Morgan's Small Animal Practice Client Handouts combines a book and CD-ROM to include 450 educational handouts that cover everything your clients need to know about their pet's condition. Content ranges from basic descriptions of illnesses and frequent signs to preventive measures and expected outcomes, all on a single page. Give your clients an educational resource to help them understand what their pet's illness is, how it will affect the animal's regular routine (as well as their own), and when they need to contact the veterinary office for consultation.- CD can be uploaded to more than one computer allowing for simultaneous use in the exam room and/or front desk.- Single page handouts are presented in a practical, easy-to-understand format that does not overwhelm the client.- Perforated pages facilitate easy storage, retrieval, and quick access for copying.- Organized alphabetically and by body system enabling you to quickly locate the information you need.- Customizable handouts on the CD let you adapt the look and content of all documents to reflect the practice's identity and address specific concerns of each client.- Spanish versions on the CD help you communicate with Spanish-speaking clients.- Advanced search function on the CD lets you search for information by topic, species, word, or phrase.- 100 printable images on the CD facilitate discussion with clients about their pet's condition and save you time in explanation.
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Yes, you can access Small Animal Practice Client Handouts by Rhea V. Morgan in PDF and/or ePUB format, as well as other popular books in Medicine & Veterinary Medicine. We have over one million books available in our catalogue for you to explore.
Section Editor, Rhea V. Morgan, DVM, DACVIM (Small Animal), DACVO
Amputation, Limb
Mark C. Rochat, DVM, MS, DACVS
Purpose of Procedure
Limb (leg) amputation is the removal of a portion of a limb. Dogs and cats, in general, function extremely well following amputation. Poor candidates for amputation include very large dogs, obese dogs, and dogs with orthopedic or neurologic disorders that affect the other legs.
Amputations may be performed for numerous reasons, including trauma, infection, and cancer. Certain neurologic diseases (paralysis of one or more nerves to the leg) and severe, painful osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) may also be treated by limb amputation. In some instances, such as trauma or bacterial infection (osteomyelitis), amputation is curative. In cases of bone tumors, amputation is done to relieve pain but rarely cures the underlying cancer.
Description of Technique
Amputation of the front leg is generally performed by removing the entire limb and scapula (shoulder blade). This approach results in a good cosmetic result. Amputation through the shoulder joint or at the level of the upper arm is generally of no benefit and less cosmetic. Amputation of the rear limb is usually done at the level of the mid-thigh. This approach results in a more cosmetic appearance and affords some degree of protection to the groin. When neoplasia (cancer) or infection involves the femur (the long bone of the thigh), amputation through the hip joint is done. Amputation at a point lower on the leg (front or rear) is rarely done, because prosthetic devices are not usually available, are very expensive, and are generally unnecessary.
Preparation of Animal
Radiographs (x-rays) of the limb and routine laboratory tests are usually recommended initially to further define the nature and extent of the limb problem and identify anesthetic risks, such as liver or kidney dysfunction. Other diagnostic tests are based on the suspected underlying condition or cause of the lameness. If trauma or cancer is suspected, chest x-rays are taken.
Potential Complications
Although rare, the most serious complication that can occur during amputation is severe bleeding. Other complications include failure of the incision to heal properly or premature opening (dehiscence) of the incision, infection at the surgical site, and recurrence of cancer at the incision site. Painful neuromas where the limb nerves were severed during the procedure and phantom pain after the amputation are extremely rare.
Postoperative/Follow-up Care
Upon discharge from the hospital, restricted exercise (leash walking) is usually prescribed until the surgery site has healed. Notify your veterinarian if any swelling or excessive redness occurs at the surgery site or if there is any drainage from the incision. Pain-relieving medications are commonly dispensed when the animal is discharged. Depending on the reason for the amputation, antibiotics may also be prescribed. Chemotherapy for treating cancer is often delayed until the incision has healed.
Follow-up consists of removal of the sutures or staples when the skin is fully healed, generally 10–14 days after surgery. Other postoperative instructions are tailored to address the underlying reason for the amputation.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Arthrodesis
Mark C. Rochat, DVM, MS, DACVS
Purpose of Procedure
Arthrodesis is the surgical fusion of a joint. With the exception of the hip, all major joints of the dog and cat can be fused. Commonly fused joints include the carpus (wrist), hock (ankle), and elbow. Less commonly fused joints include the stifle (knee) and shoulder. Other joints that are occasionally fused are the joints of the paw and the spine.
Arthrodesis results in loss of the function of the joint, but its primary goal is elimination of joint pain that is often severe and untreatable by other methods. Fusion of the carpus or hock usually has a minimal impact on overall limb function. Fusion of the elbow, shoulder, or knee results in significant changes in limb function.
Arthrodesis is indicated for treatment of joint injuries or disorders that cannot be controlled by other methods and are expected to lead to irreversible joint injury or osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease).
Description of Technique
When arthrodesis of a joint is performed, any remaining cartilage in the joint is surgically removed, a bone graft is placed in the joint space, and the joint is secured with orthopedic devices (typically plates and screws or external fixators) at a functional angle until the bones have fused.
Preparation of Animal
Radiographs (x-rays) of the limb and routine laboratory tests are usually recommended initially to further define the nature and extent of the joint problem and identify anesthetic risks, such as liver or kidney dysfunction. Other diagnostic tests are based on the suspected underlying condition or cause of the lameness. If trauma is suspected, chest x-rays are taken to identify risk factors for anesthesia, such as pulmonary contusions (lung bruising) or diaphragmatic hernia. An electrocardiogram may also be performed to identify abnormal heart rhythms if trauma is suspected.
Potential Complications
In addition to anesthetic risks, complications of arthrodesis include failure of the joint to fuse, breakage of the surgical implants used to hold the bones in place, failure of the incision to heal or dehiscence (premature opening) of the incision, infection, nerve damage, and improper alignment of the leg. Rare complications include chronic infections that develop in association with the surgical implants, cancer at the surgical site, and lameness in cold weather from the effects of cold on the surgical implants.
Postoperative/Follow-up Care
Bandage changes are performed as needed, depending on the type of orthopedic device that was used and the nature of the injury or dis...
