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Orthopedic Surgery Referrals

Case Profile	The orthopaedic service is appropriately trained, equipped and staffed to handle all manner of small animal orthopedic problems. Arthroscopic surgery is available for selected problems. Screening of juvenile dogs (6-12 months old) for early diagnosis of juvenile diseases (e.g. hip dysplasia, OCD, FCP, UAP, etc.) is also available. Cases of neurologic etiology should be sent to AU's Neurology service. If the etiology is unclear, please discuss the case with a senior clinician from one or both services prior to referral.
Initiating a Referral	Appointments are available Mondays and Wednesdays. Referring veterinarians should contact us at 334-844-4690 for available appointments or use the online referral form provided.
Making an Emergency Referral	Emergency cases may be referred by talking with clinician presently in charge of the orthopedic service. Please indicate to the telephone receptionist that it is an emergency.
What about work completed prior to referral?	General information requested from the referring veterinarian includes date and type of vaccinations, heartworm status, other health problems, medications currently prescribed (including dose and frequency), results of any laboratory test, etc. Information specific to the reason for referral should include the owner's complaint, date of onset, your findings, specifics of any treatment, medications (including dose, frequency and duration), and response to treatment or medications. Trauma cases should have appropriate emergency care (airway, breathing, cardiovascular, shock treatment, etc.) and the patient stabilized prior to being transported. A chest radiograph is recommended. Evaluation of voluntary urination, response to pinching medial and lateral toes (withdrawl only vs. cognitive response) and response to pinching the anus is requested. DRUGS THAT AFFECT THE PATIENT'S NEUROLOGIC SYSTEM OR MASK THE CLINICAL SIGNS SHOULD NOT BE IN THE SYSTEM AT THE TIME OF THE APPOINTMENT. These medications severely affect our ability to make a diagnosis and/or assess the neurologic integrity of the patient. NSAID's (aspirin, Rimadyl, EtoGesic, etc.) should be withheld at least 24-48 hours prior to the appointment. Narcotics, steroids and other analgesics, sedatives, tranquilizers and anti-inflammatory drugs should be withheld for a time appropriate for the specific drug to no longer be effective when the case arrives at Auburn.
Important Owner Information About Referral	Cases are seen to make a diagnosis (or tenative diagnosis) and advise the owner's of their options. If the owners arrive on time, the appointment usually takes about 1 hour. Initial costs are $60-$150, with a specific estimate for additional diagnostics and treatment given at the end of the examination. Most dogs requiring surgery are admitted the same day if the client wishes. Non-trauma cases are typically hospitalized for 3-5 days. Some trauma cases (e.g. hit by car, gunshot, etc.) may require extended hospitalization