Over recent years there have been numerous technical advances in small animal orthopaedics. These include arthroscopic techniques (see previous newsletter), advances in canine hip replacement, tibial plateau leveling osteotomy for cranial cruciate ligament ruptures..
Surgery remains the mainstay of cancer therapy and aggressive surgical resection provides the highest cure rates of any treatment modality...
One of the most significant changes in veterinary orthopaedics has been the introduction of arthroscopy. The equine field was quick to adopt arthroscopic techniques, however, the development of arthroscopy in small animals was comparatively slow due to a concern that the joints were too small..
Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) was first describer by Schnelle in the mid 1930’s and at that time it was thought to be a rare condition. By the 1960’s it was recognized to be a very common problem in large breed dogs and is still extremely common today..
The cranial cruciate ligament is a key supportive structure of your dog's stifle joint (knee). The stifle joint acts as a hinge that allows bending of the hind limb, enabling your dog to walk, run and jump. A partial or complete tear of the cruciate ligament can lead to instability of the joint, causing pain and lameness..
Spinal cord injury following intervertebral disk herniation (IVDD) is a combination of a concussive and compressive injury. Concussion of the spinal cord acutely damages meninges, blood supply, and neural tissue...
Malnutrition occurs when there is a progressive loss of lean body mass and adipose tissue because of inadequate intake and/or due to an increased protein and calorie demand. An increase in metabolic rate due to insults such as stress..
Comparison of healing of ‘simple’ fractures and multiple fractures of the radius treated with external skeletal fixation in dogs: 56 cases (1983-1999)
Forelimb lameness can be one of the most difficult orthopaedic problems for clinicians to diagnose. Radiographs can be non specific and frequently do not provide a definitive diagnosis...
Here is an article from a Australian paper (The Herald Sun—www.heraldsun.news.au) about a vet who perfomed a life-saving surgery on a dachshund named Dazza. Enjoy!
The dog’s spinal column consists of the spinal cord and surrounding vertebrae. The bony vertebrae serve to protect the soft spinal cord. Intervertebral discs are structures that sit between the vertebrae and act as “shock absorbing cushions”..
Dr Kudnig Journals..
Dr Laverty Journals..
Malnutrition occurs when there is a progressive loss of lean body mass and adipose tissue because of inadequate intake and/or due to an increased protein and calorie demand. An increase in metabolic rate due to insults such as stress..
Oral tumors can be classified as tumors of the tonsils, tongue, gingiva, palate, buccal/labial mucosa, bone and the periodontal tissue. The gingiva is the most common location..
Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common bone tumour in dogs, representing approximately 90% of all bone tumours. Large and giant breeds are far more commnonly affected with dogs greater than 25kg being 185 times more likely to develop OSA..
Partially paralyzed dog regains use of legs after experimental procedure, August 13, 2001, 12:43 PM ROCKFORD, Mich. (AP) A dog whose rear legs were paralyzed after being struck by a car has regained the use of the legs through an experimental procedure..
The patella (knee cap) is normally located in the center of the knee joint (stifle). It sits and moves within a groove (trochlear groove) at the lower aspect of the femur (thigh bone). The word “luxate” means to move out of place..
While at the Center for Paralysis Research at Purdue University, USA, Dr. Laverty lead the clinical research team in a ground breaking trial. The study examined the use of intravenous polymers in the treatment of canine spinal cord injury..
Pelvic fractures are common sequelae of motor vehicle accidents. In a study of 600 motor vehicle accidents in dogs, the pelvis was the most commonly injured. Recent studies have improved our understanding of pelvic biomechanics..
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is the most common, heritable orthopedic problem seen in dogs. It affects virtually all breeds of dogs, but is especially problematic in large and giant breeds. Clinically, the disease manifests itself in one of two ways..
Initial experience with extracorporeal shock wave therapy in 6 dogs..
Whilst open wound management is a common and frequently successful technique for managing open wounds in small animals, free skin grafting can be utilized to speed the healing process reducing the prolonged time required for bandage changes...
Surgery continues to play a role in the diagnosis or treatment of most cancers. There are generally 6 applications of surgery for neoplasia..
Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is the most commonly diagnosed orthopaedic condition in the stifle joint of dogs and is a major cause of osteoarthritis. Early stabilization is recommended in order to prevent joint deterioration following injury..
