Clean Run Magazine - October 2009 - 74

Post-procedure Care Tired of lugging and lifting your A-frame or having to mow around it? Move It! is a revolutionary device that allows one person to move an A-frame without any lifting. Move It! works on all diﬀerent surfaces, both indoors and out. And, nothing needs to be permanently attached to the A-frame. Move It! takes seconds to use and is so easy that a child could do it. Designed to ﬁt a standard 36" wide A-frame. Custom sizes available. MOVE IT! Following arthroscopic treatment of the elbow, dogs are commonly prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) to help decrease inflammation and discomfort. Adequan (Novartis Animal Health), an injectable polysulfated glycosaminoglycans (PSGAGs) as well as oral joint modifying agents such as Dasuquin (Nutramax Laboratories Inc.), which contains glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), are recommended to help decrease inflammation and potentially slow the progression of osteoarthritis. Elbow rehabilitation after elbow arthroscopy follows a sequentially progressive multiphased approach. Rehabilitation therapy helps decrease post-operative pain and inflammation, restore range of motion, and improve muscle strength and condition, as well as helps to obtain the best possible long-term comfort and function of the affected joint. ticular HA has been widely used in the treatment of OA in horses and humans. Several clinical studies in humans have demonstrated relief of joint pain associated with OA following intra-articular injections of HA. Information regarding the effects of intra-articular HA on naturally occurring OA in dogs is not available; however, several experimental studies using intra-articular HA in dogs have been reported. Results from these studies have demonstrated decreases in pain, lameness, and cartilage degradation. There are several forms of hylauronic acid available for intra-articular injection; however, at VOSM we prefer Hylartin V (Pfizer), (approved for use in horses and used off-label in dogs), due to its high molecular weight and response to therapy. Studies evaluating the effects of intra-articular HA in dogs have shown efficacy with three weekly injections. The injections must be given under sterile conditions and may be performed unsedated, sedated, or under general anesthesia depending on the patient. Complications from these injections may include temporary increased pain and lameness and septic arthritis. Advanced Treatments These therapies are beneficial for patients in which the elbow condition was not diagnosed early on and osteoarthritis has already progressed; for dogs intolerant or nonresponsive to NSAIDs; for frequent episodes of acute exacerbation of their underlying elbow disease; or for dogs that have residual postoperative symptoms (effusion, discomfort on range of motion and lameness) despite surgical and/or medical management and rehabilitation therapy and include intra-articular injections (injections directly into the joint) of hylauronic acid (HA), cortisone, or regenerative stem cell therapy (SCT). Corticosteroids The benefits of corticosteroids are reduction in inflammation and improved comfort. Methylprednisolone acetate (Depo-Medrol) and triamcinolone acetonide (Vetalog) are most commonly used. We use intra-articular dosing of Depo-Medrol as two injections performed three weeks apart; or one injection of Vetalog. Intra-articular administration of corticosteroids is performed under sterile conditions with the patient unsedated, sedated, or under general anesthesia depending on the patient. Side effects are minimal; however, some dogs show signs of discomfort for the first 12 hours following injection. Administration of Depo-Medrol or Vetalog typically results in pain relief in 24 hours and can last for weeks to months. Studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of long-term treatment in dogs are not well reported. Clean Run | October 09 Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronan, HA) is naturally secreted by the joint capsule; however, in an arthritic joint, production and molecular size of HA is decreased. Intra-articular HA is a form of visco-supplementation that restores the physical properties of joint fluid to aid in the lubrication of the joint, decrease inflammation and degradation, and help in cartilage repair. Intra-ar- Visit our website to see a video of the Move It! in action. ® www.cleanrun.com

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Clean Run Magazine - October 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run Magazine - October 2009