Surgery

Adequate nutrition can be an important aspect in the management of any disease process.  There is an ever-growing body of evidence that supports the use of nutrition early on in many diseases.  Early and appropriate nutrition can hasten recovery, shorten hospitalization, and even decrease the level of pain or discomfort in patients.  The fact that in some cases our patients will not eat willingly on their own can present a challenge in the process of…

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is the most common canine tumor of the bladder and urethra.  At this time, the cause of transitional cell carcinoma is not known.  Exposure to carcinogenic compounds is suspected to be a contributing factor, but very few specific agents have been identified. TCC is seen more commonly in female dogs than males.  Certain breeds, including Scottish terriers, West Highland White terriers, Airedales, Collies, Shelties, and Beagles, appear to be predisposed. Clinical…

  Endoscopy is a minimally invasive way to evaluate the inside of organs such as the esophagus, stomach, intestines, urinary system, trachea, lungs, and nasal cavity. Additionally, endoscopy can be performed to evaluate the inside of body cavities including the abdomen (laparoscopy) or chest (thoracoscopy). During endoscopy, an endoscope is inserted directly into an organ through a natural opening in the body or into a body cavity through one or more small incisions.  An…

Extracapsular Lateral Suture Stabilization (ELSS) is a surgical procedure that provides stability to the unstable canine knee.  The instability is the result of a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL). Knee stability is necessary for proper leg function and comfort. The Cranial Cruciate Ligament and Important Points Regarding Its Injury The CrCL, sometimes called the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), is the most important joint stabilizer in the knee. It connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin…

Intervertebral disks are the “cushions” in the space between spinal vertebrae. These disks are subject to a number of degenerative conditions and forces that predispose them to bulge or rupture over time. This rupture leads to damage to the spinal cord. Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) is the most common cause of spinal cord injury in dogs.  With proper attention, many dogs with this painful and debilitating condition can recover to a comfortable and more active…