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References

Clinical pharmacology of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in dogs.

Summary:

To discuss the clinical pharmacology of currently licensed veterinary NSAIDs and to review gastrointestinal and renal adverse effects as well as drug-drug interactions that have been reported with these drugs. To review the use of NSAIDs in the peri-operative setting and their use in patients with osteoarthritis. To further review the reported effects of NSAIDs on canine articular cartilage and liver as well as the clinical relevance of a washout period.

Conclusion:

A good understanding of the mechanisms by which NSAIDs elicit their analgesic effect is essential in order to minimize adverse effects and drug-drug interactions. Cyclooxygenase (COX) is present in at least two active isoforms in the body and is the primary pharmacologic target of NSAIDs. Inhibition of COX is associated with the analgesic effects of NSAIDs. COX is present in the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys, along with other areas of the body, and is also the likely reason for many adverse effects including gastrointestinal and renal adverse effects. The newer veterinary approved NSAIDs have a lower frequency of gastrointestinal adverse effects in dogs compared to drugs such as aspirin, ketoprofen and flunixin, which may be due to differential effects on the COX isoforms. There are currently no published reports demonstrating that the newer NSAIDs are associated with fewer renal or hepatic adverse effects in dogs. NSAIDs remain the cornerstone of oral therapy for osteoarthritis unless contraindicated by intolerance, concurrent therapies or underlying medical conditions. NSAIDs are also effective and frequently used for the management of post-operative pain.

Author & Journal:KuKanich B, et al, Vet Anaesth Analg 2012;39:69-90
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Co-existence of ununited anconeal process and fragmented medial coronoid process of the ulna in the dog

Summary:

To determine the incidence of fragmented medial coronoid process of the ulna in dogs with ununited anconeal process. The efficacy of presurgical radiography to diagnose the co-existence of these diseases was also investigated.

Conclusion:

Seventy-two per cent of the dogs were German shepherd dogs. In 25 joints (16 per cent) a fragmented medial coronoidprocess was diagnosed and removed via arthrotomy or arthroscopy. The co-existence of a fragmented medial coronoid process was diagnosed correctly in only 13 cases (52 per cent) by radiography. In five of these cases with advanced osteoarthritis, the fragment was directly visible because of its dislocation. Compared with published information, the occurrence of ununited anconeal process with fragmented medial coronoid process is noted more frequently in the present study.

Author & Journal:Meyer-Lindenberg A, et al, J Small Anim Prac 2006 47:61-65
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COAST Development Group’s international consensus guidelines for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis

Summary:

This report describes consensus guidelines and recommendations for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis (OA) according to the “Canine OsteoArthritis Staging Tool excluding radiography” (COASTeR) stage of OA, by the COAST Development Group. The recommendations are based on evidence-based medicine and clinical experience and are proposed with international relevance in mind. The aim is to provide veterinarians with a practical reference to consolidated information and to support the development of patient-specific OA management protocols and informed treatment choices based on the stage of OA.

Conclusion:

Canine osteoarthritis is a complex disease and only animal healthcare professionals with personal knowledge of the patient can optimize care plans to meet the needs of the patient and requirements of the pet caregiver. This proposal for the first international guidelines for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis (OA), according to the COASTeR OA stage, is intended to provide a practical reference to evidence-based recommendations and expert opinion while leaving decision-making and the development of protocols appropriate to each dog’s specific situation, firmly in the hands of the consulting veterinarian. The authors encourage the use of the COAST staging tool and the COAST canine OA treatment guidelines proposal, and welcome feedback to help guide future updates and the optimization of both ([email protected]).

 

Author & Journal:Thibaut Cachon, Ole Frykman, John F. Innes, B. Duncan X. Lascelles, Masahiro Okumura, Pedro Sousa, Francesco Staffieri, Paulo V. Steagall, Bernadette Van Ryssen; Frontiers in Veterinary Science
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Comparative Efficacy of Water and Land Treadmill Training for Overweight or Obese Adults

Summary:

Comparative Efficacy of Water and Land Treadmill Training for Overweight or Obese Adults. {Humans}

Purpose: No known previous research has been published to explore the efficacy of underwater treadmill (UWTM) exercise training for the obese. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare changes in physical fitness, body weight, and body composition in physically inactive, overweight, and obese adults after 12 wks of land treadmill (LTM) or UWTM training.

Conclusion:

UWTM and LTM training are equally capable of improving aerobic fitness and body composition in physically inactive overweight individuals, but UWTM training may induce increases in LBM.

Author & Journal:Greene, Nicholas, et al, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2009
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Comparison of conservative management and juvenile pubic symphysiodesis in the early treatment of canine hip dysplasia

Summary:

To evaluate the efficacy of juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS) in a clinical setting for the early treatment of canine hipdysplasia (CHD), and to identify its indications and contraindications.

Conclusion:

In group 1, 43.2% of the puppies had regression or a lack of progression of the disease in the final evaluation (Grade A & B), 25.9% had mild CHD (Grade C) and 30.9% had moderate and severe CHD (Grade D & E). In group 2, 23.6% of the puppies did not show any development of the disease (Grade A & B), 21.1% had mild CHD (Grade C) and 55.3% developed moderate to severe CHD (Grade D & E). Further investigation was done by comparing the severity of early signs of susceptibility to CHD with the final FCI Grades at adulthood in both groups.

Author & Journal:Vezzoni A, et al, VCOT 2008
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Comparison of decompressive surgery, electroacupuncture, and decompressive surgery followed by electroacupuncture for the treatment of dogs with intervertebral disk disease with long-standing severe neurologic deficits.

Summary:

To compare the effects of decompressive surgery (DSX), electroacupuncture (EAP), and DSX followed by EAP (DSX + EAP) for the treatment of thoracolumbar intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) in dogs with severe neurologic deficits of > 48 hours’ duration.

Conclusion:

EAP was more effective than DSX for recovery of ambulation and improvement in neurologic deficits in dogs with long-standing severe deficits attributable to thoracolumbar IVDD.

Author & Journal:Joaquim JG, et al, J Am Vet Med Assoc 236(11):1225-1229, 2010
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Comparison of Force Plate Gait Analysis and Owner Assessment of Pain Using the Canine Brief Pain Inventory in Dogs with Osteoarthritis

Summary:

Evaluate the relationship between CBPI pain severity (PS) and interference (PI) scores with the vertical forces of FPGA as efficacy measures in canine osteoarthritis.

Conclusion:

In these dogs with hind limb or forelimb osteoarthritis, owner assessment of chronic painusing the CBPI and assessment of lameness using FPGA detected significant improvement in dogs treated with carprofen. The lack of correlation or concordance between the change in owner scores and vertical forces suggests that owners were focused on behaviors other than lameness when making efficacy evaluations in their dogs.

Author & Journal:D.C. Brown, et al, J Vet Intern Med 2013;27:22–30
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Comparison of four commercial devices to measure limb circumference in dogs.

Summary:

We evaluated four measurement devices for obtaining circumferential measurements at four locations on the canine hindlimb and forelimb. We hypothesised that these devices would be consistent and precise in the hands of veterinary professionals with varying experience levels.

Conclusion:

Results indicated a significantly larger measurement at the left mid-thigh region than the right, with no significant differences between limbs noted at other sites. Measurements with a tape measure and a retractable tape measure resulted in significantly smaller values at each site than an ergonomic measuring tape and a circumference measuring tape. Interobserver variation was 3.6 times higher than intraobserver variation. These results illustrate the importance of consistency when obtaining these measurements. Sequential circumferencemeasurements should be made by the same individual using the same device to decrease measurement variability. Devices were equally precise for repeat measurements although the absolute measurement varied by device.

Author & Journal:Baker SG, et al, Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol. 2010;23(6):406-10
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Comparison of lateral fabellar suture and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy techniques for treatment of dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease.

Summary:

To compare 1-year outcomes after lateral fabellar suture stabilization (LFS) and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) for the treatment of dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease.

Conclusion:

Kinematic and owner satisfaction results indicated dogs that underwent TPLO had better outcomes than those that underwent LFS.

Author & Journal:Gordon-Evans WJ, et al, J Am Vet Med Assoc 243:675-680, 2013
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Comparison of long-term outcomes associated with three surgical techniques for treatment of cranial cruciate ligament disease in dogs.

Summary:

To evaluate long-term (>1 year) outcomes with respect to function and complications in dogs undergoing TightRope (TR), tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), or tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) for treatment of cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease.

Conclusion:

Long-term outcomes for TPLO and TR were superior to TTA based on subjective client and DVM assessments. Each technique was associated with a high long-term success rate with TR showing the highest safety-to-efficacy ratio.

Author & Journal:Christopher SA, et al, Vet Surg 42:329-334, 2013
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