Comparative evaluation of the liver in dogs with a splenic mass by using ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography.

Evaluation of dogs with splenic masses to better educate owners as to the extent of the disease is a goal of many research studies. We compared the use of ultrasonography (US) and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) to evaluate the accuracy of detecting hepatic neoplasia in dogs with splenic masses, independently, in series, or in parallel. No significant difference was found between US and CT. If the presence or absence of ascites, as detected with US, was used as a pretest probability of disease in our population, the positive predictive value increased to 94% if the tests were run in series, and the negative predictive value increased to 95% if the tests were run in parallel. The study showed that CT combined with US could be a valuable tool in evaluation of dogs with splenic masses.

Nonpharmaceutical approaches to pain management.

A nonpharmaceutical approach to managing pain is one that does not employ a medication. The use of such approaches, in conjunction with pharmaceuticals as part of multimodal methods to managing pain, is becoming more popular as evidence is emerging to support their use. Cold therapy, for one, is used to reduce the inflammation and tissue damage seen in acute injuries and can be very effective at reducing acute pain. Incorporating the use of superficial heat therapy when treating pain associated with chronic musculoskeletal conditions is often employed as heat increases blood flow, oxygen delivery, and tissue extensibility. Acupuncture is gaining acceptance in veterinary medicine. Research is confirming that release of endogenous endorphins and enkephalins from the application of needles at specific points around the body can effectively control acute and chronic pain. The use of 2 newer therapies-extracorporeal shockwave therapy and platelet-rich plasma-represent an attempt to eliminate the causes of pain at the tissue level by promoting tissue healing and regeneration. Reviewed in this article, these therapies are intended to be used in conjunction with pharmaceuticals as part of a multimodal approach to pain management.

Massage therapy for dogs and cats.

Massage is gaining recognition as a beneficial modality for the treatment of many ailments due to recent scientific research in humans. We can infer that these benefits apply to dogs and cats due to their similar physiology and anatomy. Defined as the therapeutic manipulation of soft tissues, massage has many effects on muscle, the circulatory system, the autonomic nervous system, and the mind. Various techniques are employed to achieve a desired effect in the treatment of many conditions, including but not limited to, swelling and edema, critical illness and prolonged recumbency, osteoarthritis and chronic pain, and palliative and hospice care. This article reviews the above topics and encourages the practitioner to seek out expert advice on massage in the care of companion animals.

Short-term outcome after total elbow arthroplasty in dogs with severe, naturally occurring osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate limb function in client-owned dogs before and after total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) for severe, naturally occurring osteoarthritis (OA). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical evaluation comparing limb function before and after surgery. ANIMALS: Twenty adult, large breed dogs with elbow OA. METHODS: Physical, radiographic, and force platform gait examinations were performed on all dogs before surgery. TEA was performed, and examinations were repeated at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Pre- and postoperative findings were compared. RESULTS: TEA led to a satisfactory outcome in 16 dogs. In dogs with a satisfactory outcome, function in the operated limb increased over time, with mean peak vertical force (PVF) and vertical impulse (VI) 1 year after surgery being nearly twice the presurgical value. Serious complications encountered included infection (n = 2), luxation (n = 1), and fracture of the humeral condyle (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: Although TEA, as presented, has significant limitations, it can be successfully performed in dogs with naturally occurring elbow OA. Improvements in technique and implant design should lead to improved prognosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Based on 1-year data, TEA can be successfully performed in dogs and should be considered as a treatment alternative for adult dogs with lameness from severe OA of the elbow joint.