Archives: Conditions

Steroid responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) in dogs is an ‘immune mediated’ or ‘auto-immune’ condition where inflammation occurs in the blood vessels in the lining of the nervous system (the meninges). Infections of the nervous system are uncommon in dogs in the UK due to vaccinations.

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is the most common spinal disease in dogs and is also seen occasionally in cats. The most common spinal surgery performed in the dog is for intervertebral disc disease.

Intervertebral discs are fibrocartilaginous cushions between the vertebrae (except the first two cervical vertebrae) that allow movement, are supportive and act as shock absorbers.

There are many dogs diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease that do not require surgery. These dogs can be effectively managed with rehabilitation. Early intervention and support is vital, as is a thorough assessment and implementation of a staged rehabilitation treatment plan.

As a non-surgical disease of the spinal cord, rehabilitation has a huge role to play in managing dogs diagnosed with fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE).

Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a progressive disease and physiotherapy and hydrotherapy can be involved at any stage. For optimum care, early intervention is key.

Physiotherapy has an important role in the management of hip dysplasia. Whilst hip dysplasia is a progressive disease, the condition can be affected by external factors. The main feature of the disease is joint laxity which leads to changes in the joint, abnormal wear and subsequent osteoarthritis.

Elbow dysplasia is the term used to describe a developmental abnormality in the elbow joint which involves a complex structure of three bones.  If the three bones do not fit together (articulate) absolutely perfectly the consequence is an abnormal concentration of forces on a specific region of the elbow joint causing lameness.

Cranial cruciate ligament disease may be treated either conservatively or surgically. The decision to treat your dog’s cranial cruciate ligament disease with conservative or surgical management will very much depend on the stability of the stifle joint (knee) and the severity of clinical signs. Stability can be assessed by your primary care vet or if referred, by one of our orthopaedic clinicians.

Rehabilitation has an important role to play when caring for a pet affected by vestibular disease. Our chartered physiotherapist initially undertakes a thorough assessment of your dog and then formulates treatment aims and goals which is compiled into a rehabilitation treatment plan uniquely designed for your dog.

The vestibular system is responsible for maintaining balance, posture and the body’s orientation in relation to the horizon. The vestibular system is comprised of a receptor, located close to the middle ear, a short nerve and the lower stem of the brain.

Vestibular disease is one of the most common neurological presentations in veterinary neurology and can be one of the most challenging.

The radial endoprosthesis is a limb sparing surgery that replaces a section of bone affected by a bone tumour to prevent the need for full limb amputation.

Total knee replacement is used to treat end-stage disease of the knee joint with the hope of restoring pain-free function.