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Routine lab tests catch hidden health issues early, helping your pet live a longer, healthier life. Schedule preventive screenings today for peace of mind and personalized care.


Beyond Vaccines: Why Routine Lab Testing Is Essential for Your Pet

February is National Pet Dental Health Month - a great reminder that your pet's oral care is key to their overall health. Schedule a professional cleaning to keep their smile bright and healthy!

How Often Does Your Pet Need a Dental Cleaning? A Vet's Guide to Oral Health

March is Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month - a time to raise awareness about common household hazards and help keep our furry friends safe from accidental poisoning.

March Pet Safety Guide: Preventing Accidental Poisonings at Home

As summer heats up, so does the risk of dehydration in pets. Dogs and cats, just like humans, need proper hydration to stay healthy, especially in the scorching days of July. Whether heading out for a beach day or just enjoying a backyard BBQ, keeping your furry friends cool, hydrated, and safe is crucial. In this post, we'll explore the signs of dehydration, tips for keeping your pets hydrated, and how your veterinary clinic can help.

Veterinary Advice: Spotting and Preventing Pet Dehydration This Summer

The new year often inspires us to make positive changes, and for some, that might mean adding a new furry friend to the family. Whether you've just welcomed a playful puppy or a curious kitten, there's a lot to learn in these first few months together.

New Year, New Pet: Essential Tips for New Puppy and Kitten Owners

Animal Medical Care

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Based in Gainesville, GA, Animal Medical Care is a longstanding fixture in the Gainesville community, respected for gold-standard medicine and genuine teamwork. 

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Animal Medical Care's mission is to provide the very best medical care for your pet, using the most advanced techniques and equipment with a personal and caring touch. We are dedicated to providing excellent medicine and first-rate service for the Gainesville and Hall County community.

We are an AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital. That means we hold ourselves to a higher standard. Pets are our passion, and keeping them healthy is our number one priority. We strive to deliver excellent care for pets because your pets deserve nothing less. We go above and beyond for each and every patient.

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Orthopedic Surgery: Restoring Your Pet's Mobility and Quality of LifeWatching your once-active pet struggle to stand, limp across the room, or cry out in pain is heartbreaking for any pet parent. Whether from trauma, genetic conditions, or age-related wear, orthopedic problems can rob pets of their joy in movement and everyday activities. Orthopedic surgery offers hope—using advanced techniques to repair bones, reconstruct joints, and restore stability, these procedures can transform a pet in pain back into the playful companion you remember.Modern veterinary orthopedics has advanced dramatically in recent years. Procedures once available only at specialty hospitals are now accessible through our experienced surgical team. From repairing torn cruciate ligaments (the "ACL" of dogs) to fixing fractures and correcting developmental problems, today's orthopedic surgeries offer excellent success rates. They can return pets to near-normal function, often within weeks of surgery.What Is Orthopedic Surgery?Orthopedic surgery encompasses all procedures involving bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and associated structures. These complex surgeries require specialized training, precise technique, and often involve implants like plates, screws, or artificial joints. Common procedures include:<ul><li>Fracture repair using pins, plates, or external fixators</li><li>Cruciate ligament surgery (CCL/ACL repair)</li><li>Patellar luxation correction (kneecap dislocation)</li><li>Hip surgery including total hip replacement</li><li>Arthroscopy for minimally invasive joint evaluation</li><li>Spinal surgery for disc disease or instability</li><li>Angular limb deformity correction</li><li>Arthrodesis (joint fusion) for irreparable joints</li></ul>Each procedure is tailored to your pet's specific condition, age, activity level, and overall health status.Why Is Orthopedic Surgery Important?Left untreated, orthopedic conditions cause cascading problems throughout your pet's body. A dog favoring one leg due to knee pain will overload the opposite leg, potentially damaging it too. Chronic pain leads to muscle atrophy, weight gain from inactivity, and even behavioral changes from constant discomfort. Studies show that pets with untreated orthopedic conditions have a 20% reduction by 20% due to complications and decreased quality of life.Early surgical intervention prevents these secondary problems while addressing the primary issue. Modern pain management protocols mean pets are comfortable throughout recovery, and physical rehabilitation speeds return to function. Most importantly, eliminating chronic pain restores your pet's enthusiasm for life—playing, walking, and simply being comfortable again.Success rates for common orthopedic surgeries exceed 85-95% when performed by experienced surgeons using current techniques. These aren't just statistics—they represent pets returning to fetch games, cats jumping to favorite perches, and senior dogs enjoying pain-free golden years.What Happens Before, During, and After Surgery?Before Surgery<ul><li>Comprehensive orthopedic examination assessing gait and joint stability</li><li>Digital radiographs (X-rays) to visualize bone and joint problems</li><li>Pre-anesthetic blood work ensuring safe anesthesia</li><li>Pain medication started for optimal comfort</li><li>Surgical planning determining the best approach for your pet</li><li>Discussion of procedure, recovery expectations, and costs.</li></ul>During Surgery<ul><li>Advanced anesthetic monitoring ensuring safety throughout</li><li>Sterile surgical technique preventing infection</li><li>Precise surgical repair using specialized instruments</li><li>Implant placement when needed for stability</li><li>Continuous pain management keeping pets comfortable</li><li>Post-operative radiographs confirming proper repair</li></ul>After Surgery<ul><li>Recovery monitoring until fully awake</li><li>Pain management protocols for home care</li><li>Detailed discharge instructions for optimal healing</li><li>Physical rehabilitation guidance or referral</li><li>Follow-up appointments monitoring progress</li><li>Long-term management planning for best outcomes</li></ul>Common Conditions Requiring Orthopedic SurgeryCruciate Ligament Rupture: The most common orthopedic injury in dogs, affecting 1 in 4 dogs during their lifetime. Without surgery, arthritis develops rapidly, and the opposite knee often ruptures within 18 months from overcompensation.Hip Dysplasia: This genetic condition causes painful hip joint malformation. Surgical options range from preventive procedures in young dogs to total hip replacement in severe cases, dramatically improving quality of life.Fractures, whether from trauma or pathologic causes, require precise alignment and stable fixation for proper healing. Modern techniques allow the repair of even complex fractures that once needed amputation.Luxating Patella Common in small breeds, this "floating kneecap" causes intermittent lameness and predisposes to cruciate rupture. Surgical correction prevents progression and eliminates the characteristic "skipping" gait.Elbow Dysplasia: This developmental condition affects many large breeds, causing early arthritis and lameness. Various surgical techniques can slow progression and improve comfort.When Should You Consider Orthopedic Surgery?Immediate Evaluation Needed:<ul><li>Sudden non-weight-bearing lameness</li><li>Obvious limb deformity or instability</li><li>Severe pain or vocalization</li><li>Open fractures or wounds</li><li>Trauma from accidents or falls</li></ul>Schedule Consultation For:<ul><li>Persistent lameness lasting more than 48 hours</li><li>Difficulty rising, jumping, or climbing stairs</li><li>"Bunny hopping" gait or abnormal movement</li><li>Swelling around joints</li><li>Muscle loss in affected limbs</li><li>Decreased activity or reluctance to play</li></ul>Recovery: The Path Back to ActivitySuccessful orthopedic surgery is only the beginning—proper recovery ensures optimal outcomes:Weeks 1-2: Strict Rest<ul><li>Confined to a small area, preventing excessive movement</li><li>Short leash walks for bathroom only</li><li>Pain medication and anti-inflammatories</li><li>Incision monitoring for healing</li></ul>Weeks 3-6: Controlled Activity<ul><li>Gradual increase in walking duration</li><li>Physical therapy exercises beginning</li><li>Swimming therapy if available</li><li>Continued movement restriction</li></ul>Weeks 7-12: Progressive Return<ul><li>Longer walks on flat surfaces</li><li>Strengthening exercises</li><li>Gradual return to normal activities</li><li>Follow-up imaging confirming healing</li></ul>Beyond 12 Weeks:<ul><li>Most pets return to full activity</li><li>Continued monitoring for optimal function</li><li>Long-term joint support as needed.d</li></ul>Benefits of Orthopedic Surgery<ul><li>Pain elimination - Most pets are pain-free within weeks</li><li>Restored mobility - Return to favorite activities</li><li>Prevented arthritis - Early repair minimizes joint damage</li><li>Improved longevity - Active pets live longer, healthier lives</li><li>Enhanced bonding - Pets can again participate in family life</li><li>Cost savings - Prevents expensive long-term management</li></ul>Making the DecisionWe understand that orthopedic surgery represents a significant decision. Our team provides:<ul><li>Clear explanations of your pet's condition</li><li>All available treatment options</li><li>Honest prognosis and success rates</li><li>Detailed cost estimates</li><li>Payment plan options</li><li>Second opinion coordination if desired.</li></ul>Advanced Techniques, Compassionate CareOur orthopedic surgery service combines technical expertise with genuine compassion. We use the latest surgical techniques, modern implants, and comprehensive pain management to ensure the best possible outcomes. But beyond the technical aspects, we understand these are beloved family members, and we treat them with the same care we'd want for our own pets.<div data-type="horizontalRule"><hr></div>Your pet's mobility and comfort don't have to be compromised by orthopedic problems. Modern surgical techniques can restore function, eliminate pain, and return the spring to your pet's step, giving them back the active life they deserve.💙 Whether it’s a checkup, questions, or care needs, visit us—we’re here to be your partner in your pet’s health.

Advanced surgical repair of bones, joints, and ligaments to restore mobility, eliminate pain, and return your pet to their active, happy life.


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Latest Blogs

Beyond Vaccines: Why Routine Lab Testing Is Essential for Your Pet

How Often Does Your Pet Need a Dental Cleaning? A Vet's Guide to Oral Health

March Pet Safety Guide: Preventing Accidental Poisonings at Home