Veterinary orthopedic wisdom: Keep 'em moving

Thought and practice in the area of veterinary orthopedics is constantly evolving, but that doesn't mean it can't be influenced by the past. In fact, Fetch dvm360 conference speaker David Dycus, DVM, MS, DACVS-SA, has taken inspiration from an 1895 quote by Just Lucas-Championnière. He shared this advice from the French surgeon:

"For an injured limb to return to function, the worst possible management is immobilization."

More orthopedic advice from Dr. Dycus

Osteoarthritis management update.

Orthotics or surgery? A veterinary surgeon breaks down the options.

Keep pets appropriately active following surgery.

And return to function is the primary goal for most patients, Dr. Dycus says. Toward that end, he says you must keep joints in motion. Rather than placing a fractured bone in a splint, he says you should repair the problem to restore use to the surrounding joints. In cases of arthritic joints, Dr. Dycus says daily exercise is the key.

"The synovial fluid that nourishes the chondrocytes actually comes from the synovium, and that comes from mobility in the joint," he says.

So, getting patients "moving and grooving" is essential to restoring joint function, comfort, and preservation, he says.

Watch the video for more.

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