ACVS Surgery STAT: Tips for reducing the pain of amputations in dogs June 1, 2008 By: Sarah Boston, DVM, DVSc, Dipl. ACVS

Amputation is a painful procedure, so aggressive, multimodal analgesia is necessary. The patient should receive a premedication that includes a pure mu agonist opioid such as morphine, fentanyl, oxymorphone or hydromorphone.

Using active drains in wound management May 1, 2008 By: Giselle Hosgood, BVSc, MS, PhD, FACVsc, Dipl. ACVS

The use of active drains enhances the efficiency and minimizes the morbidity of wound drainage. Their use is indicated for removal of pre-existing fluid, ablation of dead space and prevention of anticipated fluid accumulation.

Stem-cell therapy shows promise for horse soft-tissue injury, disease May 1, 2008 By: Ed Kane, PhD

While interest and controversy swirl around stem-cell use for treating human spinal-chord injuries and diseases ranging from diabetes to Parkinson's, veterinary medicine has been investigating stem-cell use for a variety of animal conditions and diseases.

Surgery STAT: CPSS surgery and aftercare April 1, 2008 By: Karen M. Tobias, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS

Congenital portosystemic shunts usually are single vessels that develop inside or outside the liver (Photo 1). Because these vessels carry blood around the liver instead of through it, the normal hepatic processes of metabolism, storage and production are disrupted. Most animals with congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) present with mild to moderate clinical signs that are not life-threatening. The most critical component for their long-term treatment is restriction of dietary protein to reduce substrates for ammonia formation by colonic bacteria. Diets for dogs with CPSS should be 15 percent to 20 percent protein on a dry-matter basis, readily digestible, high in zinc and vitamin E, and low in manganese. Sources of gastrointestinal hemorrhage (gastritis, parasites), which provide additional protein substrate, should be treated. Ammonia production and absorption can be reduced by administration of lactulose, antibiotics such as neomycin or metronidazole, or unflavored yogurt with active cultures. Cystitis..

Surgery STAT: Congenital portosystemic shunts March 1, 2008 By: Karen M. Tobias, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS

Congenital portosystemic shunts usually are single vessels that develop inside or outside the liver (Photo 1). Because these vessels carry blood around the liver instead of through it, the normal hepatic processes of metabolism, storage and production are disrupted.

Surgery STAT February 1, 2008 By: Karen M. Tobias, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS

Congenital portosystemic shunts (PSS) occur in 0.18 percent of all dogs, and are particularly common in Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese dogs, Pugs, Schnauzers and Shih Tzus.

Are you and your patients in safe hands? January 1, 2008 By: Carl A. Osborne, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM

Have you read or heard about the crisis associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that is sweeping across the United States? Hospitals, nursing homes, schools, sports facilities, correctional facilities and child day-care centers are reporting outbreaks of human nosocomial infections with methicillin-resistant staphylococci.

Surgery STAT: Gastrojejunostomy tubes improve nutrition January 1, 2008 By: Janet Kovak, DVM, Dipl. ACVS

EDITORS NOTE: A new collaborative column with the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) and DVM Newsmagazine debuts this month. SurgerySTAT offers DVM readers insightful information for preoperative preparation, a surgical technique or postoperative care.

Rockville, MD - 11/19/07 - It's official. Charles Raker, VMD, Dipl. ACVS is a legend in veterinary surgery.