizabethan collars should be used for the duration of healing (2-3 months on average). That said, there are situation where external coaptation is the best option, but it should not be looked at as an “easy fix”.Displaced fractures and those involving joints usually require internal fixation. Long bone fractures involving the weight bearing bones of the front or hind limbs, are typically repaired using bone plates, intramedullary nails, pins and wires and/or external fixators.</div><div class="column" index="1"><div style="text-align: center;" class="image"><img height="auto" style="" src="https://cms-uvc-prod-asset.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/1759451571712-fea151e9-6b43-4ad5-a843-9cc847e907e5-9.png" flipx="false" flipy="false" width="200" align="center" inline="false"></div></div></div><div class="columns" cols="2"><div class="column" index="0"><h2 dir="auto">Plate and Screw Fixation</h2>Plate and screw fixation are arguably the most common form of fracture repair utilized in small animal orthopedics. Plates used for stabilizing fractures are made of surgical stainless steel or titanium and are fixated internally and held in place with bone screws. Newer plate technology involves locking screws that thread into both the bone and plates resulting in greater stability and shorter healing times. Plates come in a plethora of sizes both in thickness and length (figure 1). Figures 2-4 are examples of plate fixation. It is not uncommon to utilize individual bone screws in conjunction with plates.<div style="text-align: center;" class="image"><img height="auto" style="" src="https://cms-uvc-prod-asset.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/1759451623872-2cb31185-488c-4247-b527-b9fb710c22a8-9.png" flipx="false" flipy="false" align="center" inline="false"></div></div><div class="column" index="1"><div style="text-align: center;" class="image"><img height="auto" style="" src="https://cms-uvc-prod-asset.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/1759451634314-59168ab0-1dc6-4925-b1c4-8b3d3f519e63-9.png" flipx="false" flipy="false" align="center" inline="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;" class="image"><img height="auto" style="" src="https://cms-uvc-prod-asset.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/1759451647213-c9b1684c-a3b4-4b4c-9d19-ff978cb9107f-9.png" flipx="false" flipy="false" align="center" inline="false"></div></div></div><div class="columns" cols="2"><div class="column" index="0"><h2 dir="auto">Interlocking, Intramedullary (IM) Nail Fixation</h2>Interlocking, intramedullary (IM) nailing is another established method used to align and stabilize canine fractures (figure 5). Unlike old style IM pins, threaded bolts are placed through holes in the ends of nails to provide rotational stability. This level of strength and stability are not possible with IM pins alone. Nails are inserted into the central canal of long bones of the extremities (e.g. femur, humerus, tibia) (figure 6).This system offers superior stability for highly comminuted (many pieces) long bone fractures as well as enabling the practice of biological repair (preserving fracture hematoma).<div style="text-align: center;" class="image"><img height="auto" style="" src="https://cms-uvc-prod-asset.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/1759451704517-e48abb8a-e70c-4b4d-9d79-ec6c16ab332d-9.png" flipx="false" flipy="false" align="center" inline="false"></div></div><div class="column" index="1"><div style="text-align: center;" class="image"><img height="auto" style="" src="https://cms-uvc-prod-asset.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/1759451711379-06a33094-e412-4d30-b6cf-9bb2f4919cff-9.png" flipx="false" flipy="false" width="500" align="center" inline="false"></div></div></div><div class="columns" cols="2"><div class="column" index="0"><h2 dir="auto">External Skeletal Fixation</h2>External skeletal fixation has been available to veterinarians for many years (figure 7). There has been a recent resurgence in the use of these devices, as surgeons are finding that minimally invasive reduction of bone fragments combined with rigid fixation provides a more biologic method of fixation for many fractures. External skeletal fixation is also used in conjunction with other repair methods such as IM pinning.<div style="text-align: center;" class="image"><img height="auto" style="" src="https://cms-uvc-prod-asset.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/1759451737529-18bf4335-d404-4c62-bc76-41a81354ef75-9.png" flipx="false" flipy="false" align="center" inline="false"></div>External skeletal fixation involves pins placed percutaneously (through the skin), proximal and distal (above and below) to the fracture fragments and connected to an external frame. External skeletal fixation can be use for various types of fractures and is often used for complex procedures such as angular limb deformity and elbow incongruency correction and distraction osteosynthesis (figures 8 and 9).<div style="text-align: center;" class="image"><img height="auto" style="" src="https://cms-uvc-prod-asset.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/1759451760771-c2c58c2f-920b-4947-9e0c-db0d34699a27-9.png" flipx="false" flipy="false" align="center" inline="false"></div></div><div class="column" index="1"><div style="text-align: center;" class="image"><img height="auto" style="" src="https://cms-uvc-prod-asset.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/1759451813909-3ce0063e-2678-4bb9-9729-d0af02e0506c-9.png" flipx="false" flipy="false" width="500" align="center" inline="false"></div></div></div><div class="columns" cols="2"><div class="column" index="0"><h2 dir="auto"> Recovery and Prognosis Following Fracture Repair</h2>Recovery, prognosis and time frame of healing following fracture repair is quite variable depending on the type of fracture and age of the patient. On average, fracture healing progresses gradually over a two to four-month period. During this postoperative period patient activity should be limited. Again, the degree of restrictions depends upon the fracture and fracture repair.<h2 dir="auto">Joint Dislocations</h2>Joint dislocations, also called luxations, are common in veterinary orthopedics. Trauma is almost always the culprit although congenital patella luxations and congenital shoulder luxations in toy breed dogs are the exceptions.In the front limb elbow, luxations are most common but shoulder and carpal (wrist) joints also occur. In the hind limb, hip luxations are by far the most common but again, stifle (knee) and tarsal (ankle) joint luxations also occur. The diagnosis is based on physical examination and radiographs (X-rays). Treatment options are quiet variable depending on joint involved. Closed, non-surgical reduction is possible for some luxations.Hip or coxofemoral, luxations represent the most common canine joint luxation (Figure 10). Some are amendable to closed, non-surgical reduction, however recurrence is common. Surgical treatment is indicated in dogs with abnormal hip confirmation (hip dysplasia), in situations where a small bone fragments breaks off at the time of luxation and if closed, non-surgical treatment has failed either immediately or weeks later. In dogs with normal hip confirmation, open reductions and stabilization using an “artificial” ligament and toggle pin technique is indicated and carries a very good prognosis. In large breed dogs with abnormal hip confirmation, total hip replacement is the ideal treatment option with an excellent prognosis (Figure 11). In small breed dogs and cats, good to excellent results can be achieved by removing the femoral head (femoral head ostectomy or FHO).<h2 dir="auto"></h2></div><div class="column" index="1"><div style="text-align: center;" class="image"><img height="auto" style="" src="https://cms-uvc-prod-asset.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/1759451960570-22d2361d-70b4-4a09-876b-c872eb476ce7-9.png" flipx="false" flipy="false" align="center" inline="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;" class="image"><img height="auto" style="" src="https://cms-uvc-prod-asset.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/1759451996311-5098ba6d-f1da-4ce1-9ed2-c55858c55715-9.png" flipx="false" flipy="false" width="306" align="center" inline="false"></div></div></div><h2 dir="auto">Prices for fracture fixation and joint dislocations are variable based on type of injury and procedure required for repair</h2>Costs for fracture repair and joint luxations vary depending on the extent of the injury and the surgical procedure required. We will provide information about costs for your dog’s case at your consultation. Please feel free to contact us with questions.At Colorado Canine Orthopedics we are committed to providing only state of the art, non-compromised pet healthcare. We realize some pet owners may find this level of care relatively costly. However, despite the inherently expensive nature of our work, we are dedicated to providing the highest level of care at the most affordable price possible. We believe if you compare our fees to other specialty practices you will find this true.

Colorado Canine Orthopedics provides expert care for dogs with fractures and dislocations. Our board-certified surgeons use advanced imaging and proven surgical techniques to repair broken bones and joint injuries, relieve pain, and restore mobility. We create personalized treatment plans to help your dog heal safely and return to an active life.

Fractures and Dislocations

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This is what we do every day so we are able to provide the best Orthopedic care for your pet.

Advanced techniques mean most of our patients can go home the same day after surgery!

We care about our patients and treat them like they are our own pets. Lots of pet love here!

We perform CT scans, musculoskeletal ultrasounds, fluoroscopy, & arthroscopy to confirm the diagnosis.

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At all times, in all ways, we are honest, ethical, and committed to our high standards.

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Every day, in every way no matter big or small, we aim to be better than the day before.

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Colorado Canine Orthopedics accepts cash as well as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit cards.

Pet Insurance is different than human insurance. With any appointment or surgical procedure, payment in full will be collected at the time of service and the client would send that information to their Pet Insurance provider for reimbursement.

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At Colorado Canine Orthopedics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating canine ACL tears with advanced orthopedic techniques. Our board-certified surgeons bring decades of experience to every case, helping dogs of all breeds recover faster and return to active lives. Learn more about our approach and schedule your dog's consultation today to get them moving comfortably again.

ACL Tears

Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) is the optimal treatment for dogs with ACL tears.

TPLO

Colorado Canine Orthopedics offers expert diagnosis and advanced treatment for canine hip dysplasia, a common genetic joint condition causing pain and mobility issues in dogs. Tailored surgical and non-surgical options help reduce discomfort and improve quality of life. Contact us today to protect your dog's hips and keep them active.

Hip Dysplasia

Colorado Canine Orthopedics, located in Colorado Springs, offers expert canine total hip replacement surgery to relieve pain and restore mobility for dogs with hip dysplasia or chronic joint issues. Performed by board-certified orthopedic surgeons using advanced techniques, most pets regain full function and return home quickly after surgery.

Total Hip Replacement

Colorado Canine Orthopedics provides expert diagnosis and advanced surgical treatment for medial patella luxation in dogs. Learn about symptoms, causes, grading, and corrective procedures designed to restore knee stability, reduce pain, and improve mobility. Trusted canine orthopedic specialists delivering comprehensive care for patellar luxation in Colorado.

Patella Luxation

Canine elbow dysplasia is a hereditary developmental joint condition that causes abnormal bone alignment and cartilage wear, leading to forelimb lameness, pain, limited range of motion, and osteoarthritis in medium to large breed dogs. The service page highlights advanced diagnosis and surgical and non-surgical treatment options to manage this condition and improve canine mobility.

Elbow Dysplasia

Canine shoulder disorders include juvenile osteochondritis dissecans, athletic injuries, tendinopathies, medial shoulder instability and bicipital tendon issues in dogs, with diagnosis by exam, imaging, ultrasound or arthroscopy and advanced treatments to restore mobility and reduce pain at Colorado Canine Orthopedics.

Shoulder Disorders

Arthroscopy at Colorado Canine Orthopedics offers advanced minimally invasive joint surgery for dogs using a tiny camera and tools to diagnose and treat conditions like ligament tears, cartilage damage, and dysplasia. This precise procedure improves diagnosis, reduces recovery time, and enhances joint health.

Arthroscopy

At Colorado Canine Orthopedics, we are able to perform spinal surgery on many small breed dogs. There may be cases that need to be referred to a neurologist, but we will always recommend what is the best choice for your dog's well being and prognosis. 

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Fractures and Dislocations