Orthopedics

In this experimental study, 48 Labrador retrievers from seven litters with a high prevalence of canine hip dysplasia were examined throughout their lives for a relationship between a radiographic marker and the development of osteoarthritis in the hip joint.

MANHATTAN, KAN.-Kansas State University (KSU) veterinarians performed the first non-cemented total hip replacement on a dog at the university's veterinary medical teaching hospital.

DVM Newsmagazine is proud to present our first issue of DVM Best Practices exclusively for the equine practitioner. This special issue is devoted to equine degenerative joint disease (DJD) and also explores the problems associated with treating the disease with bulk compounded drugs.

Dr. C. W. McIlwraith provides an overview on identifying and treating degenerative joint disease in horses.

Arthroscopy used for diagnosis and treatment is the standard of care in man and the horse. Canine arthroscopy has lagged in use. Reasons for this include technical difficulties, cost and perception on behalf of the veterinarian that open arthrotomies are as good. A Japanese surgeon, Dr. Takgi, is credited with early efforts in diagnostic and surgical arthroscopy.

Glycosaminoglycans have helped veterinarians target therapies toward the underlying pathology of equine joint disease, says Dr. Gary W. White.

Cleveland-The majority of veterinarians say the most competitive business pressure is coming from Internet sales of veterinary products.

Ames, Iowa-Iowa State University (ISU) lays claim to a first for veterinary medicine.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-An Internet/mail-order pet pharmacy, once disciplined for violating pharmacy laws, asks that clients protest to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) if they cannot obtain their pet's prescription from its veterinarian to purchase drugs online. PetMed Express, Inc., chided by state officials in 1999 after a two-year investigation into company practices, offers an online complaint form for clients whose veterinarians refuse to authorize prescriptions for "non-medical reasons." Veterinarians often are reluctant to write drug prescriptions that enable clients to buy medications from discount pharmaceutical companies instead of from DVM offices-a practice that traditionally reaps profits.