VETERINARY MEDICINE, Jun 1, 2005

Features

Symposium on canine orthopedics: Introduction

By Ross H. Palmer, DVM, MS, DACVS

Veterinary medicine is a rapidly evolving field, and nowhere is it more apparent than in the practice of canine orthopedics.

Diagnosing cranial cruciate ligament pathology

By Ross H. Palmer, DVM, MS, DACVS

Recent advances in diagnostic visualization and surgical treatments have stimulated an increased emphasis on early clinical recognition of cranial cruciate ligament pathology. This article describes characteristics of normal and pathologic cranial cruciate ligaments and details clinical techniques to help you diagnose cranial cruciate ligament pathology earlier.

Understanding tibial plateau leveling osteotomies in dogs

By Ross H. Palmer, DVM, MS, DACVS

Cranial cruciate ligament pathology is a leading cause of lameness in dogs. Many surgical treatments have been described that aim to restore stifle joint stability and minimize the progression of subsequent osteoarthritis. Most surgical treatments seek to replace the function of the cranial cruciate ligament by substituting autologous tissues or synthetic materials. More recently, the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) procedure has been described, which alters the mechanical forces acting on the stifle, rendering the cranial cruciate ligament unnecessary.

Physical rehabilitation: Improving the outcome in dogs with orthopedic problems

By Greg Arnold, DVM , Darryl L. Millis, MS, DVM, DACVS

After an orthopedic procedure, it is common to have a convalescent period of weeks to months before recovery is attained. Physical rehabilitation may help patients achieve maximum recovery. Physical therapy is also valuable for easing chronic pain in pets.

Departments

Editors' Note: Bringing the world to you

By Mindy Valcarcel

We know that you turn to our pages for the latest clinical information, and we're always striving to make sure we meet your expectations.

An Interview with... Dr. Carl A. Osborne

By Carl A. Osborne, DVM, PhD

Renowned for his important contributions to our understanding of renal and urinary tract disorders in veterinary medicine, Dr. Osborne is also revered as an inspiring teacher—whether through the classes he teaches at the University of Minnesota's College of Veterinary Medicine or through his lectures and journal articles worldwide.

Endoscopy Brief: Identifying and treating an ununited accessory caudal glenoid ossification center

By Timothy C. McCarthy, DVM, PhD, DACVS

A 10-month-old 136-lb (62-kg) female Irish wolfhound was presented for evaluation of right forelimb lameness of four months' duration.

Idea Exchange: Surgical staples vs. sutures

When male cats require urinary catheterization, we use surgical staples to keep the catheter in place rather than sutures.

Idea Exchange: Handout for parents who expect too much

Parents who expect their children to take care of the family pets often find out that the pets are being fed several times a day or are missing meals at the hands of children who are not yet capable of these responsibilities.

Idea Exchange: Don't be hard on your knees

When you are on the floor holding an animal, it is helpful to put a foam garden pad under your knees to reduce the impact on them.

Idea Exchange: Encourage preanesthetic testing

Our anesthesia authorization form used to only have the traditional "Accept" and "Decline" check boxes beside the preanesthetic blood profile and IV catheter and fluids services.

Idea Exchange: Tired of jingling tags?

Have owners attach their pets' identification tags to their pets' collars with zip ties.

Idea Exchange: Lice infestations in cattle or horses (an antiquated idea from 1923)

A good dusting powder for lice in cattle or horses is made with sodium fluoride, finely ground tobacco and sulphur, in the proportions of 20, 20, and 40 parts.

Idea Exchange: Bandage kits for owners

We make special kits for owners whose pets have had surgery and require additional bandaging, so the owners can re-bandage pets at home.

Mind Over Miller: A lesson from my father

By Robert M. Miller, DVM

My father watched me present a credit card to the service station attendant. The Christmas visit to my parents' home in Arizona was over, and I was filling my camper with fuel for the drive back to California. This was in 1972 B.C. (Before Crisis).