Hereditary Bone and Joint Diseases in the Dog

Book excerpt: This book provides unique material that goes far beyond a description of bone and joint disorders alone. Each chapter provides information on the history, pathogenesis, diagnosis (physical and radiographic), therapy and prognosis of a particular canine skeletal disease as well as how the disease will affect the dog's life. The text covers all clinically relevant physical regions in the dog, eg, shoulder, elbow, hip, stifle and tarsus, and presents a group of actual, clinical osteochondrosis cases involving different anatomical locations. The authors address the importance of selection of dogs for breeding, including changes in breed appearance and disease propensity and the effect of high-energy diets in fast-growing animals. Discussion includes the impact of a lifetime of pain for the affected dog and the treatment expense for clients, yet provides steps that help the owner curb the progressive aspects of bone or joint diseases and manage the animal's discomfort. In daily practice client questions about skeletal disorders are routine. This remarkable, instructional text will provide answers, incidence figures, advice about surgery and timing, and honest analyses of treatment failures and successes. Here is a fresh look at OCD, dysplasias and other bone diseases, with realistic assessments and positive directives for pet care and client support. Published by Schluetersche, Germany and distributed by Manson Publishing .