Orthopedics

When an animal is presented to you with a history of lameness or a gait abnormality, you need to determine whether the problem is musculoskeletal, neurologic, or both, so you can recommend the appropriate treatment. To arrive at an appropriate diagnosis, you must collect the signalment and a thorough history, conduct a physical examination (including …

Neonatal diseases are apparent at birth or within the first 3 to 4 weeks of life. While these diseases are often congenital and inherited, a direct cause for each disease has not yet been determined, and other causes, such as in utero factors, may play a role…

This article describes musculoskeletal development and provides an overview of pediatric bone diseases, including signalment, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

New validated objective gait analysis technologies have become available to help veterinarians quantitate characteristics of gait, which can greatly assist in the detection of a subtle lameness as well as response to various treatments.

Orthopedic devices can be used to supplement or replace surgical treatment of cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) insufficiency, shoulder injury, carpal and tarsal injury, hip luxation, and limb salvage with prosthetics.

Part 3 of a 3-part series. Addressed are several different internal fixation methods. Part 1 discussed fracture biomechanics, fracture classification and diagnosis, and factors to consider when selecting a fixation technique. In Part 2, selection of fixation technique and specific techniques, identification of bone healing, and potential complications are addressed.

Part 2 of a 3-part series. Addressed are selection of fixation technique and specific techniques, identification of bone healing, and potential complications will be addressed. Part 1 discusses fracture biomechanics, fracture classification and diagnosis, and factors to consider when selecting a fixation technique. Part 3 addresses several different internal fixation methods.

Part 1 of a 3-part series. Discussed are fracture biomechanics, fracture classification and diagnosis, and factors to consider when selecting a fixation technique. In Part 2, selection of fixation technique and specific techniques, identification of bone healing, and potential complications are addressed. Part 3 addresses several different internal fixation methods.

Complications can occur during the recovery period following an orthopedic procedure. The author discusses bone healing; delayed unions, nonunions, and malunions; osteomyelitis and infection; bone implant construct failures; and fracture disease in this comprehensive article.

Duane A. Robinson, DVM, PhD Orthopedic procedures, whether performed on an elective or urgent/emergent basis, are common in small animal veterinary patients. In many instances, definitive treatment occurs at a referral center, with postoperative follow-up taking place at the primary care clinic. During the recovery period, the primary care veterinarian needs to be able to …