Orthopedic Referral
In 1994, Dr. Todd Gauger began offering his expertise in small animal orthopedics to area veterinarians on a referral basis. His primary areas of interest are fracture repair and joint surgery. He currently, receives cases from over 75 hospitals in Maine and New Hampshire.
In 2003, Dr. Gauger became the first veterinarian in Maine to be licensed to perform the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) for correction of anterior cruciate ligament injuries (the most common orthopedic condition affecting dogs). He currently performs over 250 ACL repairs a year.
Dr. Gauger's operating arena is a large modern surgical suite that was created in the hospital renovation in 2006. It provides advanced monitoring equipment, digital imaging, and an extensive array of orthopedic instrumentation (see list of supplies below).
The most common orthopedic problems encountered in dogs involve joints like in people. For many years arthroscopy has replaced an 'open' arthrotomy in human medicine due to the improvement in visualization and decrease in patient discomfort. Now many conditions can be effectively treated in canine patients using these same minimally-invasive techniques. In 2008 Dr. Gauger introduced arthroscopy to the patients of Norway Veterinary Hospital. Using pencil-sized instruments inserted through small incisions in the joint allows up to 20 times magnification of the problem area which improves assessment and repair, while at the same time significantly decreases pain and improves recovery rates and return to normal function.
Frequent conditions found during arthroscopic examinations of the joints in dogs include:
- Cruciate ligament and meniscal tears in the knee
- Medial compartment disease (FCP) in the elbow
- Biceps tendon disease and rotator cuff injuries in the shoulder
- Osteochondrosis of the shoulder, knee, elbow and hock
Although he operates in this highly specialized and technical environment, Dr. Gauger's clients find that he clearly explains his procedures so that they understand exactly what will be done to their pet. He educates them in the choices of treatment that are available, affording them the opportunity to make knowledgeable decisions about their pet's care.
Dr. Gauger sets the standard of compassion and commitment that characterizes all of the services offered at the Norway Veterinary Hospital.
Orthopedic Instrumentation suppliers: Stryker, Hall, Dyonics, Synthes, IMEX, Securos, New Generation Devices, ArthoCare.
