Veterinarian Dashboard

References

Use of bathroom scales in measuring asymmetry of hindlimb static weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis

Summary:

The study assessed the use and reliability of bathroom scales as an objective measurement tool, and setting a normal variance of static weight bearing between hindlimbs.

Conclusion:

The difference between the hindlimbs proportional to the body weight in control dogs was 3.3% (± 2.7%). The repeatability of measuring static weight bearing in the hindlimbs of osteoarthritic dogs with bathroom scales was 81% with osteoarthritic limbs, and 70% for unaffected limbs. The sensitivity of static weight bearing measurements using bathroom scales was 39% and specificity 85%.

Author & Journal:H. K. Hyytiäinen et al, Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol. 2012;25(5):390-6. doi: 10.3415/VCOT-11-09-0135. Epub 2012 Jul 25.
Learn More

Use of client-specific outcome measures to assess treatment effects in geriatric, arthritic dogs: controlled clinical evaluation of a nutraceutical.

Summary:

“A questionnaire method was designed for dog owners to monitor the orthopedic disabilities of their pets for evaluation of a nutraceutical with joint health claims. Fifty large-breed dogs, 7 to 12 years of age, presenting with signs of osteoarthritis, were randomly allocated to placebo and active treatment groups. Degree of disability was assessed by physical examination, a standard questionnaire on daily activities, and a case-specific questionnaire that monitored specific impairments of each dog. The test product was a special milk protein concentrate (SMPC) from hyperimmunized cows, previously shown to express anti inflammatory and antiarthritic activity in humans”

Conclusion:

“Overall improvement was noted in 68% and 35% of the SMPC and placebo groups, respectively.”

Author & Journal:Gingerich D.A., et al, Veterinary Therapeutics, 2003
Learn More

Validation of a client-based clinical metrology instrument for the evaluation of canine elbow arthritis

Summary:

To validate a disease-specific client-based clinical metrology instrument (questionnaire) for dogs with chronic osteoarthritis of the elbow joint.

Conclusion:

The reliability of Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (elbow) in the test-retest scenario was good; intraclass correlation coefficient is 0.89, 95 per cent confidence interval 0.75 to 0.95, compared with intraclass correlation coefficient 0.92, 95 per cent confidence interval 0.74 to 0.98, for peak vertical force. Responsiveness testing indicated that the “net” effect size (allowing for placebo effect) for Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (elbow) was 0.13 compared with (-)0.18 for the force platform. Criterion validity for Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs(elbow) against peak vertical force was poor; Spearman’s rank correlation is -0.24 (P=0.30).

Author & Journal:Hercock, C.A., et al, Journal of Small Animal Practice 50, 266–271
Learn More

Weight management in obese pets: the tailoring concept and how it can improve results.

Summary:

Obesity is now recognised as the most important medical disease in pets worldwide.

Conclusion:

In this opinionated review, the author will discuss findings from recent clinical research studies examining weight management in obese dogs and cats. A strategy for tailoring weight management targets will then be discussed, illustrated with case examples.

Author & Journal:German AJ, Acta Vet Scand 2016;58:57
Learn More