For The Education SeriesLameness Evaluation Tool from PetSafe Aids in Diagnosislameness, Petsafe, Stance Analyzer, evaluate lamenessPetSafe, the manufacturer of the Wireless Fence and additional consumer pet behavior products, has introduced the Stance Analyzer to the veterinary market with a complete line of vet therapy products. Lameness is an indication of pathological changes relative to physiological or mechanical changes within the body. Evaluating lameness can typically be subjective and difficult to quantify. PetSafe, the manufacturer of the Wireless Fence and additional consumer pet behavior products, has introduced the Stance Analyzer to the veterinary market with a complete line of vet therapy products. The patented Stance Analyzer allows a veterinarian to objectively evaluate lameness at the push of a button at a reasonable price. As the pet places each paw in a quadrant, the analyzer assesses the weight distribution on each leg, which helps the practitioner pinpoint where a problem may exist. It can detect unequal weight distribution and assists in the diagnosis of a variety of complex issues which can include osteoarthritis, full or partial cruciate tears, hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease and degenerative myelopathy. The fast, accurate and non-invasive collection method allows the clinician to obtain data quickly and report it in real time, providing instant feedback for determining treatment options. The graphical display provides a visual representation of weight bearing percentage, stability and center of gravity. All the information is also printable so the veterinarian or technician can share the patient’s progress with the owner. A complete analysis can be performed by a single person using a remote control and the user can quickly capture snapshots of the patient’s stance. Then the system averages the data across all captures for the most accurate assessment. Because the system allows for individual patient filing, it can monitor improvement and validate treatment protocols over time. The analyzer supports the care of patients with a variety of complex issues including post-operative orthopedic/neurological surgery, muscle strains and sprains, tendon and ligament injuries, osteoarthritis, neuropathies and degenerative diseases. In follow-up appointments, patients may be placed on the analyzer to track how they have improved. The Stance Analyzer is easy to integrate into the practice and can be an important element of a rehabilitation program, providing guidance to veterinarians and proof to pet owners that the prescribed treatment is working. Once lameness is detected, the Stance Analyzer makes exploring therapy options more efficient. The system supplies objective data so that repeat exams can prove the success of treatment methods or show the need to explore additional options. The analyzer may also be used in wellness visits and regular checkups. Consider this short list of how the analyzer can generate profit rather than inhibit a practice’s cash flow: Lower initial cost. Other lameness diagnostic tools on the market, such as gait analysis equipment and force plates, cost from $12,000 to $250,000. PetSafe’s Vet Therapy Stance Analyzer is priced under $4,000. While it is often true that you get what you pay for and a less expensive price tag can indicate less quality, the opposite is the case with the Stance Analyzer. It is manufactured by a company with over 25 years of experience, and its quality is solid. It features user-friendly elements at a reasonable cost. Return on Investment. We suggest clinics charge approximately $25 per analysis, but practitioners can also sell packages depending on the individual patient’s condition and treatment. For example, a chronic arthritis case may be undergoing laser therapy to assist with pain management. A practice could sell those sessions as a package including follow-up diagnostics using the analyzer, which will provide an increased profit for the practice. By placing an average of five patients a week on the analyzer, the veterinarian can generate an annual income of $6,250. This more than pays off the initial purchase and allows the practice to realize a profit within a few months. Low Maintenance. Once the system is purchased, the cost for maintaining the equipment is next to nothing. More ownership for veterinary technicians. Because the analyzer is easy to work with and interpret, technicians can manage cases with minimal oversight. Helping them carry more responsibility will increase workplace morale and their ability to connect with patients—and free the veterinarians to see additional patients. Marketing. Pet owners want to extend their time with their pets, and understanding why the animal is limping can be critical to that goal. Each patient’s results can be printed out, which can help the owner understand why treatment is needed. Over time, the practitioner can also show how treatment is paying off with the pet’s improvements graphed through the ’unit’s software. The Stance Analyzer is portable, easy to clean and virtually waterproof. Its software is user friendly and facilitates an objective diagnosis, allowing the veterinarian to provide better care for patients while giving their owners peace of mind. For additional information, go to www.petsafevet.com or call 865-356-1698. Dr. Shoults joined PetSafe in 2010 to bring rehabilitation services to clinics across the country. She blogs for the company. <HOME>
