Helpful equipment in orthopedicsNovember 16, 2021Although there is a wide variety of tools and equipment available, often the simple tools are the ones we reach for the most frequently.
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Local blocks to prevent pain in spay and neuter proceduresSeptember 30, 2021The relationship between fear and pain is an emerging area of interest in veterinary medicine.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveVideo series: Pain blocks for neuter proceduresSeptember 30, 2021In the October issue of Veterinary Practice News, Michael Petty, DVM, addressed how local blocks can be used to prevent pain in spay and neuter procedures. You can read the full article here. He also shared three videos to demonstrate his technique. They, along with some related text from the article for each video, appear below. The procedure: orchidectomy In either a dog or cat, the method is the same. After an alcohol prep, the testicle is firmly grasped with the non-syringe hand, and the needle is inserted into the caudal pole of the testicle and advanced just shy of the cranial pole. While maintaining a firm grasp, aspirate to make sure you are not in a blood vessel, then start to inject just until you feel the slightest pressure under your fingers. Video 1: Testicular block — feline. For a cat, this will take perhaps ¼ cc of lidocaine per testicle. Withdraw the needle and repeat with the other testicle. Video 2: Testicular block — canine. In dogs, you can also use the same needle to do a line block over your intended incision area. For a large dog, up to 1 cc of lidocaine per testicle might be …
Farewell, and my best surgery adviceSeptember 22, 2021If you apply these humble suggestions, your patient care, the happiness of your team, and your own fulfillment will skyrocket.
How to diagnose ACL tears on X-raysSeptember 20, 2021"You do not need radiographs to diagnose an ACL tear.” While this statement is generally true, since a positive drawer sign is pathognomonic for a torn ACL, radiographs are very useful for several reasons.
Case study: Decreased appetite in a 13-year-old LabradorAugust 6, 2021In the case of Lucy, an abdominal ultrasound confirmed a large splenic mass.
When should you refuse to perform surgery?August 6, 2021Can you refuse to perform surgery? Why would you? When should you?
When should you recommend an FHO?July 9, 2021Femoral head osteotomy (FHO) is a common surgery of the hip. When should it be recommended? When should it be avoided?
What's new with spays and neuters?May 10, 2021With these tips, you will gain in efficiency, proficiency, and safety—and your patients and clients will be the big winners.
Six key strategies to revamp your pain management protocolsMarch 16, 2021Despite the invasiveness of surgery, it is possible that we can have patients recover smoothly, quietly, and comfortably.
