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Technique Used In Human Ankle Injuries Modified To Treat Dogs' Knees

Link: Technique Used In Human Ankle Injuries Modified To Treat Dogs' Knees.
Technique Used In Human Ankle Injuries Modified To Treat Dogs' Knees
ScienceDaily (Jun. 16, 2008) —

A common sports injury in human knees is even more common in dogs.
Each year, more than one million dogs suffer from cranial cruciate
ligament (CCL) deficiency, which is comparable to the anterior cruciate
ligament (ACL) injury in humans. The common method of treatment by many
veterinary surgeons involves cutting the tibia bone to stabilize the
CCL-deficient knee in these dogs.

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Now, a new minimally invasive technique with less severe
complications than previous methods has been developed by a University
of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine researcher.

Unlike humans, CCL injuries in dogs typically do not occur because
of a single trauma to the knee but are the result of a degenerative
process that leads to early and progressive arthritis. For this reason,
and the unique biomechanics of the canine knee, techniques used to
repair the injury in humans do not work well for dogs.  The new
technique, known as Tightrope CCL, is modified from a technique used in
human ankles and allows placement of a device that stabilizes the
CCL-deficient knee through bone tunnels drilled using very small
incisions. MU veterinarian James Cook worked with Arthrex Inc. from
Naples, Fla., to develop and test the Tightrope device for dogs.
“Other current techniques require major surgery that involve cutting
the bone, which can potentially lead to severe complications, such as
fracture, implant failure and damage to the joint,” said Cook,
professor of veterinary medicine and surgery and the William C. Allen
Endowed  Professor for Orthopedic Research. “This new technique is
minimally invasive, relatively easy to perform and cost effective
compared to other techniques. The dogs in the preliminary trial study
experienced fewer and less severe complications with outcomes that were
equal to or better than those seen with the bone-cutting technique.”
Cruciate ligament tears are five times more common in dogs than
humans and cost U.S. pet-owners more than $1.3 billion each year. The
new technique is not for every dog. Because surgeons must be able to
drill tunnels in the bone, dogs must weigh at least 40 pounds for the
Tightrope CCL method to be feasible.  In addition, dogs that cannot
follow a physical rehabilitation protocol after surgery and dogs with
limb deformities are not candidates for this technique. The 10- to
12-week rehabilitation period is very important for any surgical
technique for CCL deficiency in order to optimize successful return to
pain-free function and reduce complications, Cook said.

“The times the Tightrope CCL technique has failed are when owners
did not give their dogs the full rehabilitation period and let their
dogs run, play or traumatize the joint before the knees were ready,”
Cook said. “A successful operation is dependent on postoperative care
so that the dog can heal well and build muscle for long term function.
The Tightrope CCL technique is designed to allow this to happen with
less surgery and less risk of a major problem arising, and so far, it
has been successful.”

Take Your Dog To Work Day June 20

Take Your Dog To Work Day

June 20, 2008

Annually, pet parents from across the United States pay tribute to and celebrate the loyal companionship they receive from their dogs by taking them to work on Take Your Dog To Work Day (TYDTWD), presented by Pet Sitters International. This year’s special day, when thousands of businesses will open their doors to employees’ dogs, will take place this Friday, June 20.   TYDTWD’s purpose is not just to pay tribute to “man’s best friend,” but to encourage adoption of shelter animals by coworkers who may not have pets, but may consider it after witnessing the loving bond between other pet parents and their dogs.

While this day is exciting and fun for both employees and dogs, it can also be a stressful and frightening experience for all parties involved. Comfort Zone®, makers of Comfort Zone® with Dog Appeasing Pheromone (D.A.P.®), an all natural tool to help relive stress in dogs, is a headlining sponsor of TYDTWD and is here to provide a few tips to ensure your dog’s office visit goes smoothly.

• Be Prepared – It is imperative that you plan ahead for any needs your dog may have throughout the day. You will want to be sure to bring a water bowl, leash, items to clean-up accidents, a bed for them to sleep and toys.

• Keep Them Leashed – Keeping your dog leashed, especially when initially arriving, will help keep your pet calm and avoid disturbing others.

• Respect Coworkers – Despite the lovable nature of dogs not everyone appreciates their company. Be prepared to make sure that your dog does not disturb coworkers who may dislike or fear dogs.

• Minimize Stress – While it is fun for your dog to spend a day at work with you it may also be stressful for them to visit a foreign environment. When arriving at the office, spend time walking them around and provide extra attention to assure them they are in a safe environment.

Utilizing pheromone based products like Comfort® Zone with D.A.P.® is also helpful in minimizing stress in dogs. If you would like to speak with a spokesperson from Comfort Zone® regarding TYDTWD, pet friendly work environments or Comfort Zone® products please contact me anytime. For more information on TYDTWD visit: www.takeyourdog.com, or for information regarding Comfort Zone® with D.A.P. visit: www.petcomfortzone.com.

Thanks,

Eric Kardesh
480-505-4509

Alaska Dock Dogs 08 Invitation

Link: Alaska Dock Dogs.

The Alaska DockDogs Club would like to invite to our first fun jump of 2008.  We have three jumps scheduled this summer, one in June, one in July and one in August.  I have attached an informational flyer for review. 

Could you please pass this on to any members that might be interested?  We welcome any dogs, of any breeds and experience level.  We have grab bags for each team that registered and several prizes available.  The event will be at the Best Western Lake Lucille Inn in Wasilla.  For more information about DockDogs please visit www.dockdogs.com or our club site at www.alaskadockdogs.org (soon to be updated).

Thank you,
Cathy Moore
President, Alaska DockDogs

Timberwolf Organic Recall

Link: News and Events.

Dakota Bison/Ocean Blue Reported Issues

Timberwolf Organics Customer,

Due to recent reports from some customers, we have ordered that two formulas from three specific dates be pulled from the shelves. These are:

Dakota Bison with 'best by date' of 12 Feb 2009
Ocean Blue with 'best by date' of 20 Feb 2009
Ocean Blue with best by date' of 8 March 2009

The reported symptoms include dogs refusing to eat, diarrhea or vomiting. While the problem is inconsistent (not every dog eating food from those dates/bag show the symptoms and not every bag), to err on the side of caution have decided to pull the formulas produced with the above dates. Initial testing has come back negative for problems and further testing is pending results.

As soon as the cause of this reported problem is determined procedures will be put into place to ensure that an event like this cannot happen again. Please be assured that no other formulas and Ocean Blue and Dakota Bison with dates other than ones listed above are not affected.

We apologize for any inconvenience or problems that this may have resulted in. If you do have a bag with those dates please contact the retailer you purchased it from for an exchange or credit. If you purchased it directly from us please give us a call or email us at customer.support@timberwolforganics.com.

Thank you for choosing Timberwolf Organics.

Sincerely,

Timberwolf Organics Team