Rehabilitation

This is a report of mandibulo-zygomatic arch synostosis in a dog 7 mo after trauma to the maxilla. Advanced diagnostic imaging was considered essential for characterization of the condition and treatment planning. Surgical excision of the bony proliferation and physiotherapy resulted in improved function within 6 wk.

OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the effects of antebrachial rotation at 3 elbow flexion angles on contact mechanics and 3-dimensional (3D) alignment of normal dog elbows.
STUDY DESIGN:
Ex vivo biomechanical study.
ANIMALS:
Unpaired thoracic limbs from 18 dogs (mean ± SD weight, 27 ± 4 kg).
METHODS:

To date it is unclear whether cementless total hip replacement (THR) in dogs is of clinical advantage in comparison to cemented THR with regard to lameness improvement. Thus the aim of this study was to compare objectively the development of the gait pattern after cemented and cementless THR in dogs. For this purpose, 18 adult dogs with hip dysplasia underwent computer-based gait analysis on an instrumented treadmill prior to unilateral THR and then again ten days, four weeks and four months after surgery.

Total joint replacement is now considered a routine surgical option for small animals with advanced joint disease. This review highlights the current state of the art in total hip, elbow and knee replacement in small animals, as well as the potential for application to other joints such as the intervertebral discs, hock and shoulder. Advances in cementless fixation, the use of less-invasive, bone-sparing procedures, and the development of custom implant options for revision surgery and oncologic reconstruction will be discussed.