The diagnosis of hip dysplasia is commonly practiced but in my opinion is frequently misunderstood.

Certainly hip replacement has the longest history, and the best prognosis, but it is important to note that elbow replacement has now been available for a decade and knee replacement for nearly a year.

Degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis is typically a progressive disorder that affects diarthrodial joints.

The most common cause of lameness on dogs in North America is partial or complete rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament.

Rehabilitation can be defined as restoration following disease, illness, or injury, of ability to function in a normal or near normal manner.

The goal of nonsurgical and/or surgical management of the developmental abnormalities of the elbow is to slow the progression OA in the joint and reduce lameness in the patient.

Use a systematic approach to ensure that you do not miss any problems. In general I use an eight step approach to the orthopedic examination.