The Prevalence of Hip Dysplasia in Colorado Dogs
by BAC Admin on 01/13/12Canine hip dysplasia is a severely debilitating joint disease that is particularly common among large-breed dogs like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Great Danes, German Shepherds and Rottweilers. Although hip dysplasia is typically regarded as a genetic disease, there are many dogs born with normal hip joints that eventually develop the disease as they grow and mature. Hip dysplasia typically occurs during a young dog's growing stages and can affect both the left and right hips, causing immense discomfort for the affected dog. Hip dysplasia directly affects the stability of the hip joints, which are the bone structures connecting the pelvic region to the dog's hind legs. The hip joints are ball and socket joints, and as the dog bears weight, the "ball" comes out of the "socket" as far as the joint capsule and ligament will allow. As the joint capsule and ligament gradually become stretched, the ball will come out of the socket even further, causing the hip joint to become unstable and leading to symptoms of hip dysplasia.
Causes of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Loose hip joints are the main precursor of hip dysplasia in dogs, and the result of the instability in the joint is the abnormal wear and tear of the cartilage. Irregular cartilage wear leads to the formation of bone spurs and joint capsule thickening, which are common signs of osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. Although studies have shown that the offspring of dogs with hip dysplasia are more likely to suffer from the same disease, experts suggest that genetics is only a small factor. Other factors that may contribute to the development of hip dysplasia include nutrition, exercise and rapid growth. Obese dogs are more prone to developing hip dysplasia than dogs that are optimally fed; for this reason, dog owners should practice caution when feeding their pets.Hip Dysplasia Symptoms
The most common signs of hip dysplasia in dogs are pain when the hips are manipulated, lameness, reluctance to rise or jump, shifting the weight to the forelimbs, and loss of muscle mass on the rear limbs. Dogs may show clinical signs of hip dysplasia at any stage of the disease, although many dogs with hip dysplasia do not show overt clinical signs. Some dogs may experience pain associated with hip dysplasia at six to eight months of age, but recover as they mature. As the osteoarthritis effects progress with age, dogs may exhibit symptoms like lameness after prolonged confinement, lameness after unaccustomed exercise, and even worse problems if they are overweight.Canine Hip Dysplasia Treatment and Complications
There are a number of ways in which hip dysplasia can be treated, although hip dysplasia surgery is one of the leading treatment procedures. Without treatment, hip dysplasia can cause great discomfort in your dog. The most serious complications associated with canine hip dysplasia are the development of degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis. Dogs with unstable hips secondary to hip dysplasia also have an increased risk of dislocating a hip with minimal trauma, such as falling while playing in the yard. If your dog has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, be sure to follow your Colorado veterinarian's instructions in order to ensure your dog's good health and to prevent the progression of this incapacitating disease.The Dangers of Gum Disease in Dogs
by BAC Admin on 01/13/12
Gum disease is a form of periodontal disease, characterized by an inflammation and infection that destroys the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and the tooth sockets. Gum disease is caused by a build up of plaque over a long period of time. Plaque is a sticky substance composed of bacteria, mucus and food debris, and develops on the exposed parts of the teeth. Eventually, plaque turns into a hard deposit called tartar and becomes trapped at the base of the tooth. Both plaque and tartar can inflame the gums, and the bacteria and toxins they produce can cause the gums to become infected, tender and swollen. Gum disease in dogs is dangerous and can lead to side effects like bad breath, inflammation of the gums, receding gums, and the eventual loosening and loss of teeth. More more information about critical dental services for dogs, contact the Breckenridge Animal Clinic today.
Prevalence of Gum Disease in Dogs
Dogs' teeth are equally as vulnerable to gum disease and other harm as humans' teeth, if not properly cared for. In fact, the American Veterinary Dental Society reports that gum disease is the most common dental condition in dogs, affecting more than 80% of dogs by age three. If tartar is not removed, tartar builds up under the gums and eventually separates the gums from the teeth to form "pockets," which allows for more bacteria to grow. At this point the damage is irreversible and can lead to serious complications, including abscesses, loose teeth, infection and bone loss.Causes of Canine Gum Disease
There are a number of factors that play a role in the formation of plaque and tartar, and the development of gum disease. Some of the factors include:- Mouth environment
- Home care
- Diet and chewing behavior
- Grooming habits
- Age and general health status
- Breed, genetics and tooth alignment
Preventing Gum Disease in Dogs
Prevention of gum disease is one of the most important factors of maintaining your dog's good health, because once gum disease develops, it is irreversible. As gum disease progresses, it can allow dangerous bacteria and toxins to enter the bloodstream, which can severely harm internal organs and lead to more serious residual health issues like kidney and heart disease. Putting your dog on a professional dental care program is critical to your dog's health and will include regular visits to your Colorado veterinarian, frequent oral exams, veterinary dental cleaning as advised, and daily oral care. Owners should not wait until they see the first signs of gum disease in their dog. Once your dog begins exhibiting symptoms of gum disease like loose or missing teeth, loss of appetite, inflamed or receding gums, and difficulty chewing or eating, there is little that can be done to reverse the effects of the disease.Canine Orthopedic Surgery Can Prevent Arthritis and Pain in Dogs
by BAC Admin on 01/13/12
One of the most devastating situations dog owners can face is for the family pet or loyal canine companion to suffer a debilitating injury to one or more of his legs, suddenly becoming lame. The most common type of knee injury in dogs is damage to the Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL), more commonly known as the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). This ligament connects the back of the femur, the bone located above the knee, with the front of the tibia, which is the bone located below the knee. Dogs, unlike humans, typically tear their ACL gradually, often escalating from a partial tear, which can cause minor instability in the knee, to a complete rupture of the ACL, sometimes accompanied by damage to the medial meniscus as well. Most dogs who experience a complete ACL tear exhibit a sudden onset of lameness, accompanied by a drastic decline in limb function over time.
There are a number of factors which may contribute to the incidence of ACL injuries in dogs, including breed, age, obesity and activity. Regardless of the circumstances leading up to the injury however, it is recommended that dogs suffering from an ACL tear undergo orthopedic surgery for ACL repair. Canine orthopedic surgery can effectively treat bone and joint problems in dogs suffering from a variety of conditions, including hip dysplasia, degenerative joint disease, fractures, elbow dysplasia and ligament rupture. Without treatment, dogs who suffer a complete tear of this critical ligament may struggle with instability, severe arthritis, and pain, the degree of which typically varies from dog to dog.
TPLO Surgery and TTA Surgery
The most common treatment options for ACL repair in canines are TTA surgery and TPLO surgery, two state-of-the-art techniques in canine orthopedic surgery. TPLO surgery, or tibial plateau leveling osteotomy, involves changing the angle of the top of the shin bone in the dog by cutting and rotating the bone into a new position, followed by stabilizing the bone with a plate and screws. TTA surgery, or tibial tuberosity advancement, is a newer technique and is slightly less invasive than TPLO surgery, although it delivers similar results. During TTA surgery, a cut is made in the front part of the tibia bone, which is then moved forward in order to realign the patellar ligament and, ultimately, to eliminate the irregular sliding movement within the knee joint. In general, TTA surgery allows for a faster initial recovery in most dogs, although by four months after surgery is performed, the results of TTA surgery is typically equal to that of TPLO surgery. If complications arise during an ACL repair procedure, those associated with TTA surgery are often less devastating than those related to TPLO surgery.What to Expect from Orthopedic Surgery
Choosing ACL repair surgery is critical to ensuring your injured dog makes a full recovery after sustaining a severe ligament injury. Although some dogs with partial or complete ACL tears can heal on their own, the lack of a healthy ACL will cause the surrounding bones to rub against one another, potentially resulting in the development of arthritis, pain, bone spurs and a decreased range of motion, especially in medium- to large-sized dogs. By allowing an experienced veterinary surgeon to perform TLPO surgery or TTA surgery for ACL repair, you can feel confident that your dog will heal quickly and be able to bear full weight on the injured leg in approximately eight weeks. In some cases, applying ice to the injured area and performing gentle range of motion exercises may also help with your dog's rehabilitation, at your veterinarian's recommendation. Whether your dog is in need of ACL repair surgery, hip dysplasia surgery, elbow dysplasia surgery, or another surgical procedure, it is important to seek the help of a qualified Colorado veterinary surgeon, in order to prevent your dog from suffering from debilitating pain and arthritis in the future.Casting for Fracture Repair in Colorado Canines
by BAC Admin on 01/13/12A fracture is defined as any break in bone or cartilage in a canine, regardless of the severity of the break and whether it is complete or incomplete. For many small animals with non-displaced fractures, fracture repair may only require splinting or casting, while larger canines with more serious injuries may benefit from advanced fracture repair, including bone plating or external fixation devices. At the Breckenridge Animal Clinic, we have over twenty years of experience in canine fracture repair, and can provide a number of fracture repair options for your dog, including splinting or casting, and even advanced surgical procedures. In fact, our clinic is one of the only Summit County veterinary hospitals to offer advanced fracture repair in-house, using external fixation and plating. For the best in Colorado veterinary care and fracture repair, visit us at the Breckenridge Animal Clinic in Breckenridge, Colorado.
The Strength of Your Dog's Bones
When a bone is fractured, it is unable to resist the normal physical forces that act on bones when your dog is walking. These forces include:- Bending - like the force used to break a pencil in half
Torsion – a twisting force around the long bone
- Compression - the force that gravity puts on the dog when bearing weight on his legs
- Traction - the pulling force applied to a small portion of bone by a muscle at its attachment to the bone
The Benefits of Casting for Fracture Repair
Simple non-displaced fractures can be repaired by external coaptation, which involves using splints and casts to repair the injured bone. A dog's limb can be placed in a splint or cast, which effectively immobilizes the joint above and below the fracture. A cast for canine fracture repair is applied to the outside of the limb, and is good at resisting bending forces and fair at resisting torsion and compression forces in dogs. Dogs with complicated and displaced fractures typically require a more advanced form of fracture repair, often including internal fixation or external fixation procedures. Casting for fracture repair may be beneficial for your dog because it is a completely non-invasive procedure and doesn't require your dog to undergo surgery.After-Care for Fracture Repair in Dogs
As a general rule, you should always follow the instructions provided to you by your veterinarian after your dog undergoes a fracture repair procedure, including casting. If you dog has a splint or cast, careful monitoring and maintenance is required to ensure your dog's full recovery, and to prevent any complications that may result in a longer overall healing period. Other recommended actions for fracture repair after-care may include:- Restricted activity - confine your dog as directed by your veterinarian, which may include confining him to one level or section of the house with carpeted floors, and restricting playful activity like running or jumping
- Assisting your dog - Your dog may need help standing or walking in the first few days or weeks following the fracture. Even if your dog is able to move on his own, it is sometimes beneficial to provide light assistance until he is completely stable, especially on slippery surfaces or while going up or down stairs
Safer and More Efficient Digital X-Ray Services at BAC
by BAC Admin on 12/16/11One of the most important innovations in canine X-ray services is the development of digital X-ray systems, a relatively new technology which offers a significantly more efficient and effective method of performing canine X-rays. In order to keep up with the latest advancements in veterinary technology, our clinic recently installed a new digital X-ray system on-site. This sophisticated X-ray system produces high-resolution images in seconds, without requiring film cassettes or the traditionally time-consuming method of processing the film. This state-of-the art digital X-ray system improves the entire process of performing X-rays, including expediting image processing, minimizing the amount of time your pet is required to remain under X-ray, and ultimately delivering a faster and more accurate diagnosis. Breckenridge Animal Clinic's advanced, on-site, digital X-ray equipment provides high-quality radiographs to aid in the quick diagnosis of a variety of injuries, disorders and even dental issues.
