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References

The cruciate ligaments of the canine stifle: an anatomical and functional analysis.

Summary:

Fifty canine stifles were used to study the anatomy and function of the cruciate ligaments.

Conclusion:

It was found that both cruciate ligaments were composed of 2 component parts and that the geometry of their femoral attachments was responsible for a reciprocal loosening and tightening of these components through a range of motion. It was also found that transection of one or both cruciate ligaments resulted in marked joint instability.

Author & Journal:Arnoczky SP, et al, Am J Vet Res. 1977 Nov;38(11):1807-14
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The effect of ice on intra-articular temperature in the knee of the dog.

Summary:

The effect of surface cooling on intra-articular temperature was examined in dogs’ knees.

Conclusion:

We conclude that brief periods of topical cold application to a dog’s knee can induce significant and long lasting depression of intra-articular temperatures and that this is a local effect not dependent on core temperature cooling.

Author & Journal:Bocobo C, et al, Am J Phys Med Rehabil 70(4):181-185, 1991
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The effect of low-level laser in knee osteoarthritis: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Summary:

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is thought to have an analgesic effect as well as a biomodulatory effect on microcirculation. This study was designed to examine the pain-relieving effect of LLLT and possible microcirculatory changes measured by thermography in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Conclusion:

Our results show that LLLT reduces pain in KOA and improves microcirculation in the irradiated area.

Author & Journal:Hegedus B, et al, Photomed Laser Surg 2009;27(4):577-584
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The effect of neutering on the risk of mammary tumours in dogs–a systematic review.

Summary:

A commonly-stated advantage of neutering bitches is a significant reduction in the risk of mammary tumours, however the evidence for this has not previously been assessed by systematic review. The objectives of this study were to estimate the magnitude and strength of evidence for any effect of neutering, or age of neutering, on the risk of mammary tumours in bitches.

Conclusion:

Due to the limited evidence available and the risk of bias in the published results, the evidence that neutering reduces the risk of mammary neoplasia, and the evidence that age at neutering has an effect, are judged to be weak and are not a sound basis for firm recommendations.

Author & Journal:Beauvais W, et al, J Small Anim Pract 2012; 53:314-322
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The effect of shock wave therapy on patellar ligament desmitis after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy.

Summary:

To determine if shock wave therapy (SWT) after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) has a beneficial effect on patellar ligament inflammation assessed by thickening of the ligament and ligament fiber disruption.

Conclusion:

Based on these results, SWT decreases the radiographic signs of patellar ligament desmitis.

Author & Journal:Gallagher A, et al, Vet Surg 41(4):482-485, 2012
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The effect of weight loss on lameness in obese dogs with osteoarthritis.

Summary:

This paper describes the effect of weight loss on lameness in obese dogs with osteoarthritis (OA).

Conclusion:

The results indicate that body weight reduction causes a significant decrease in lameness from a weight loss of 6.10% onwards. Kinetic gait analysis supported the results from a body weight reduction of 8.85% onwards. These results confirm that weight loss should be presented as an important treatment modality to owners of obese dogs with OA and that noticeable improvement may be seen after modest weight loss in the region of 6.10 – 8.85% body weight.

Author & Journal:Marshall WG, et al, Vet Res Commun 2010;34:241-253
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The evaluation of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in naturally occurring osteoarthritis of the stifle joint in dogs.

Summary:

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has expanded from the original uses of human urinary calculi treatment to veterinary orthopaedic applications. This paper investigates the feasibility and efficacy of treating dogs with osteoarthritis of the stifle joint with ESWT.

Conclusion:

The subjective data provided by client questionnaire did not show significant difference between groups.

Author & Journal:Dahlberg J, et al, Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 18(3): 147-52, 2005
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The relationship of urinary incontinence to early spaying in bitches.

Summary:

It is still controversial whether a bitch should be spayed before or after the first oestrus. It would be desirable to spay bitches at an age that would minimize the side effects of neutering. With regard to the risk of mammary tumours, early spaying must be recommended because the incidence of tumours is reduced considerably. The aim of the present study was to determine whether early spaying also reduces the risk of urinary incontinence.

Conclusion:

The surgical procedure (ovariectomy versus ovariohysterectomy) had no influence on the incidence, or on the period between spaying and the occurrence of urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence occurred on average at 2 years and 10 months after surgery and occurred each day, while the animals were awake or during sleep. However, compared with late spaying the clinical signs of urinary incontinencewere more distinct after early spaying.

Author & Journal:Stocklin-Gautschi NM, et al, J. Reprod. Fertil. Suppl. 57:233-6, 2001
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The role of exercise and physical modalities in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Summary:

Physical rehabilitation is a valuable and often underutilized part of the overall management of small animals with OA. A team consisting of the veterinarian, physical therapist, veterinary technician, and owner is vital to determine and carry out an appropriate therapeutic regimen.

Conclusion:

To maintain enthusiasm for the program, measurements should be regularly obtained to document progress. In addition, controlled studies should be performed to determine the degree of improvement that may be expected with physical rehabilitationprograms.

Author & Journal:Millis DL, et al, Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 27(4):913-930, 1997
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The role of joint innervation in the pathogenesis of arthritis

Summary:

Recently, an expanding body of knowledge has documented the nature and functions of receptors in joint tissues and their potential importance in preserving the smooth normal functioning of the motor-skeletal system and in amplifying the inflammatory response to joint injuries and diseases. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the anatomical and physiological substrates of these mechanisms.

Conclusion:

Synovial joints are sites of major interactions between the musculoskeletal and the nervous systems. Understanding the mechanisms that activate and control these interactions will certainly offer the opportunity to develop new, more effective treatments for patients with joint disorders.

Author & Journal:Salo P., CJS 1999
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