Veterinary Orthopaedics: dogs, cats, horses

Vetcontact	Events	Presentations	Posters	Case Studies	Speciality Organisations
CPD		Forum	Products	Login/Newsletter

		ORTHOPAEDICS

MENISCAL PROBLEMS IN DOGS AFTER TPLO SURGERY
Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO)has become a well-established surgical technique in dogs with ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments. As in every surgery of this problem, meniscal damage associated with the ligament rupture and meniscal tearing after surgery can be a problem. After investigating more than 250 stifle joints after surgery it seems that this risk is very low.

Costs of veterinary care in Swedish warmblooded riding horses
Locomotory problems are common and sometimes expensive problems in horses. This study evaluates a very interesting topic for both horse owners and veterinarians: the costs over a follow-up period of 5 years!

Measurement of angles of abduction for diagnosis of shoulder instability
It has become a standard method in human medicine but it is still rarely performed in dogs: the measurement of angles of abduction for diagnosis of shoulder instability. This very interesting study compares abduction angles of shoulders with medial instability and unaffected shoulders in the same dogs and in age- and breed-matched dogs. The result: Determination of shoulder abduction angles should be included in the diagnostic protocol for forelimb lameness assessment in dogs!

New technique to treat medial shoulder instability
Various techniques are described to treat medial shoulder instability in dogs. But what should be done if management with medical or arthroscopic treatment failed to fully resolve lameness? Is a treatment by subscapularis muscle tendon of insertion imbrication an efficious treatment option? It seems to be both efficious and simple, as this brandnew publication shows.

COMP and hyaluronan levels in synovia of horses with osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis especially of the tarsometatarsal joints is a common problem in horses. Early identification especially if a very expensive horse is sold or bought would be of enormous help, but unfortunately the current diagnostic methods often are not sensitive enough to allow this. Is the cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) an early marker of the disease?

Dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy in a young Weimaraner
Muscle atrophy on the limbs and muscle hypertrophy on the neck and the tongue - very strange clinical signs in a young dog. But there are also other surprising findings like unilateral renal agenesis. A very interesting case report of a rare hereditary disease!

Muscle lesions in neonatal puppies with Golden retriever muscular dystrophy
Golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) is a degenerative myopathy due to the absence of dystrophin. The defect is genetically homologous to human Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Affected dogs often die spontaneously within the first 2 weeks of life. Which clinical and microscopical signs can be seen in affected dogs? A very interesting publication from France!

Positive intraoperative cultures from canine total hip replacements
A very interesting study which detected positive cultures in 11 out of 27 patients undergoing total hip replacements (THR). It sounds alarming but the results regarding short- and long-term-success are surprising.

Osteoarthritis in the stifle joint after various surgical techniques to repair CCL rupture
It is strongly recommended to do surgical repair if a rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is diagnosed in dogs. But osteoarthritis developes also after surgery. Not only individual factors, also the surgical technique determines if a slow or a more rapid development of these changes has to be expected. A very informative study with surprising results!

PTIO versus TPLO in ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments
Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament is seen daily in small animal practice. Surgery is recommended, and various techniques are described. The TPLO (tibial plateau levelling osteotomy) has become very popular over the last years but requires special and expensive equipment. Now the newest surgical technique is proximal tibial intraarticular ostectomy (PTIO) which does not require special instruments. Is it comparable to TPLO? An important question - especially before buying the TPLO equipment...

Crevice Corrosion of Implants after TPLO
TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) has become a standard surgery in dogs. A fascinating technique with good results, but are the implants that are used also satisfying? This study describes corrosion discovered on implants recovered from dogs after they underwent TPLO years ago. And it shows that the substances which are released during corrosion might cause disease. Very interesting!

Clinical trials with embryonic stem cells in near future
After lots of discussions in the last months and years, now the first treatment derived from embryonic stem cells might soon undergo clinical trials. The first trial will be done to help repair damaged spinal tissue. The advantage: Compared with other tissues, brain and spinal cord tissue have a relatively inactive immune system.

Prevalence of osseous fragments in distal limbs of young Hanoverian horses
Hanoverian horses are very popular in all riding disciplines. As in other warmblood breeds osseous fragments in certain joints remain a big problem. The exact prevalence in young horses was not described, and so nearly 4000 young horses pre-selected for sale at auction from 1991 to 1998 by the Association of Hanoverian Warmblood Breeders (Verband hannoverscher Warmblutzüchter e.V.) in Verden (Aller), Germany were evaluated. With very interesting results!

Vascular hamartoma in a horse
A young horse showing lameness of a hind limb for more than 8 weeks: There are many very likely mainly orthopedic differentials that have to be considered. But in this case, an extremely rare and benign neoplasia in the subcutis is the reason for the problem. A very interesting case report from Iran!

Fibrocartilaginous Embolic Myelopathy in Cats
An acute onset of nonpainful, asymmetrical spinal cord signs affecting one or more limbs - these signs were shown by the five cats that are described in this informative case report. MRI was of great help making the diagnosis.

Neuroblastoma in the Spinal Cord of an Aberdeen Angus Heifer Calf
Slowly progressive hindlimb ataxia in a 5 month-old calf. Not too common, and the differentials include intoxication, nutritional deficites, hereditary diseases etc. etc. The diagnosis after doing a lot of diagnostic workup is a rare disease: a neuroblastoma in the spinal cord. A very interesting patient with a guarded prognosis.

Changes in bone and soft tissue after surgery of cranial cruciate ligament rupture
A standard surgery especially in large and giant dogs: repair of the rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament. But who knows what happens with the bone and soft tissue after surgery? A very interesting recently published study from the University of Tennessee.

Hematogenous septic arthritis in dogs- is surgery mandatory?
A very important question - most veterinarians have been told that this disease must be treated by the combination surgery/antibiotics. But this very interesting study shows that in most cases conservative and intensive therapy with appropriate antibiotics is sufficient...

Treatment of traumatic triceps tendon avulsion in a cat
Not a very common scenario, the avulsion of the triceps tendon in a young cat. But which kind of surgery can be recommended? A succesful and interesting case report from Vienna.

Osteolytic osteomyelitis in a dog with visceral leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis can mimic nearly every cutaneous or extracutaneous disease, as everybody knows. Here is a very fascinating case report from Brazil where the affected dog showed weight loss and lameness of a hindleg - not very specific for any disease...

Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy - more common in horses than suspected
This is one of the results of a necropsy study on muscle biopsies of more than 200 horses and ponies. Any age group and any breed can be affected, but there are certain overrepresented breeds. A very informative study!

Long-term radiographic comparison of TPLO versus extracapsular stabilization
TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) is a very popular new technique to treat the ruptured cranial cruciate ligament in the dog. Is it really better than older techniques, e.g. extracapsular stabilization? A very informative study compares these two methods of surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury in 66 large-breed dogs using a radiographic osteoarthrosis (OA) scoring system.

Two Bullmastiff Dogs with Oligodendroglial Dysplasia
Leukodystrophies are inherited neurological disorders involving central nervous system white matter. They are uncommon in animals but a few, breed-specific entities have been described. This very interesting recently published case report describes two similar cases of an oligodendroglial dysplasia - the first confirmed cases in other animals than Charolais cattle!

Nutrition-related sceletal deformation in a puppy (case report)
Renal failure is a common problem in dogs. Normally, in these cases the owners are advised to feed special kidney diets. No problem in mature dogs. But one must be aware of sceletal problems if such a diet is applied to a growing puppy, as this interesting case report illustrates.

Disciplines

Anderson Sling Suspension System for Horses after General Anesthesia
Complications in the wake-up phase after general anesthesia in horses are common and often severe, like fractures of the legs, the pelvis etc. Much effort is made to develop system to decrease the risk in the recovery phase. The Anderson Sling Suspension System seems to be a good prevention for the horses, as this new study demonstrates.

Caude equina syndrome in dogs - who is at risk?
Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a common orthopedic problem in dogs, affecting especially male dogs and large breeds. This very informative study including several thousand dogs gives interesting new informations: For example, a lumbosacral transitional vertebra predisposes for CES, and German Shepherds are eight times more likely to develop the CES than other breeds...

Radiography and histology of the centrodistal tarsal joint of Icelandic horses
Osteoarthrosis (OA) in the distal tarsal joints, bone spavin, is a common problem in Icelandic horses which are 6-12 years old. This very interesting study determines nature, location and age of appearance of early radiographic and histological changes in the centrodistal tarsal joint (CD) of young Icelandic horses.

Primary osteosarcoma: Do not forget the staging
Osteosarcoma (OSA) is by far the most common primary bone tumor in dogs. Before choosing a treatment plan for canine OSA, complete tumor staging is warranted to determine which options are most reasonable: Approximately 90 percent of dogs with appendicular OSA are thought to have micrometastatic disease at the time of diagnosis and 10 percent to 15 percent may have other primary bone OSA sites. A very interesting article with the newest insights!

Surgery in feline ruptured cranial cruciate ligament
A rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament is commonly seen in dogs, especially those of large or giant breeds. Sometimes this also occurs in cats. Is the `new` surgical therapy like tibial plateau leveling osteotomy also indicated in cats? It is, as this interesting case report describes.

Dystrophin-Deficient Muscular Dystrophy in a Labrador Retriever
Several breeds are known to suffer from Sex-linked muscular dystrophy associated with dystrophin deficiency. The condition is best characterized in the golden retriever. But also labrador retrievers can show the disease, as this well-documented case report shows.

Osteosarcoma 11 years after TPO
TPO (triple pelvic osteotomy) has become a very popular and effective therapy in dogs with severe hip dysplasia. Are these dogs at an increased risk to develop osteosarcomas later in their life? A very interesting case report!

Two simple surgical techniques for internal stabilisation of the sacrococcygeal region
This article has already a promising title, since the stabilisation of fractures and luxations in the sacrococcygeal region is often necessary in both dogs and cats, but the results after surgery are sometimes disappointing. 33 animals were included in this study.

Polyarthritis in dogs - prevalence and diagnosis
Polyarthritis in dogs can be very difficult to diagnose and also to treat. Are there any sex or breed predispositions, and how can this disease be diagnosed best? A very interesting retrospective study on 40 dogs gives interesting answers!

Intracellular Ca2+ in equine chondrocytes during hypovolemic shock
Joint problems are common and often serious in horses. Not too much is known about important processes like the calcium homeostasis in chondrocytes if the animals suffer from hypovolemic shock. Very interesting - and these new insights might also improve our therapeutic options in joint diseases in the next decades!

New Investigational Interlocking Nail in Comminuted Diaphyseal Tibia Fractures
Comminuted diaphyseal tibial fractures in dogs are extremely difficult to treat. In this recently published article a new and very promising surgical technique is described.

Fat embolism after cemented arthroplasty in dogs
Total hip-replacement has become a standard surgery in men and in dogs. The most serious and well-known complication is an often fatal fat embolism. But where does the intravascular fat come from? A very interesting question which is cleared in this experimental study.

Recession sulcoplasty in three foals with patella luxation
Patella luxation is commonly seen in small animal practice. Often small dogs and toy breeds are affected, showing medial luxation in most cases wheras large dogs tend to show lateral luxation. But this problem can also occur in foals - and they behave like large dogs, showing lateral luxation. Also in these cases surgical correction is the therapy of choice.

Biochemical abnormalities in cartilage of dogs with OCD
OCD (osteochondrosis dissecans) is a common problem especially of young dogs of large or giant breeds. Which changes are characteristic for the affected cartilage? An American study group found a couple of them, most impressive is the significant lower glycosaminoglycan concentration and another collagen composition - reason or sequela of the OCD?

Surgical therapy of scapular osteosarcomas
Scapular osteosarcomas in small animals are sometimes seen and their therapy is very difficult. Especially surgical therapy is not very popular, and there are not many data describing surgical therapies. But one should consider this therapeutical option at least in selected cases!

Is survey radiography sufficient to localize cervical disk protrusion?
Myelography is thought to be mandatory to localize the exact site and extense of disk problems in dogs. But is it always necessary or can an experienced radiologist localize those problems only with survey radiography? This study on 64 dogs answers the question: myelography is still recommended.

Intercalary Bone Grafts for Joint and Limb Preservation in dogs with malignant bone tumors
Malignant bone tumors, especially osteosarcomas, are common in large or giant breeds and mainly affect the diaphysis. Although several therapeutic regimen exist, the prognosis remains guarded and most protocols recommend radical amputation of the limb. This brand new surgical technique offers promising therapeutic alternatives - without amputation.

Update in diagnosis and therapy of portosystemic shunts
Portosystemic shunts are sometimes seen in dogs. They can be difficult to diagnose, and also the surgical therapy is not always as effective as planned. This retrospective study including a large number of patients gives interesting new informations about the detection and the therapy of portosystemic shunts in dogs. For example: all animals had still abnormal liver function after surgery!

Long-term results after coronoidectomy in dogs
Coronoidectomy due to isolated (medial) Processus coronoidei is commonly performed in dogs. This interesting retrospective study gives a clinical and radiographic follow-up. The good news: complete clinical resolution occured in 100% of the dogs. The bad news: More than 70% showed progressing radiographic arthrosis.

Antibiotic nonsurgical treatment of septic arthritis
Five dogs were included in this study, treated with antibiotics according their synovial fluid culture. The way of infection was hematogenous, and all patients showed complete clinical resolution without residual deficits.

New surgical technique for medial patellar luxation
Medial patellar luxation is a common problem in dogs, especially in small or toy breeds. In this recently published article, an arthroscopic release of the medial femoropatellar ligament is described - with good to excellent results in 80 percent.

Adaptation of the femur to cemented total hip arthroplasty in dogs
Cemented total hip arthroplasty is often performed in dogs. But what reaction shows the femur to the new anatomic conditions? This clinical study, performed on fourteen dogs, gives very interesting answers to this question.

Improving hip joint conformation in HD-prone puppies
Hip dysplasia is a common problem affecting various breeds, and still there are controversies about the best time and method of early recognition to choose the optimal treatment for each individual dog. This article in cooperation of DVM Newsmagazine and the American College of Veterinary Surgeons describes juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS), a very promising minimally invasive surgical procedure for puppies at risk.

Tell a friend

ESVOT Congress 2008
The Cutting Edge in Veterinary Orthopaedics CE

An event of the European Society of Veterinary Orthopaedics and Traumatology.

10 - 14 September 2008
Munich, Germany

Course: Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy of Small Animals

Physiotherapy on Dogs: the KEIPER Underwater Treadmill

Mobility; a multi-disciplined approach

Circular external fixator to lengthen a dog´s leg

Essential Facts of Physiotherapy in Dogs and Cats

First accurate description of the rabbit´s lumbosacral spine cord

Bilateral stifle joint OCD in a cat

Fatal fat embolism during hip surgery (case report)

Bone marrow hypoplasia after fenbendazole administration in a dobermann

Content Management System