Clinical News: Orthopaedics

Case report: Disseminated Discospondylitis in a two-year-old Crossbred Dog

History A two-year-old, female, neutered crossbred (body weight 14kg) was referred for assessment of diffuse spinal pain. The patient had been rescued six weeks previously from Romania. On arrival into the U.K., she was presented to the referring veterinarian with neck pain. There had been an initial response to NSAIDs and diazepam, but four days […]

Review Article: Immune Mediated Polyarthritis

Pathophysiology and presentation Immune mediated polyarthritis may be more common than recognised, as clinical signs can sometimes be subtle. Generally, it is defined as neutrophilic inflammation affecting two or more joints and is an example of a type-III hypersensitivity reaction. Immune system stimulation leads to formation of immune complexes, which circulate and deposit in the […]

Case Report: Hip Septic Arthritis in a German Shepherd Dog

History A nine–year-old, female, neutered German Shepherd Dog presented for assessment of right pelvic limb lameness. The owner reported progressive lameness since the patient had fallen 10 days previously.  The referring veterinarian’s radiographs revealed marked degenerative changes to the right hip

Update on Small Breed Cranial Cruciate Surgery

Small Breed Modified Maquet Procedure now available at Downs Veterinary Referrals Given the success of the Modified Maquet Procedure (MMP – tibial tuberosity advancement) in larger breeds (see Review Article: The Modified Maquet Procedure ), we have recently invested in the necessary instrumentation and range of implants specifically designed for smaller patients (<12kg). This investment enables […]

Case Report: Metatarsal Pad Necrosis secondary to Postoperative Dressing Complications in a Bassett Hound

    History A 12-month-old, entire, female Bassett Hound, body weight 23kg, presented for stabilisation of closed, left tibia and fibula fractures, sustained after jumping from the owner’s car. 

Case Report: Cervical Fracture in an eight-week-old Cocker Spaniel.

An eight-week-old, female Cocker Spaniel was referred with tetraparesis.  The owner reported that the dog had collided with a stair-gate three days prior.  She had initially appeared unaffected, although veterinary assessment at the time had revealed cervical spinal pain.  48 hours later she developed generalised ataxia with increased guarding of the neck.  Progressive tetraparesis became […]

Review Article: The Use of Advanced Imaging in Veterinary Medicine.

In recent years, there have been significant strides in the development of and access to advanced imaging in veterinary medicine.  Techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and fluoroscopy were once the preserve of human medical establishments or research facilities.  However, several factors, namely: – a rising awareness amongst veterinarians and clients […]

Product Update: New form of Tissue Adhesive for Wound Closure in use at Downs Veterinary Referrals.

After extensive trials in both the human and veterinary referral fields a new method of wound closure is now available and in use here at Downs Veterinary Referrals.  

Review Article: The Modified Maquet Procedure.

  Background Tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) is a well-established alternative to tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) for neutralising cranial thrust in cruciate deficient canine stifles. 

Case Report: Un-united Caudal Glenoid in a Labrador Retriever

A four-year-old female, neutered Labrador Retriever was presented with left thoracic limb lameness of several months duration.

Case Report: Digital Cutaneous Viral Papilloma in a Scottish Terrier

A six-year-old, male, neutered Scottish terrier  presented with a two week history of acute onset, progressive, left thoracic limb lameness. 

Case Report: Septic Spondylitis in a Bassett Hound

History A three-year-old male, neutered, Basset Hound presented to the referring veterinary surgeon with a history of spinal pain and pelvic limb weakness. 

Review Article: TightRope® Technique for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Repair

Cranial Cruciate ligament (CCL) disease is one of the most common orthopaedic conditions encountered in dogs, with certain breeds (retrievers, rottweilers, mastiffs & terriers etc.) being over represented. While numerous techniques have been tried over the years, none has proved optimal in terms of limiting the progression of degenerative changes to the stifle joint or […]

Review Article: Principles of Fracture Management in the Immature Patient.

    There are several unique characteristics of young bone which should be considered when assessing fractures in patients less than 12 months of age:-

Case Report: Ossifying Fibroma of the Zygomatic Arch in a Corgi

A 20-month-old, male, neutered Corgi was referred for assessment of left facial swelling over the region of the zygomatic arch.