Orthopaedics
The Orthopaedic Service runs clinics nearly every week of the year and emergencies and urgent referrals can be taken at any time. We handle a full range of musculoskeletal conditions such as investigation and treatment of joint disease, treating angular limb deformities and treating acute traumas such as fractures and polytraumatised animals.
New appointments
An appointment for a new case consultation that we haven’t seen before will typically take 45 to 90 minutes; new cases are seen on Mondays
through to Wednesday. This will involve taking a full medical history, a general physical examination, and a thorough orthopaedic examination. A consultation will be performed by either a Faculty Surgeon or Senior Clinical Training Scholar working with a veterinary undergraduate student.
In order that we have as much information as possible so that we can make the best possible decision for each patient, we request that owners bring as much information as possible about their pet to the consultation, including where possible:
- a referral letter and case history from the referring vet,
- all previous test results including bringing all previous X-ray films to the consultation,
- details of any medication that a patient is currently receiving
- If a patient has a specific dietary requirement, and there is a chance that the patient may stay in hospital, we request that enough specific food is brought in with the patient just in case we don’t have the specific food in stock.
Once the patient has been fully assessed, the appropriate options of further diagnostic tests and treatment will be discussed.
If further diagnostic or surgical procedures are recommended, a full estimate of cost will be given including an estimate of the likely length of stay in the hospital for the patient. Most patients will be admitted as an in-patient under these circumstances. We aim to get pre-operative tests such as X-rays or CT scans done on the same day as the admission consultation therefore we request that patients are presented starved. If surgery is recommended, this will normally be performed the day after admission, and most patients will be hospitalised after surgery for a further 2 days. All cases are carefully supervised by a senior staff member.
Re-examination appointments
A re-examination appointment consultation for a case that we have seen before typically takes up to 30 minutes. Re-examination cases are seen on Wednesdays and Thursdays. A consultation will be performed by either a Faculty Surgeon or Senior Clinical Training Scholar working
with a veterinary undergraduate student. If further tests such as check X-rays under sedation are required, we will do this the same day therefore patients should be presented starved. However, this is not a while-you-wait service and can take several hours to complete therefore we recommend that owners of patients having a re-examination appointment are prepared to occupy themselves or go back home for at least several hours.
Surgery
We have a very well equipped hospital, and we are staffed and equipped to perform all orthopaedic surgery. Our new theatres were opened in 2008 and these include operating cameras for students to remotely watch and learn from surgical procedures. All surgical procedures are either performed by specialist surgeons or by Senior Clinical Training Scholars (residents = surgeons in training) that are carefully supervised by specialist surgeons. Veterinary students do not perform surgical procedures.
Teaching hospital
We are a busy teaching hospital; on any given week, the orthopaedic service will typically comprise of:
- 2 or 3 faculty surgeons,
- 1 or 2 Senior Clinical Training Scholars (residents = specialist surgeons in training),
- one Junior Clinical Training Scholar (intern = recently graduated veterinary surgeon undergoing further training and developing experience)
- 4 to 6 final year veterinary undergraduate students. The veterinary undergraduate students are fully integrated into the orthopaedic service, and duties regarding patient management such as post-operative assessment and calling owners with updates are delegated to the undergraduate students.
This is always under very close supervision and monitoring by the more senior team members.
Surgical procedures
A brief list of surgical procedures that we are able to offer includes:
- Cranial Cruciate disease management – including extra-capsular sutures, Tibial Tuberosity Advancement & Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy
- Elbow Dysplasia management – including CT imaging, arthroscopy and Total Elbow Replacement
- Fracture management – repair techniques including Synthes Locking Plate technology.
- Hip Dysplasia management – including Total Hip Replacement and Triple Pelvic Osteotomy
- Physiotherapy, Hydrotherapy & Rehabilitation
Advice
We are happy to give advice to veterinary surgeons on any orthopaedic case over the telephone or on the basis of radiographs. Veterinary surgeons wishing to contact the Orthopaedic Service should telephone reception on 01707 666366 or fax 01707 649384.
Radiographs should be addressed to:
QMHA Admin Office,
Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms,
Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA.
We regret that are unable to offer advice to clients unless we have already examined their pets.
Joint Replacement in DogsCanine hip and elbow replacement. |
Key Clinicians
Matthew Pead
Dr Pead's time is split between teaching, research, and the referral practice of the Queen Mothers Hospital for Animals. He is currently the RVC Academic director of professional assessement and developement, and Director of the clinical skills centre.
Gareth Arthurs
Gareth is a Lecturer in Small Animal Surgery (Orthopaedics). Most of his time is spent doing clinical work but he is also involved in teaching, providing Continual Professional Development and research.
He is co-director of the Junior Clinical Training Scolarship and Head of Small Animal Surgery
Pilar Lafuente
Pilar is a Lecturer in Small Animal Orthopaedic Surgery, and an American and European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery. She is involved in clinical work, teaching and research. Her interests include bone lengthening, external fixation and stifle disease.
Karen Perry
Karen is a Lecturer in Small Animal Orthopaedics and a European recognised specialist in Small Animal Surgery. Her main interests are traumatology, limb salvage including the use of prosthetics and novel uses for Vacuum-Assisted Closure.
Elvin Kulendra
Elvin is a Staff Clinician in Surgery at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals.
Richard Meeson
Richard is a Staff Clinician in Surgery at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals.
Poppy Bristow
Lynda Rutherford
Lynda works as a senior clinical training scholar in small animal surgery. Most of her time is spent doing clinical work with both the soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery services.
Faye Swinbourne
Nicola Bound
Nicola works as a senior clinical training scholar in small animal surgery. Most of her time is spent doing clinical work with both the soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery services.