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A veterinary surgeon has undergone additional training after veterinary school in order to become a specialist. This training consists of a minimum of a 1-year internship followed by a 3-year residency program that meets guidelines established by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS).
During the residency, there are specific training and caseload requirements that must be met. In addition to these requirements, applicants must perform research that is published in a scientific journal and then pass a rigorous examination. Specialists are called a “Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons” or a “board-certified surgeon.”
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The cruciate ligaments keep the knee stable. In most dogs, it appears that their CCL degenerates or weakens over time, which predisposes it to rupturing. The most common symptom is lameness, which can range from mild to non-weight bearing. Diagnosis of a ruptured CCL made by palpation (feeling the knee) and x-rays. There are several surgical techniques that can be utilized, all with very good prognoses, with most patients expecting to return to 90-95% normal limb function, although some degenerative changes may still occur later in life and pre-existing osteoarthritis cannot be reversed.
Patella Luxation is also known as a kneecap dislocation. It is most common in small breed dogs but can be diagnosed in any size dog. The patella is abnormally positioned, most commonly to the inside of the knee. Severity can vary. The patella typically slides within a groove on the end of the femur (thigh bone) through its normal range of motion in the knee. A dog with a patella luxation typically has a groove that is too shallow which allows the patella to move out of place. The prognosis for early surgical correction of most patellar luxations is very good, and most dogs go on to lead a normal life. This condition typically does not respond well to medical management.
Hip Dysplasia is the abnormal development of the hip joint, resulting in hip laxity (looseness). Over time, abnormal motion in the joint results in degenerative osteoarthritis. It is a genetic condition, but the actual development of clinical symptoms can be influenced by the severity of dysplasia, reproductive status, age, body condition, conformation, diet, and other environmental factors. Diagnosing Hip Dysplasia starts with X-rays and assessment by your primary veterinarian. There are both surgical and non-surgical methods to treat hip dysplasia depending on its severity.
An angular limb deformity is an abnormal bend or twist in a limb resulting in a loss of normal bone and joint alignment. This condition can affect different joints but is primarily seen in the radius/ulna and tibia/fibula. It can increase the strain on joints causing early onset of arthritis, pain, and lameness. They can result from genetic premature growth plate closure, trauma to an active growth plate, or a malunion fracture. They are regularly seen in short-legged breeds such as the Basset Hound as well as giant breeds such as Rottweilers. The prognosis for an angular limb deformity can vary depending on severity but is generally good.
Elbow dysplasia is a degenerative joint disease resulting from one or more pathologies of the elbow joint structures. Fragmented Medial Coronoid Process (FMCP), Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD), and Ununited Anconeal Process (UAP) are examples of Elbow Dysplasia. The elbow is a complex joint — unequal growth of any of the three bones (humerus, radius, and ulna) can cause abnormal stresses on joint structures, leading to elbow dysplasia. Trauma and dietary factors may also play a role. Affected dogs may have dysplasia in one elbow or both and may have more than one type of pathology in the same elbow joint. Treatment is determined by the severity of changes within the elbow.
