LAS VEGAS, March 17, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dr. David Drake of St. Francis Animal Hospital provides option of pet surgery services for dogs and cats of all ages, including seniors for area pets. Due to the unique health needs facing senior pets, the animal vet hospital follows strict safety and pain management protocols to protect a pet's health during an operation. Common senior pet surgeries include orthopedic and hip surgery to address arthritis and mobility problems due to aging. The veterinary practice treats a variety of orthopedic problems, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cruciate rupture and patella luxation.
Older pets that suffer from arthritis may benefit from the senior pet surgical services. While operating on a senior pet is more challenging than a younger animal, the veterinary care team at St. Francis Animal Hospital says that despite these challenges, the majority of operations produce a favorable outcome.
"Many senior pets face serious mobility restrictions due to advancing arthritis," said Las Vegas veterinarian Dr. David Drake. "Early surgical intervention is the best way to safely manage these advancing health problems. Orthopedic surgery or hip surgery can bring mobility back to older dogs while also relieving serious joint pain."
The practice also provides pet surgery services for a canine cruciate ligament rupture, which is the most common cause for hind lameness in dogs.
"A cruciate ligament rupture can happen to any dog, although this injury is most common in active breeds," said Dr. Drake. "Without intervention, this rupture can lead to irreversible arthritis. Corrective orthopedic surgery is essential to repairing the rupture and stabilizing the nearby joints."
The Las Vegas animal hospital follows a safety and pain management protocol during surgical procedures. Prior to administering anesthesia, all pets undergo diagnostic blood work. This test will help identify any underlying health conditions that might be adversely affected by anesthesia. This is especially important in older pets that are more likely to have liver, kidney or heart problems. If a pet's blood work comes back clean, then the surgical procedure may advance as scheduled.
"During any surgical procedure, our primary concerns are the safety and well-being of the pet," said Dr. Drake. "That's why our veterinary team uses the latest diagnostic technology to monitor a pet's vital signs. Following the operation, we will continue monitoring the pet as anesthesia wears off."
Following orthopedic surgery, pets must be kept inactive for several weeks. While the recovery process can be long, Dr. Drake stressed that this period of inactivity is essential to preventing injury and affecting the safe recovery process.
"The more a pet moves, the longer it will take for the bones to safely heal," said Dr. Drake. "A restful recovery is essential to the operation's success."
In addition to pet surgery, the animal vet hospital provides routine pet wellness care, vaccinations, spay/neuter operations, and dental care. Pet owners can learn more at http://www.stfrancisanimalhospitallasvegas.com.