Case studies of fifteen novel species successfully aided with the use of a veterinary teletriage service.

The veterinary medical field is constantly growing and evolving. Embracing the growth of readily available video conferencing, and potentially spurred by events such as the COVID-19 pandemic causing the public to seek alternatives to physical contact for medical advice at their local veterinary clinic, the use of long-distance advice or telehealth is a rapidly developing field in its own right. Here we present case studies using a teletriage service, VetTriage, to provide health care advice to clients with underserved species including presenting complications, actions taken during the session, medical advice given, and follow-up of the case when possible. In addition to the everyday difficulty of accessing rapid medical care in recent years, there are households with underserved animal groups such as exotics (small mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, etc.), found wildlife, and in some areas of the country, large animals (horses, cows, etc.). Teletriage services have the potential to reach these underserved animal groups providing a vital service where otherwise no help may be available.

Micro total hip replacement in dogs and cats.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical technique using power-assisted femoral preparation and clinical outcome in 41 dogs and 2 cats surgically treated with the micro total hip prosthesis. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 41) and 2 cats METHODS: Medical records (January 2007-March 2010) of dogs and cats that had MicroTHR were reviewed. Data regarding implant position, cement mantle quality, concurrent surgery, intra- and postoperative complications, operative time, 3-week and 3-month recheck physical examinations, 3-month pelvic radiograph findings, and interval from surgery to any complication were retrieved. RESULTS: Six dogs had staged bilateral MicroTHR, 35 dogs and 2 cats had unilateral MicroTHR. Median body weight was 8.2 kg (range, 2.1-14.2 kg) whereas for those that had complications (fracture or luxation) it was 8.6 kg (range, 6.6-14.1 kg). Median operative time was 71 minutes (range, 55-105 minutes). Complications included luxations (5 of 49; 10%) and femoral fracture (1; 2%). Lameness grades assigned at the 3-month recheck examination: 39 (80%) animals were grade 1, 6 (12%) were grade 2, and 4 (8%) were grade 3. Forty-five animals (92%) had good or excellent results. CONCLUSIONS: MicroTHR is a practical and effective surgery in small breed dogs and cats with coxofemoral disease.