Orthopedics

Caleb Hudson, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS Patellar luxation is a relatively uncommon cause of hindlimb lameness in cats. Many clinically normal cats have mild femoropatellar joint laxity, and during orthopedic examination patellar subluxation or even low-grade luxation can often be induced.1 It is important to differentiate these clinically insignificant cases of patellar laxity from cases in …

Duane A. Robinson, DVM, PhD 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. Orthopedic procedures, whether performed on an elective or urgent/emergent basis, are common in small animal …

Mark E. Epstein, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Canine/Feline), CVPP In this article, the second of the 3-part series, Dr. Epstein discusses additional modalities for treating osteoarthritis in dogs and cats, including therapeutic exercise, polysulfated glycosaminoglycans, omega-3 fatty acids, and suggested off-label dose s for pain-modifying analgesic drugs. Part 1—The Two Most Important Tools in the Management …

James K. Roush, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS, Kansas State University This is the second article in a 2-part series on canine cranial cruciate rupture. The first article—Canine Cranial Cruciate Disease: Updating Our Knowledge about Pathogenesis and Diagnosis—was published in the July/August 2013 issue of Today’s Veterinary Practice. Canine cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CrCLR) has long …

James K. Roush, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS Cranial cruciate ligament rupture is not only the most common cause of hindlimb lameness in dogs, it is also the most common misdiagnosed or overlooked cause of canine lameness. This article addresses pathogenesis and diagnosis in a handy question and answer format; a future article will discuss the …

  Derek B. Fox, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVS Correctly diagnosing any orthopedic condition begins with completing a thorough orthopedic examination. In a stable patient, the orthopedic examination will include a full assessment of the musculoskeletal and neurologic systems. Radiographs and other specific diagnostic tests may also be included. 1. Signalment is Your Friend The orthopedic …