What does “Orthopaedics” cover?
Problems involving bones and joints. This might be repairing fractured bones or caring for a patient with arthritic hips. Some of the more common conditions we see are:
Can these problems be treated locally?
The surgery department is led by Peter Haworth BVetMed, Cert SAS. His ability in this field is encapsulated by the initials Cert SAS, which stand for Certificate in Small Animal Surgery. It sounds simple enough, but infact is one of the most demanding and difficult post graduate qualifications to achieve and therefore truly reflects an exceptional ability in this field. He is ably supported by the other vets and a very experienced team of qualified veterinary nurses, who provide a level of expertise in anaesthesia and post operative care that enable complex, surgical procedures to be done at the hospital. We have also taken refferal surgeries of this level from the other Channel Islands.
The bespoke, modern operating facilities that include a positive pressurised, air conditioned operating theatre (when doors open, air movement is always outwards, preventing air borne microbes from coming in), and contamination control mats at the entrance, are also integral to facilitating major surgical procedures to be performed safely.
When should I consider referral to a UK specialist?
Some problems, for example certain spinal conditions require an MRI or CT scan for accurate diagnosis. At present there are no such facilities for animals in the Channel Islands.
Joint replacement surgery is best done at a centre where they are performing this surgery regularly, however Peter will be attending courses in 2010 to enable him to perform these operations in Jersey.
Arthroscopy can be done locally, but it requires coordination with a specialist who comes from the UK to do it at the hospital. Again we are endeavouring to acquire the equipment and expertise to able to perform these operations in Jersey.
Branch Surgery opening hours