Arthrex offers a wide range of innovative products and techniques to treat a the most common injuries seen by veterinarians.
Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease
Cranial cruciate ligament disease (CrCLD) is a degenerative disease that occurs in the hind leg of dogs and occasionally cats. Similar to the anterior crucial ligament (ACL) in humans, the cranial cruciate ligament is primarily responsible for stabilizing the knee. CrCLD can affect any dog, but it most commonly occurs in breeds such as the Rottweiler, Labrador Retriever, Newfoundland and Mastiff.
Genetics, aging of the ligament and poor physical condition are a few factors that can lead to the disease. Dogs suffering from CrCLD often show signs such as a limp in the hind leg, stiffness, muscle atrophy and swelling on the inside of the shin bone. If left untreated, it can lead to arthritis and a complete rupture of the ligament.
Surgical and nonsurgical treatment options are available. For surgical options, an osteotomy technique is often recommended in order to better stabilize the knee.
Stifle (Knee) Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Rupture
Just like the ACL in humans, the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is an important stabilizing structure in the knees of dogs and cats. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most common injuries seen by veterinarians. The CCL normally sits within the knee and is very important in the movement between the bones of the knee joint. In a healthy patient, the CCL prevents abnormal bone movement but with injury, the joint can become loose, which could lead to long-term problems.
Common symptoms include limping, swelling, stiffness, a clicking sound when walking and being unable to bend the knee. Depending on the severity of the injury, there are nonsurgical and surgical treatment options. One surgical technique is called a Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) which rotates the top part of the tibia, eliminating the need for a CCL.
Fractures
The most common reason fractures occur is trauma. Pets with fractures often limp and have severe pain and swelling. An open fracture is when the broken bone comes through the skin, while a closed one does not. X-rays are usually needed to determine whether it is a complete or incomplete fracture. A complete fracture is when the full circumference of the bone is broken, while with an incomplete fracture only part of the circumference is broken. Treatment typically depends on the type of fracture and where it is located, but surgery is usually recommended.
Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs
Elbow dysplasia (ED) occurs with developmental abnormalities in a dog’s elbow joint that could be caused by genetics, trauma or other issues. ED is typically seen in large to giant dogs, particularly Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and Rottweilers, but can happen in most breeds. The damaged cartilage can lead to inflammation and possibly progressive arthritis.
Dogs with ED typically show signs when they’re young, but dogs as old as 4-6 years have also been diagnosed. The primary symptom is an abnormality in how your dog walks with its front legs. This front limb lameness can develop over weeks to months and will typically get worse after exercise yet never fully goes away, even with rest.
Treatment options will depend on the progression of the disease and can include elbow replacement if the damage is severe.
Osteoarthritis in Dogs
Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis in dogs. OA is the loss of cartilage that protects the ends of bones in most joints. If a dog is experiencing OA, you will see an overall decrease in activity and reluctance to exercise.
Several treatment options are available, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, pain medications, joint supplements, local injections, weight control, activity modification and surgery.
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is the deterioration of the hip joint that can start early in a puppy’s life. Over time, the loose joint creates hip pain and limping because the femoral head has slipped out of the socket.
There are several treatment options ranging from medical management to surgery. If CHD is discovered early, pelvic surgeries like Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS) or Double/Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (DPO/TPO) may correct the abnormality. If an older pet is diagnosed with CHD, surgical options may include a Total Hip Replacement (THR) or a Femoral Head Osteotomy (FHO).
Dislocated Hip in Dogs
Hip Luxation or Coxofemoral Luxation is typically caused by trauma when the femoral head slips out of the socket. Typically, the ligaments or soft tissues around the joint have been injured and are unable to keep the femoral head in the socket.
Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the injury. Sometimes the hip can be placed back into the socket and heal on its own. Another option is a suture fixation system implanted into the joint to help keep the femoral head in place while the surrounding tissues and ligaments heal. For severe cases, a total hip replacement may be necessary.
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) in a Dog’s Shoulder
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) is a shoulder issue, often seen in underdeveloped, large and giant dogs. It happens when cartilage doesn’t form as it should in the shoulder, leading to a lesion and eventually a cartilage flap.
A canine patient with OCD can show symptoms as early as 4 months old. A dog may limp on one or both front legs which will often get worse with exercise.
Treatment options may include surgery since the cartilage flap would need to be removed and the surrounding area cleaned up. This could be done through a minimally invasive procedure, such as arthroscopy, or an open surgical approach.
Shoulder Instability
Shoulder instability is one of the most common causes of lameness in the forelegs of dogs and cats. The parts of the shoulder primarily responsible for shoulder stability are the joint capsule and the collateral ligaments. These can be injured mostly due to overuse, but can also be caused by severe trauma or repeated smaller traumas. Degenerative joint disease can also be a factor in some cases. Some symptoms can include a lingering limp, pain while extending shoulder and decreased range of motion.
Shoulder instability typically affects medium and larger dog breeds that tend to be hyperactive, but can also affect cats. A veterinarian may sedate an animal in order to examine them and determine the severity of their injuries. Shoulder instability can be treated surgically and nonsurgically. For more severe cases, arthroscopic surgery is usually required.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxation, also known as a dislocated kneecap, is one of the more prevalent orthopedic conditions dogs face today. Patellar luxation occurs when the patella (kneecap) no longer stays in place, but instead shifts either towards the inner or outer knee, which can worsen if left untreated. It mostly affects smaller breeds like Terriers and Pomeranians, but there has been a rise in this condition in larger breeds as well. Trauma and genetics are the most common causes of patellar luxation.
Some smaller dogs can have a patellar luxation and not suffer from any pain or other symptoms. A more severe luxation, such as Grade 3 or 4, may need surgery in order to reduce pain and repair any damage in order to increase the function of the leg.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is caused when the cushion in between the bones of the spine swells or ruptures. This cushion can wear down over time due to excessive force. Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Minor cases of the disease can lead to the animal having a wobbly walk, while more severe cases can lead to loss of motor function and pain perception.
Both cats and dogs are at risk for IVDD. The dog breeds most likely to suffer from this include the Dachshund, Pekinese and Beagle. A wide range of surgical and nonsurgical options are available depending on the severity of the symptoms, the disc or discs being affected and the preference of the veterinarian.