Weekly Vet Report: First clinical use of TMJ arthroscopy in dogs, Lyme-lepto combo vaccine approval, & more

UC Davis pioneers nano-arthroscopy for canine jaw disorders

The UC Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital has become the first veterinary hospital to clinically use nano-arthroscopy of the canine temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

The technique uses a 1.9-millimeter camera inserted directly into the jaw joint, allowing clinicians to visualize internal structures in real time and obtain biopsy samples. Previously, veterinarians primarily relied on computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to evaluate TMJ disease.

Researchers say the technology has already yielded important clinical findings, including the identification of immune-mediated TMJ arthritis, a condition that had not previously been documented in that form. UC Davis has also begun training specialists from other institutions as interest in the technique grows.

USDA approves combination canine vaccine for Lyme disease and leptospirosis

The USDA has approved Elanco Animal Health's TruCan Ultra Lyme-L4, a new canine vaccine designed to protect against both Lyme disease and leptospirosis in a single injection. The vaccine combines protection against multiple leptospira serovars and Lyme disease in a 0.5-mL formulation, reducing injection volume while maintaining broad coverage.

The approval comes as veterinarians face increasing concerns about both diseases. Leptospirosis is now considered a core vaccine for dogs due to widespread exposure risk, while Lyme disease continues to expand geographically as blacklegged ticks spread into new regions of the United States.

JAVMA study calls for a new approach to aging in companion animals

A new review published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) argues that aging in dogs and cats should be viewed as a modifiable biological process rather than an inevitable decline.

The authors propose a definition of healthy aging centered on maintaining functional capabilities, resilience, and quality of life throughout adulthood while sustaining the human-animal bond. The paper highlights emerging areas of research, including biological aging clocks, age-related disease prevention, and earlier monitoring of functional health.

According to the authors, adopting a proactive approach to aging could help veterinarians and pet owners identify changes sooner, support longer health spans, and improve quality of life for aging companion animals.