Western Carolina Veterinary Surgery

Dr. David Crouch attends prestigious orthopaedic surgery conference

2011-08-22T11:39:00.000-07:00

Dr. David T. Crouch recently attended the Veterinary Arthrology Advancement Association (VA3) meeting in Naples, FL. The meeting is hosted annually by Arthrex, Inc. This elite group of 45 orthopedic veterinary surgeons from around the world come together to discuss and refine the latest surgical techniques

More specifically, the course featured advance arthrosopic approaches to many orthopaedic problems affecting small animals. They also discussed and gave examples of new implants and data sharing in order to improve outcomes in veterinary orthopaedics. All who attended had to be at the advance level in arthroscopy.

Continuing education is always important no matter what profession you are in. At Western Carolina Veterinary Surgery, we take this seriously. It is very important to us that we are up-to-date with the latest and greatest breakthroughs. The more we can fine tune our skills, the better service we will be able to provide you and your pet.

Dr. Crouch pilots sick Boxer dog to safety.

2011-07-19T14:11:00.000-07:00

Lilly is a white boxer mix from Rome, GA, who had a litter of puppies, but they all died. She was quite sick and heartworm positive. She successfully recovered from the heartworm treatment, and is now a 50-lb healthy, sweet adult who has found her "furever" home thanks to Dorothy Peters of Carolina Boxer Rescue (Graham, NC).

With the help of another pilot, Mr. Bob Hite, Lilly arrived at the Asheville airport on the morning of June 16, 2011. Dr. David Crouch and his son Mark flew Lilly to Burlington, NC. They were greeted by Dorothy Peters and Doug Allison who will be her foster parents.

Dr. Crouch and Western Carolina Veterinary Surgery are proud supporters of Pilot N Paws.

www.pilotsnpaws.org

Dr. Crouch Attends Conference In Aspen, Colorado

2011-04-06T13:28:00.000-07:00

Dr. Crouch recently attended the Veterinary Orthopedic Society Conference in Aspen, Colorado. The purpose of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society's annual conference is to present a forum where individuals involved in the area of orthopedics can meet to discuss or exchange ideas pertaining to the advancement of the field and improvement of patient care. Veterinarians from over 30 countries worldwide were in attendance. Dr. Crouch is thrilled to have had the opportunity to attend this prestigious conference. Staying on the forefront of 21^st century science helps to provide the very best care for our beloved veterinary patients.

Causes and Signs of Osteochondrosis

2011-04-03T06:19:00.000-07:00

Osteochondrosis (OCD) occurs commonly in the shoulders of immature, large and giant-breed dogs. The lesion appears on the caudal surface of the humeral head (Figure 1). Although your dog may be lame in only one leg, this condition is often present in the opposite leg. This condition results in a cartilage flap found on the humeral head. In some cases, the resulting defect occupies half of the area of the humeral head. The cartilage flap may completely detach from the underlying bone and become lodged in the back of the joint pouch.

Causes
The causes of OCD considered to be multifactorial with input from management, genetic and nutritional interactions in young growing dogs.

Incidence and Prevalence
Large and giant-breed dogs are commonly affected. Males are more commonly affected than females.

Signs and Symptoms
Clinical signs often develop when the dog is between 4 and 8 months of age. Dogs usually show a lameness of one forelimb. In many cases, there is a gradual onset of lameness that improves after rest and worsens after exercise.

Risk Factors
Risk factors for OCD include age, gender, breed (genetic), rapid growth, and nutrient excesses, primarily calcium excesses. The hereditary nature is suggested because of high frequency of occurrence within certain breeds of dogs and within certain bloodlines. Males are more commonly affected than females.

When to Seek Veterinary Advice
If your young large breed dog is persistently lame in a forelimb, especially after exercise, you should have a physical exam performed. If the dog is painful on palpation of the shoulder, usually during shoulder extension and flexion, then radiographs of the shoulder should be made to evaluate for OCD.

Please contact Western Carolina Veterinary Surgery for further information.
828.684.0019

- Information provided by American College of Veterinary Surgery.

Pain Behaviors - What To Look Out For

2011-03-26T16:03:00.000-07:00

As time goes by our pets settle into a routine of their own. New and somewhat odd behaviors need to be not only noticed, but for the benefit of your pet, addressed in a timely manner. Some new behaviors are harmless and developed out of preference while others are developed from pain. Take a look below at the examples the American College of Veterinary Surgery gives for possible causes of pain and signals of distress

Causes for pain may be:

Physical trauma, such as falling down or being hit by something.
Internal organ problems, such as intestinal upset or kidney blockage.
Surgical procedures, such as abdominal surgery or bone surgery.
Brain or spine problems, such as a slipped disc, pinched nerve or headache.
Degenerative changes, such as arthritis and cartilage damage.

Our reaction to pain is seen as “pain behavior”. A child cries when he breaks his arm. A woman holds her head and squints her eyes when having a migraine headache. A man winces when he stands up on his bad knee. To an observer, these behaviors display pain in action. In the veterinary medical setting, we use these pain behaviors, common to each different species but unique in each different patient, to grade the pain experience.

Many owners are surprised to learn that their pet may be experiencing pain, since some pain behaviors are not seen in people. Common pain behaviors are:

Crying and/or whining (dogs)
Growling and/or purring (cats)
Hiding (cats and dogs)
Not grooming (cats)
Squinting (cats)
Glassy-eyed, vacant look (dogs)
Hunched up body (cats and dogs)
Restlessness and changing positions a lot (dogs)
Not moving from one spot (cats)
Irritable or aggressive (cats and dogs)
No appetite (cats and dogs)
Shaking and trembling (dogs)
Protecting the hurting body part (cats and dogs)

For more information on pain and the management of pain, visit the American College of Veterinary Surgery. This excellent resource will lend you great information on many pet owner concerns.

www.WCVS.org
www.ACVS.org

Financial Aid

2011-03-05T19:24:00.000-08:00

Our pets are more then just four legged animals, they are family. Below is an article provided by In Memory Of Magic , also known as IMOM, a charity whos mission statement is "Helping people help pets". This article features an option for emergency financial aid for crisis situations concerning your pets.

Financial Assistance From IMOM
http://www.imom.org/fa/index.htm

"Due to the current economic crisis and decline in donations, IMOM presently accepts applications for life threatening emergencies only. Life threatening emergencies are defined as follows:

A life threatening emergency exists when it has been confirmed in writing by a veterinarian that your pet will die or have to be humanely euthanized if care is not provided within ten days from the date of diagnosis.

You are understandably under stress and want to get through this process as quickly as possible. Everyone who volunteers for IMOM is well aware of that. We will always do our best to help you help your pet if you qualify. Unfortunately, it's not as easy as simply exchanging a few emails and IMOM sending a check to your veterinarian.

You need to take a deep breath and try to relax as much as you can. Following the steps as we have them outlined is not nearly as daunting as it looks.

There are no shortcuts. As you read through the step-by-step instructions please keep in mind that IMOM is a federally registered charity. We have to justify every penny we spend to the IRS, our donors and grantors. In order to do that we need to have complete files on each and every case.

If you follow our step-by-step instructions, making sure to send the proper documents, our financial aid committee can usually have an answer for you in less than two hours after receiving your application -- sometimes less. However, please keep in mind that sometimes we sleep or take breaks to :)

The bottom line is this -- we've been doing this since 1998 and we know what works. All of our volunteers know exactly what is needed to get your pet the care they need, if you qualify. We are here and ready to do our jobs but we are helpless if you don't do your part.

The reality

As much as IMOM would like to help everyone who comes to us, it is simply not possible. We are working with very limited funds and an overabundance of requests for help.

IMOM presently accepts applications for life threatening emergencies only. Life threatening emergencies are defined below:

A life threatening emergency exists when it has been confirmed in writing by a veterinarian that your pet will die or have to be humanely euthanized if care is not provided within ten days from the date of diagnosis.

Click on "Financial Aid" then "Step 1" in the menu on the left side of this page to get started.

PS...

If you feel like it's just too much to read and too many documents to provide, you should know that since 1998 IMOM has help more than 1800 pets and paid out more than 1.5 million dollars to veterinarians nation wide. Our system works so that we are able to comply with the IRS and to help you help your pet."

Tracheal Collapse

2011-02-23T06:09:00.000-08:00

Tracheal collapse is a chronic, progressive disease of the trachea, or windpipe. The trachea is a flexible tube and, similar to a vacuum cleaner hose, it has small rings of cartilage that help keep the airway open when the dog is breathing, moving, or coughing. The rings of cartilage are C-shaped, with the open part of the C facing upward. Between the two ends of the C is a long band of tissue- the dorsal membrane- that runs the length of the airway. In some dogs, the C-shaped cartilage becomes weak and begins to flatten out. Initially it becomes U shaped but, as the dorsal membrane stretches, the cartilage rings get flatter and flatter until the trachea collapses (Figure 1). The collapse can extend all the way into the bronchi- the tubes that feed air into the lungs, resulting in severe airway compromise in the animal.

Figure 1. Diagram of tracheal collapse. Tracheal collapse is graded mild (Grade 1 = 25% collapse) to severe (Grade 4 =100% collapse). The trachea in dogs most often collapses at the thoracic inlet (green arrows) where the trachea bends to enter the chest.

Initially dogs may present with a harsh dry cough that sounds like a goose honking. Coughing may occur when the dog is picked up or if someone pulls on its collar, since either may put pressure on the airway. As the disease progresses, the dogs may develop exercise intolerance or even turn blue with excitement. The strain of breathing may cause secondary heart disease. Some dogs may also have laryngeal paralysis along with tracheal collapse; the cartilages at the entrance to the windpipe will not open properly and the dogs will develop a wheezy noise when they breathe inward.

Small breed dogs are most commonly affected with the disease, particularly Yorkshire terriers, Pomeranians, poodles, and Chihuahuas. Affected dogs are often middle aged or older, though it can be seen in some young dogs as well. Dogs that are overweight or that live in household with smokers may be more at risk or at least more likely to show clinical signs.

Medical management includes weight loss, cough suppressants, antispasmodics or bronchodilators to reduce airway spasms, and sedation to reduce coughing and anxiety. Some dogs may require heavy doses of sedation to break the coughing cycle, since coughing will irritate the airway and lead to more coughing. Additionally dogs should be kept away from smoke and other environmental pollution (coughing may be even stimulated by smoke or other irritants brought in on clothing and hair). Dogs with infections are treated with antibiotics.

Medical management may work for up to 70% of dogs, particularly those that have mild collapse. Some animals do not respond to medical management, however, and require surgical or interventional treatment. Collapse of the trachea in the neck or thoracic inlet- the front part of the chest where the trachea bends- is treated by surgical placement of plastic rings (Figure 6, 7) or spirals around the outside of the trachea. If the collapse is deep within the chest, it can sometimes be corrected by placing a stent- a spring like device- inside of the airway to hold the trachea open (Figure 8). Most dogs that receive stents will require ring placement in the neck or thoracic inlet region as well.

Medical management is continued after the surgery, and most dogs are placed on a course of steroids to reduce swelling and irritation from the ring or stent placement. Owners must continue to keep their dogs thin and avoid exposing them to smoke or other airway pollutants. Also, they should use a harness that is specially made to fit low on the chest so that no pressure is put on the neck area when the dog is being walked. In winter months, a humidifier may help relieve irritation from dry, heated air.

At this time there is no known prevention for tracheal collapse, although reducing weight or exposure to airway irritants such as smoke may help. About 70% of dogs that are treated with medical management alone will show some improvement. About 20% of dogs that undergo tracheal ring placement will require a tracheostomy- a temporary or permanent breathing hole in the neck. About 75% of dogs improve after surgical placement of rings. Dogs that are older than 6 years of age or that have laryngeal or bronchial disease have more complications and a poorer long-term outcome. Of dogs that receive stents, 95% are immediately improved and 90% are markedly improved at the time of recheck. Control of coughing is important for a good outcome, and dogs with bronchial collapse (and therefore continued coughing) are much more likely to have problems after stent or ring placement.

This information on Tracheal Collapse and much more can be found on the American College of Veterinary Surgery's website! acvs.org

Patellar luxation

2011-02-16T07:54:00.000-08:00

The patella, or knee cap, is a small bone buried in the tendon of the extensor muscles (the quadriceps muscles) of the thigh. The patella normally rides in a femoral groove within the stifle. The patellar tendon attaches on the tibial crest, a bony prominence located on the tibia, just below the knee. The quadriceps muscle, the patella and its tendon form the “extensor mechanism” and are normally well-aligned with each other. Patellar luxation is a condition where the knee cap rides outside the femoral groove when the stifle is flexed. It can be further characterized as medial or lateral, depending on whether the knee cap rides on the inner or on the outer aspect of the stifle.

Patellar luxation is one of the most common congenital anomalies in dogs, diagnosed in 7% of puppies. The condition affects primarily small dogs, especially breeds such as Boston terrier, Chihuahua, Pomeranian, miniature poodle and Yorkshire terrier. The incidence in large breed dogs has been on the rise over the past ten years, and breeds such as Chinese shar pei, flat-coated retriever, Akita and Great Pyrenees are now considered predisposed to this disease. Patellar luxation affects both knees in 50% of all cases, resulting in discomfort and loss of function.

Patellar luxation occasionally results from a traumatic injury to the knee, causing sudden non-weight-bearing lameness of the limb. It may also develop subsequent to cranial cruciate deficiency in dogs that will typically have a chronic history of lameness. However, the cause remains unclear in the majority of dogs. Congenital patellar luxation is no longer considered an isolated disease of the knee, but rather a component/consequence of a complex skeletal anomaly affecting the overall alignment of the limb, including:

Abnormal conformation of the hip joint, such as hip dysplasia
Malformation of the femur, with angulation and torsion
Malformation of the tibia
Deviation of the tibial crest, the bony prominence onto which the patella tendon attaches below the knee
Tightness/atrophy of the quadriceps muscles, acting as a bowstring
A patellar ligament that may be too long

You should seek veterinary surgical advice if you have any concern about the gait of your pet or if your primary veterinarian advises you to do so. The severity of patellar luxation has been graded on a scale of 0 to 4, based on orthopedic examination of the knee. Surgical treatment is typically considered in grades 2 and over:

Grade I	Knee cap can be manipulated out of its groove, but returns to its normal position spontaneously
Grade II	Knee cap rides out of its groove occasionally and can be replaced in the groove by manipulation
Grade III	Knee cap rides out of its groove most of the time but can be replaced in the groove via manipulation
Grade IV	Knee cap rides out of its groove all the time and cannot be replaced inside the groove

Thank you American College of Veterinary Surgery for making this information available for all who are interested!

Brachycephalic Syndrome

2011-01-31T06:58:00.000-08:00

The American College of Veterinary Surgery has done a fantastic job at describing the Brachycephalic Syndrom. To put it simply, this syndrome deals with short nosed breeds of animals and their difficulty breathing due to the shape of their head, muzzle, and throat.

The signs and symptoms listed below is just a clip of ACVS's article.

"Dogs with elongated soft palates generally have a history of noisy breathing, especially upon inspiration (breathing inward). Some dogs will retch or gag, especially while swallowing. Exercise intolerance, cyanosis (blue tongue and gums from lack of oxygen), and occasional collapse are common, especially following over-activity, excitement, or excessive heat or humidity. Many dogs with elongated soft palates prefer to sleep on their backs. This is probably because this position allows the soft palate tissue to fall away from the larynx. The signs associated with stenotic nares and everted laryngeal saccules are similar."

Image on left is a stenotic which is malformed nostrils that are narrow or collapse inward during inhalation, making it difficult for the dog to breathe through its nose. Image on the right is a normal nose.

To see detailed photos and find out more on what happens during the physical exam, the treatment options, and the recovery period, visit their website by clicking here.

http://wcvs.org/

Signs, Test, & Treatment Options For Bone Tumors

2011-01-25T06:47:00.000-08:00

When our pets feel ill or are facing serious health situations, it can be very stressful for the owner. We feel that the more information you know about what your pet is going through, the better you may help them and be prepared.

The four primary bone tumors are osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, and hemangiosarcoma. 95% of bone tumors found in pets is osteosarcoma.

Signs & Symptoms

Lameness and swelling of the affected bone.
Generalized weakness.
A swelling or mass is the first sign of a tumor, particularly the skull, jaw, and ribs.
Respiratory difficulties with rib tumors.

Diagnostic Test

Physical and orthopedic examination.
Blood tests (complete blood count and serum biochemistry).
Radiographs of the affected bone, chest radiographs.
Computed tomography (CT) scans.
Bone scan are recommended for dogs with a suspected primary bone tumor.

PHOTO: A whole-body bone scan of a dog with a tumor in the prostate. The bone scan shows multiple bright white areas, indicating of wide spread metastasis to bone.

Treatment Options

Pain-killing drugs are usually effective initially, although stronger analgesic drugs or drug combinations may be required as the tumor progresses.
Radiation therapy usually once weekly radiation for 3 to 4 weeks or once monthly.
Surgery, the affected limb can be amputated if the bone tumor is very painful or fractured.

The vast majority of dogs will adapt very well after limb amputation, even if arthritic in other joints, overweight, or a large dog breed.

The photograph of the dog to the left was taken 6 months after a hind limb amputation for osteosarcoma.

This information was taken from the American College of Veterinary Surgery. More on bone tumors may be found in their article to pet owners by clicking here.

We hope you found this information helpful. If you have any questions, you may reach us at our office by calling 828.684.0019.

Hip Dysplasia Signs, Causes, and Treatments

2011-01-18T07:39:00.000-08:00

One of the services we offer at Western Carolina Veterinary Surgery is help for Hip Dysplasia. We would like to highlight a great reference for hip dysplasia found on the American College of Veterinary Surgery website.

CANINE HIP DYSPLASIA

Overview
Canine Hip Dysplasia is a condition which begins in immature dogs with instability or a loose fit of the hip joint. The hip joint laxity is responsible for early clinical signs and joint changes. The abnormal motion of the hip stretches the fibrous joint capsule and ligament connecting the head of the femur to the pelvis, producing pain and lameness. The acetabulum (the hip socket) is easily deformed by continual movement of the femoral head.

Causes
Causes of hip dysplasia are considered to be multifactorial; including both hereditary and environmental factors. Rapid weight gain and growth through excessive nutritional intake may encourage the development of hip dysplasia. Mild repeated trauma causing synovial (joint lining) inflammation may also be important.

Incidence and Prevalence
The incidence of hip dysplasia is greatest in large breed dogs. Two populations of animals show clinical signs of lameness: (1) patients 5 to 10 months of age, and (2) patients with chronic degenerative joint disease.

Signs and Symptoms
The clinical signs of hip dysplasia are lameness, reluctance to rise or jump, shifting the weight to the forelimbs, loss of muscle mass on the rear limbs, and pain when the hips are manipulated. Dogs may show clinical signs at any stage of development of the disease, although many dogs with hip dysplasia do not show overt clinical signs. Some dogs are painful at 6 to 8 months of age but recover as they mature. As the osteoarthritis progresses with age, some dogs may show clinical signs similar to people with arthritis such as lameness after unaccustomed exercise, lameness after prolonged confinement, and worse problems if they are overweight.

Risk Factors
Risk factors for CHD include breed (genetic), rapid growth and nutrient excesses.

When to Seek Veterinary Advice
Some veterinarians recommend radiographing the hips at 6 months of age to help identify dogs with hip dysplasia early enough to perform a triple pelvic osteotomy. For many dogs, the owners seek veterinary surgery advice when the dog has been consistently lame, and has not responded to medical therapy. Many of the surgical treatments for hip dysplasia are performed by surgical specialists.

Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the dog’s age and degree of discomfort, physical and radiographic findings, and owner’s expectations and finances. Conservative and surgical options are available for juvenile and mature animals with hip pain secondary to hip dysplasia. Most immature animals are best treated with conservative or medical management. Although early surgical intervention with juvenile pubic symphysiodesis or triple pelvic osteotomy may increase the prognosis for long-term acceptable clinical function, approximately 75% of young patients treated conservatively return to acceptable clinical function with maturity. The remaining 25 % require further medical or surgical management at some point in life.

In puppies less than 20 weeks of age, juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS), a technique for stopping the growth of the pubis (part of the pelvis) may be performed to alter the growth of the pelvis and increase the degree of coverage of the acetabulum over the femoral head. Most puppies of this age do not show clinical signs of hip dysplasia, so diagnosis depends upon use of a screening technique for documenting hip laxity, such as Penn Hip, to determine which animals may be candidates for the procedure. Although specific criteria for application of JPS have not been developed, puppies under 20 weeks of age that have palpable and radiographic evidence of laxity on a hip distracted view can be considered for the procedure.

Immature dogs (less than one year) with loose fitting hips, but no arthritic changes can be treated with a pelvic osteotomy (also sometimes called a triple pelvic osteotomy). This procedure involves cutting the pelvic bone in three places and rotating it to stabilize the hip joint and in many cases slow the progression of osteoarthritis.

More information and photos on Canine Hip Dysplasia may be found on the ACVS website.
Click here to view the report.

The American College Of Veterinary Surgeons

2010-12-27T06:37:00.000-08:00

Here at Western Carolina Veterinary Surgery, we are very proud of Dr. Crouch and all his accomplishments. One accomplishment that we would like to highlight is Dr. Crouch is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). Below is information and some common questions about what it means to be a Diplomate with ACVS.

Founded in 1965, the American College of Veterinary Surgeons is the American Veterinary Medical Association specialty board which sets the standards for advanced professionalism in veterinary surgery.

Following the 2010 certification examination, ACVS includes more than 1,470 Diplomates. Approximately 65 veterinarians earn their Diplomate Credentials every year. More than 60 percent of the ACVS Diplomates operate in private and specialty practices that accept cases on a referral basis from primary care practitioners. The remainder are primarily employed by academic institutions and industry where they teach, conduct research, practice in teaching hospitals, and participate in the development of new products and treatments which improve the quality of veterinary and human health care.

The ACVS defines the standards of surgical excellence for the profession, promotes advancements in veterinary surgery, and provides the latest in surgical educational programs. By fostering the highest standards of excellence in veterinary surgery, the ACVS is helping the veterinary profession achieve its goals of providing outstanding service to the public and care to animals.

Q: What is a Diplomate?
A: An ACVS Diplomate in an individual who has been certified as a specialist in veterinary surgery by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.Q: What does “board certified” mean?

A: A board certified surgeon is an individual who has completed the requirements of the ACVS to become certified as a specialist in veterinary surgery (an ACVS Diplomate).

Q: Do I need a surgeon who is board certified?
A: Advances in animal health care have led to a wider variety of treatment options, including highly specialized surgical procedures. Board certified surgeons spend at least four years after achieving their veterinary medical degree (DVM) focusing strictly on surgery. This concentrated training in surgery allows the ACVS Veterinary Surgeon to keep current with frequent advances in veterinary medicine. Ask your veterinarian if the procedure requires a specialist. General procedures may be less likely to require someone who is board certified.

Please visit http://www.acvs.org/ for more information.

Ice, Ice, Baby

2010-12-16T12:43:00.001-08:00

Winter has set and its time to bunker down and maker good decisions to keep our family and pets safe. Periodically, Western Carolina Veterinary Surgery will be posting facebook updates for cold weather advice.

For starters, I know Paris Hilton probably brought them on the scene and made them more trendy, but coats and booties can help your dog stay warm. In particular, short-haired or elderly dogs benefit from wearing a coat or sweater. We would suggest to look for coats or sweaters with high collars or a turtleneck that covers the dog from the base of the tail on top to the belly underneath.

WCVS On Facebook

2010-12-03T10:53:00.000-08:00

Tips, reminders, community events, surgery insights, holiday hours, and much more can be accessed right at the tips of your fingers through our website, http://www.wcvs.org/ or through our Western Carolina Veterinary Surgery's facebook page.

We update our facebook regularly to bring you helpful information and we would like to invite you to check out our page.

Please join us a fan and stay connected with us!

Our latest facebook update...

" This gave me a little chuckle. Check out the latest news about reindeer adoptions from the Asheville Humane Society http://www.ashevillehumane.org/

2010-11-30T07:34:00.001-08:00

About once to twice a month, we like to send out an enewsletter to keep people in touch with creditable information regarding their pets health and different happenings around WCVS. Here is a look into the November newsletter...

Does your pet limp or skip? This may be an indication of a significant joint problem. Since many dogs and cats may not cry out in pain, they may be hiding a serious orthopedic condition. A thorough orthopedic exam may be required to diagnose your friend’s condition. Dr. Crouch offers consultation in orthopedic diseases affecting dogs and cats. Our practice is limited to surgery and all cases must be referred from your family veterinarian .

Warmest regards,

Dr. Crouch and the staff at Western Carolina Veterinary Surgery

Please visit our website or send an email to info@wcvs.org to be added to our information list!

Pilots N Paws - Another Successful Rescue

2010-11-22T07:32:00.000-08:00

Our friends at Pilots and Paws have been keeping busy and blessing many people and animals in the process. Check out their latest story about a lucky German Shepard named Skye.

Skye made it to NJ thanks to everyone who helped us with this sweet girl! She had a restful night—and is eating me out of house and home! What an appetite. Deb and I made it back with about 30 min to spare before that storm with the 70 mph winds hit–yes, the one with the sideways rain. Skye was great in the plane, and in the car (we had to detour for quite a while during the storm b/c of downed trees and flooding—took over an hours and 1/2 to get home—she was patient!!). She is thin—but will put the weight on.
Again, THANK YOU.

Hugs,
Linda

Find more stories at www.pilotsnpaws.org

www.wcvs.org

Pet Adoption Made Easy

2010-11-16T08:58:00.001-08:00

I wanted to take a moment to highlight a website that connects shelters and breeders to potential pet owners.

If you have every considered adopting a pet, here is your place to look. On their website, you can learn about adoption, search for adoptable pets, find adoption groups, and post a classified ad. They have done an excellent job at streamlining the process for adoption.

Another perk about the site is how easy they have made it for searching for the pet. It seems as tho they have thought of everything!

Take a peek at www.petfinder.com or click on the photo of Dexter, the puppy. He is currently living at Animal Compassion Network waiting on a home.

Triple Pelvic Osteotomy

2010-11-08T06:58:00.000-08:00

Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (also called Pelvic Osteotomy or abbreviated TPO) is one of the treatment options for hip dysplasia, a developmental disease of the hip joints most commonly seen in large and giant breed dogs.

The object of a TPO is to change the orientation of the shallow hip socket (acetabulum) to allow better coverage of the head of the femur. This increases the depth of the acetabulum causing it to “capture” the head of the femur and not allow it to slip out of the socket. Increasing the stability of the joint helps to minimize the development of degenerative joint disease (arthritis) as the dog gets older.

Indications

Triple Pelvic Osteotomy is a procedure that is generally done on young dogs that are showing pain in the hips, but have not yet developed significant radiographic changes in the joints. Unfortunately, the early changes of hip dysplasia are subtle and some dogs do not show signs indicating that they have the disease until after they have already developed changes in the joint that make performing a TPO inadvisable. For this reason, many veterinarians recommend doing routine palpation and X-ray screening of the hips in all large and giant breed dogs at about 6 months of age.

Any young large or giant breed dog that demonstrates lameness in one or both rear legs, reluctance to run and play, tires easily, shifts the weight to the forelimbs, shows loss of muscle mass in the rear limbs, shows pain when the hips are manipulated, or has a “popping” sensation felt over the hip joints, should be evaluated by your veterinarian.

If caught at the early stages, TPO is a very successful procedure with few complications.

Figure 2. A pelvis from a dog, showing the three areas where the bone must be cut in order to rotate the hip joint (acetabulum)

Figure 3. A special plate is used to hold the rotated acetabular segment in the desired degree of rotation until the ilium has healed back together.

Figure 4. X-rays taken of the pelvis immediately after surgery show the rotation of the acetabulum on each side and the plate and screws holding the acetabulum in the desired degree of rotation.

Figure 5. An X-ray taken of the pelvis at 8 weeks after surgery shows that the ilial osteotomy is now healed.

A special thank you to ACVS for providing this information for dog owners. For more information on potential complications from TPO and aftercare, please refer to their website by clicking here.

Soft Tissue Surgery - Brachycephalic Syndrome

2010-10-31T16:45:00.000-07:00

We offer multiple services for different surgical conditions. One I would like to highlight is the Brachycephalic Syndrome. This condition is found mostly in short nosed dog breeds, referred to as brachycephalic breeds. Dogs such as the English bulldog, Pug, Pekingese, and Boston terrier all fall into this category because of the shape of their head, muzzle, or throat.

The term "Brachycephalic Syndrome" refers to the combination of elongated soft palate, stenotic nares, and averted laryngeal saccules, all of which are commonly seen in these breeds. Some dogs with brachycephalic syndrome may also have a narrow trachea (windpipe), collapse of the larynx (the cartilages that open and close the upper airway) or paralysis of the larvyngeal cartilages.

For a great reference on Brachycephalic Syndrome , click here.

Pet Costumes

2010-10-24T18:07:00.000-07:00

I'm sure by now you have noticed the costumes section is growing every year, and not just for people, but pets too! Here is the top ten list of most popular pet costumes according to the National Retail Federation.

1. Devil

2. Pumpkin

3. Witch

4. Princess

5. Angel

6. Pirate

7. Hot Dog

8. Bat

9. Black Cat

10. Clown

During your next visit to the store, I hope you walk to the pet costume aisle if not for nothing but a good laugh.

What To Know When Flying With Your Pet

2010-10-19T14:04:00.000-07:00

With the holidays quickly approaching, I felt these quick tips might come in handy.

- Book the flight for you and your pet at the same time. Most airlines have an allowed number of pets on board so if you wait, they might not have room for you four legged friend.

- When choosing your flights this winter, pick a time during mid day for a warmer temperature on the plane. If flying in warm weather, choose an early morning or late in the afternoon flight. Also be aware that airlines are not allowed to ship pets when temperatures are above 85 degrees.

- Some airlines require an acclimation certificate (a document about your pet's health) written by your vet within 10 days of your flight.

- Purchase your travel approved crate a couple of weeks before your flight so your pet has time to get used to it and be comfortable.

We hope this helps! Let us know if you have any questions or if we can be of service in any way.

WCVS - Supporter of The Junior League

2010-10-12T20:23:00.000-07:00

Here is a copy of the latest ad from Western Carolina Veterinary Surgery for The Junior League. The Junior League of Asheville hosts many events to help raise money for our community projects.

See below for information on the next Junior League Event- The Fall Gala: Masquerade in the Meadow

Asheville’s Inaugural Fall Gala: Masquerade in the Meadow. Longmeadow Park is an outdoor "living room" for all seasons where guests will arrive and be greeted by aerial performers, jazz music, food, beverages and incredible raffle items. Tents will be arranged in the natural amphitheater, magnificently lit with plenty of room for guests to sit, eat and socialize. This year’s theme - Masquerade in the Meadow - means you, your date, your neighbor and your friend, all have the possibility to sport cocktail attire with masquerade flair, wickedly fun makeup, and a feather or two. Delightful idea? We thought so too!

Where else can you enjoy an evening of dress up while sipping cocktails and watching acrobats dangling from Tuscan hued trees? Or meander in and out of a tent affectionately dubbed Libation Lounge? Or capture a naughty moment inside a Smooch Booth? Exactly. Come join us!

Get out your datebook: Saturday, October 23, 2010
Set your clock: 6:00 p.m.
Program your GPS: Longmeadow Park, The Ramble
And of course, grab some dough: $50 per ticket

Proceeds from The Fall Gala support the Junior League of Asheville's mission to improve the community, promote voluntarism, and develop the potential of women.

Click Here for more information.

Italy Conference

2010-09-29T08:23:00.000-07:00

Dr. Crouch just returned from the World Veterinary Orthopedic Congress in Bologna, Italy. The conference is held only once every four years and is traditionally supported by two sister societies ESVOT (European Society for Veterinary Orthopaedics and Traumatology) and VOS (Veterinary Orthopaedic Society).

Veterinary orthopedic surgeons worldwide attended this intense four-day conference. Topics included cutting edge surgical techniques and technology. These forums included arthroscopic surgical techniques, advances in arthritis treatment and sports injuries and medicine.

We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to attend this prestigious conference. Staying on the forefront of 21st century science helps to provide the very best care for our beloved veterinary patients.

Stay up-to-date with all the news and activities at Western Carolina Veterinary Surgery by signing up for our newsletter. Simply send an email to info@wcvs.org .

Naples Flordia Conference

2010-09-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

You will be pleased to know that Dr. Crouch recently attended the Veterinary Arthrology Advancement Association (VA3) meeting in Naples, FL. The meeting is hosted annually by Arthrex, Inc. This elite group of 45 orthopedic veterinary surgeons from around the world come together to discuss and refine the latest surgical techniques.

Rehabilitation Regime

2010-08-20T20:26:00.000-07:00

TPLO STIFLE REHABILITATION REGIME

Once radiographs at the WCVS office have confirmed bone healing, the rehabilitation regime is initiated. During this time period the patient’s activities are gradually increased in order to stretch the surgery scar tissue and rebuild muscles. The degree of activity should progress with the patient remaining comfortable. Since increasing duration and not intensity is the goal, explosive activities such as running, jumping, playing, frolicking, furniture or stairs are not allowed during the rehabilitation period. Remember that your pet already has degenerative joint disease (“arthritis”) and our goal is to make him/her as comfortable as we can for as long as we can.

Throughout the rehabilitation process the dog is allowed to go as far as he/she is able while remaining comfortable. To judge the dog’s comfort, watch the dog when he/she gets up from following exercise and rest. If invigorated and excited about more activity, the dog is comfortable. If the dog gets up with stiffness and complaint, then the amount of activity should be reduced.

Weeks 1-3:

The first three to four weeks of activity are comprised of progressively longer walks with your dog on a short lead. Begin with short walks of one block (or equivalent) and see how your dog responds. Continue at this distance for a few days. If your pet remains comfortable, double the distance of the walk. Continue doubling the distance of the walks every few days as the dog’s comfort level permits. If your pet appears uncomfortable with the increased distance, cut the length of the walk back to the last distance that the dog was comfortable at. Your pet will benefit more from several short walks in one day rather than a single long walk.

Weeks 4-6:

During this time period, the walks are continued with the dog on a long lead. This allows the dog freedom to trot back and forth, increasing the usage of the leg. As distances are more difficult to judge at this point, it is important to monitor the dog’s comfort level closely during this stage of the rehabilitation.

Weeks 7-12:

At this time the dog is allowed mild activity off lead. The area should have no other animals or distractions around. The dog should remain under the voice control of the owner. No jumping, chasing a ball or frisbee, or playing with other dogs or cats is permitted. Avoid any other activities where the dog’s full concentration is thrown into the activity without any regard to his/her body.

A final recheck at the WCVS office at the end of the rehabilitation process may be needed before full activity may be resumed.

A Way To Give Back

2010-08-13T08:10:00.000-07:00

There are many wonderful organizations out there with a heart for animals. The thought to volunteer may have crossed your mind a time or two, but oftentimes people have no idea where to start.

Below is a list from Animal Compassion Network that highlights volunteer opportunities.

- Animal Care at Pet Harmony
- Retail Assistance at Pet Harmony
- Adoption Events (animal care/dog walker)
- Adoption events (set up/take down)
- Adoption events (screening)
- Adoption events (adoption processing)
- Adoption follow-up
- Public relations
- Public education/outreach
- Fundraising committee
- Phone counselor - animal intake
- Phone counselor - adoptions
- Home-visit team
- Foster parent
- Marketing/promotions
- Dog/cat marketing advocate
- Spay/neuter assistance team
- Grant research/writing
- Distribution of information (flyer's, brochures)
- Animal medical intake clinic
- Special events (Dine to be Kind, Adoptathon)
- Writing - newsletters articles, editorials

As you can see, everyone has some sort of talent, skill, or passion that could be used to benefit this amazing organization. If you would like more information, you can visit their website at:

http://www.animalcompassionnetwork.org/volunteer-opportunities

or you can give them a call and tell them that the Western Carolina Veterinary Surgery team said you might be of use to them.

:-)

A wonderful Thank You

2010-07-29T18:57:00.000-07:00

Hiking Hounds

2010-07-23T18:57:00.000-07:00

If you are thinking about adopting a pet, or simply love animals, here is one of the best events to attend, the Hiking Hounds event at Asheville Humane Society. We are a supporter of this organization and applaud their efforts in connecting animals with their new home. Here is a snapshot of the event from their website:

Hiking Hounds - Sunday, July 25th
The main purpose of the "Hiking Hounds" is for AHS volunteers and shelter dogs to have fun in the beautiful outdoors of Western North Carolina. Besides getting fresh air with our canine hikers, Hiking Hounds adds an enriching activity to a dog's stay at the shelter, exposes dogs to new things and reinforces obedience, burns off some energy in a positive way, increases adoptability by having more exposure to the public, and offers volunteers a new way to interact with the animals.

If you would like to participate, contact us directly via email at ahshikinghounds@yahoo.com before the hike!

http://www.ashevillehumane.org/events/calendar/hiking-hounds-july-25th-hike

A Thank You from Hokie

2010-07-16T06:48:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our blog!

2010-07-16T06:33:00.000-07:00

To keep you informed and up to date, we have started a blog. What better way to share success stories and events that we will be participating in!

Happy Reading!