25 Q-and-A’s For Cutting Edge’s First AnniversaryNovember 15, 2010 One year … this little blog started one year ago. My commitment at the time was: “The blog, published on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, will deal with a variety of topics, surgical or not, scientific or philosophical, deeply profound (let’s even say earth-shattering) or ever-so-slightly impertinent.” I continued: “We will discuss surgical principles, new products and emerging concepts, current techniques, oncology, anesthesia and pain management, relevant articles and recent professional meetings.” I guess almost all of these topics were discussed, but I think we can do even better next year. Just to check if you are ready to embark on this mind-boggling journey, let’s test your knowledge of past blogs—and beyond—and your medical and surgical knowledge. 1. Fill in the blank: “Moderate obesity in humans (about one third are overweight, or 50 to 60 pounds over the ideal) reduces human lifespan by about X years.” 2. Fill in the blank: “Severe obesity in humans (double the ideal weight), reduces lifespan by Y years, or about as much as smoking.” 3. Fill in the blank: “One author guesstimates that it takes Z hours to become competent at any worthwhile skill.” …
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Treating Arthritis With Integrative MedicineSeptember 2, 2010 Arthritis generally is treated using NSAIDs, especially the newer COX-2 inhibitors, and often with the addition of tramadol if pain control is incomplete. But what can a practitioner do if liver and kidney function are compromised and tramadol is not enough? Glycosaminoglycans have become part of mainstream medicine, and the effectiveness of acupuncture is widely recognized. But these two treatments are just the beginning as far as other integrative methods are concerned. In addition, some clients are mistrustful of any drug, no matter how widely used, but for them there are options as well. Because complementary medicine acts in many different ways, rather than being various versions of the same basic action (as opposed to COX-2 inhibitors), practitioners often will find that using a number of different items works better than trying a single method. The use of supplements that decrease cartilage degradation, reduce inflammation and help with muscle spasms—rather than just looking to decrease joint pain—often give the best long-term effects. Add physical therapy to increase flexibility and muscle strength, and the maximum benefit will be given. Uneven Results Some studies of glucosamine and chondroitin in humans have cast doubt on their benefits …
Acupuncture For Neurologic RecoveryJune 23, 2010 In evidence-based integrative veterinary medicine, science and testing become the final arbiters of whether modalities are embraced or rejected. While approaches such as medical acupuncture pass this test with flying colors, others, such as surrogate-applied kinesiology and iridology, fail to leave the starting gate. As the leading choice for neurologic recovery, acupuncture (somatic afferent nerve stimulation) wins again as the most studied and best understood of all complementary and alternative medical techniques.1-10 Neuroanatomically designed needling protocols address neurophysiologic dysfunction peripherally, autonomically and centrally. After a medical acupuncturist identifies the locus of the lesion, she selects stimulation methods shown to repair nerve tissue at the site of damage and facilitate communication throughout the neural network. Points that target autonomic function promote homeostatic regulation and systemic recovery; their incorporation in acupuncture treatments draws from insights derived from translational research and evidence-based clinical trials. Exposing the science behind acupuncture facilitates its integration into mainstream medicine and elevates the discussion from metaphors to meaning ful mechanisms. In the case of neurologic injury, for example, information about how acupuncture affects neural regrowth is steadily mounting. Studies are revealing that a heady multitude of endogenous biological mediators—growth factors, …
Treating Advanced Periodontal DiseaseDecember 30, 2009 Periodontal disease is the most common disease of companion animals—more common than kidney disease, diabetes and lymphoma. Most dogs and cats show early signs of periodontal disease by 4 years old. Many practices are realizing there’s more to the treatment of periodontal disease than just cleaning and polishing. Advancing your knowledge of perio-dontal disease treatment is good for the patient and good for your practice. What follows is a list of dental pearls highlighting today’s approach to periodontal therapy. 1. Don’t call it a “prophy.” Don’t call it a dental, either. These terms grossly underestimate the effort required in most veterinary patients. The term “prophy,” shorthand for “prophylaxis,” is simply inaccurate. In our patients, we are rarely just preventing disease and more commonly treating existing disease. Calling this procedure a “prophy” is like referring to an engine rebuild as an oil change. Other terms have been proposed that more accurately describe the extent of treatment. COHAT is an acronym gaining in popularity. It stands for comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment. In our practice, we often refer to various aspects of the procedure to ensure that clients comprehend the steps that may be …
Vaccine Types Licensed For UseApril 17, 2009Vaccine types licensed for use for cats. Click to Enlarge
Some Herbs Beat Conventional Med For GI ProblemsApril 17, 2009A common misconception about herbs is that they offer minimal efficacy if they are effective at all, nothing like conventional medications. It may be surprising, then, that research shows that some herbs may be comparable, even superior, to conventional medications in their benefit-to-risk ratio in side-by-side comparisons. Herbs are popular remedies for digestive disorders. A 1999 study reported in the Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology revealed that 46 percent of human patients with inflammatory bowel disease had used complementary therapies within the previous two years; 34 percent of them were using it at the time of the survey. Their most commonly cited reasons for using complementary therapies were the side effects and lack of effectiveness they found with standard therapies. A 2004 study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that 60 percent of patients with inflammatory bowel disease used alternative and complementary therapies, mainly for pain or diarrhea. The two most common approaches were diet (45 percent) and herbs (17 percent). The comparative frequency of complementary and alternative medicine usage in various populations of veterinary patients is currently unknown but warrants investigation. It is important to know when veterinary clients are giving herbs to their animals because they may augment …
