Canine Knee Injury? Brace Yourself
Ten years have passed since WDJ explored “conservative management” – the nonsurgical treatment – of knee ligament injuries (see “Saying ‘No’ to Surgery,” February 2010). Since then, although surgery remains by far the most widely used knee injury treatment, consumer demand for complementary therapies, including the use of custom-designed knee braces, has grown. Nearly all veterinarians have experience with canine ligament injuries because they are so common. Depending on the...
What Are the Different Types of Dog Physical Therapy?
If your dog is recovering from injury or surgery, canine physical therapy is frequently the next step in the healing process. Dog physical therapy is an adaptation of the same types of techniques and modalities used for humans. The goal is to decrease pain while increasing increase mobility, function and overall quality of life. Here you’ll find an overview on the variety of different treatments and their pros and cons....
Joint Supplements
Cartilage covers the end of bones. It is a smooth surface designed to enable gliding of two points (ends of bones) over each other. In osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative joint disease) it is the damage to the cartilage which impinges on the joint function. When the two bones can no longer slide over each other, there is pain. Cartilage contains chondrblasts (cells), collagen (fibres) and proteoglycans (proteins) and...
WHY CANINE REHABILITATION?
An active, pain-free dog is a healthy and happy dog. If physical limitations or movement disorders, due to acute conditions (such as surgery or injury) or chronic conditions (such as diseases, age-related conditions or obesity), hinder your dog’s ability to move without pain, discomfort or physical distress, rehabilitation therapy can help. Common Conditions That Respond Well to Canine Rehabilitation Therapy Rehabilitation therapy can be used to address a variety of...
Luxating Patellas: Pathology and Treatment Options
Patellar luxation (PL) is one of the most common hindlimb orthopedic pathologies seen in dogs and has been diagnosed in many other mammalian species as well. PL is the displacement of the patella out of the distal femoral patellar surface, or trochlea. The patella can displace, or luxate, medially or laterally. Patients with PL can present with varying degrees of lameness, ranging from asymptomatic to non–weightbearing on an affected limb....
Big Dogs Face More Joint Problems If Neutered Early
Heavier mixed-breed dogs have higher health risks if neutered or spayed early, according to a new study from researchers at the University of California, Davis. The study found mixed-breed dogs weighing more than 44 pounds as adults are at higher risk for one or more joint disorders if neutered before 1 year of age. Dogs weighing up to 43 pounds had no increased risk for joint problems. The study was published in...
VITAL VOICE: Virtual consults give you another way to help your pet without leaving home
Introducing VITAL VOICE, Vital Vet's new video series featuring interviews with leaders and experts in the field of pet rehabilitation.
Virtual Consults for Pets - Rehab, Conditioning, and Mobility Issues
Many of you are becoming familiar with telemedicine so that you can connect with your veterinarian for a virtual appointment. A Vital Vet Pet Video Consultation is different - it's a totally new concept in virtual consultation. Here's how: You do not have to be a client of the Vital Vet Pet Consultants Our Pet consultants are the best of the best - some names you might even recognize since they helped develop the certification...