A limp that will not go away, a leg your dog suddenly will not put weight on, or a knee that seems to give out on the porch steps are the kinds of changes that understandably worry pet owners around Vaughn and the Great Falls area. Orthopedic problems, from a torn cruciate ligament to a fractured bone, rarely improve on their own, and waiting to have them evaluated can mean more pain and a longer recovery for your pet.
Dr. Jessica Johnson and our team start every orthopedic concern with a thorough exam and diagnostic imaging right here at Great Plains Veterinary Clinic, alongside the rest of our surgical services. For the procedures themselves, such as cruciate ligament repair, fracture repair, and other orthopedic or minimally invasive surgeries, we coordinate with a visiting surgeon who partners with our clinic, so your pet can recover under the care of a team you already know, right here in Vaughn.
When you bring in a pet who is limping, favoring a leg, or recovering from a fall or accident, we begin with a hands-on orthopedic exam and, when needed, digital X-rays to see what is happening in the bone or joint. From there, Dr. Johnson talks through what she is seeing and what the options look like for your pet.
If the diagnosis calls for a surgical orthopedic procedure, we coordinate with a visiting surgeon who comes to the area to perform it, working directly with our clinic on scheduling, pre-surgical workup, and anesthesia and monitoring protocols. You are never left figuring out the logistics on your own. We handle the coordination and keep you informed at every step.
We work with a visiting surgeon to arrange care for a range of orthopedic conditions in dogs and cats, including:
Whatever the diagnosis, our own team stays involved through every visit, from the first exam to your pet’s post-operative rechecks here in Vaughn.
We know that a limping dog or a cat who suddenly will not jump onto the counter is stressful to watch, and rushing into surgery is not always the right first step. Dr. Johnson takes the time to explain what is going on, what the visiting surgeon’s recommendation would involve, and what recovery realistically looks like for your pet’s age, breed, and lifestyle, including working dogs who need to get back to their jobs.
Once a plan is in place, we help you understand what to expect before, during, and after the coordinated procedure, and we build a low-stress, Fear Free approach into every visit so your pet feels as comfortable as possible.
If your pet is limping, holding up a leg, or seems to be in pain after a fall or rough play, call us before reaching for any home remedy or human pain medication, which can be dangerous for pets. Limit their activity, keep them calm, and get them examined as soon as you can. If the injury involves sudden distress, heavy bleeding, or your pet cannot bear weight at all, reach out for a consultation right away.
The American Veterinary Medical Association notes that joint problems such as osteoarthritis are common in pets and often respond best when addressed early, whether through ongoing management or, when appropriate, surgical treatment (AVMA, 2021). Getting a limp or joint change evaluated promptly gives your pet the best chance at a comfortable outcome.
Dr. Jessica Johnson, a 2017 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, and our team provide the exams, diagnostics, and coordinated surgical planning your pet needs for orthopedic concerns, without sending you to a clinic you have never met. We accept all major pet insurance providers, work directly with Trupanion, and offer a 5% military discount, with CareCredit and ScratchPay also available, all detailed on our payment options page.
If your dog or cat is limping, favoring a leg, or recovering from an injury, contact our team to get an orthopedic exam scheduled, or book an appointment directly.
Let’s work together to give your pet the happy, healthy life they deserve.
