Laparoscopic desexing, often referred to as “keyhole” surgery, is a cutting-edge procedure that offers significant benefits for pets and their owners. This minimally invasive technique is transforming the standard of care in veterinary medicine, providing a safer, more comfortable, and quicker recovery alternative to traditional desexing methods.

What is Laparoscopic Desexing?

Laparoscopic desexing involves performing surgery through small incisions, typically less than 10 millimeters, rather than a large, open cut. The surgeon uses specialized instruments, including a high-definition camera and a fibre-optic light source, inserted through these tiny incisions to perform the procedure. The small size of the incisions and the precision of the instruments allow the surgeon to operate on organs in their natural position, minimizing disruption to the animal’s body.

One of the standout features of this approach is the use of the Caiman device, which gently dissects and cuts tissue with minimal trauma. Throughout the procedure, the surgeon guides the instruments by observing magnified images on an LCD screen, ensuring precise and careful work. Once the surgery is complete, the instruments are removed, the small incision is sealed, and the pet is monitored for a few hours before being allowed to go home.

Why Laparoscopic Desexing is Superior to Traditional Methods

Traditional desexing involves a longer incision down the midline of the abdomen, requiring the surgeon to tear a ligament that attaches the ovary to the abdominal wall—a process associated with a higher risk of complications. The laparoscopic approach, by contrast, allows the surgeon to see and carefully avoid critical blood vessels, reducing the risk of bleeding and other complications. This visibility and precision make laparoscopic desexing a much safer option.

Benefits of Laparoscopic Desexing

• Minimal Pain and Discomfort: The smaller incision and less invasive technique mean less pain for the pet, both during and after the procedure.
• Quicker Recovery: Pets are often up and about on the same day as the surgery, with a much faster return to normal activities compared to traditional methods.
• Reduced Risk of Complications: With no need for large incisions or tissue handling, the risk of bleeding, infection, and other complications is significantly lowered.
• Less Need for Post-Operative Medication: The gentle nature of the procedure means fewer painkillers are needed after surgery, reducing the overall stress on your pet's system.

Why Desex Your Pet?

Desexing your pet, especially through the laparoscopic method, provides numerous health benefits. For female dogs, it reduces the risk of mammary cancer and completely eliminates the risk of pyometra, a potentially deadly uterine infection. Male dogs benefit from a reduced risk of testicular cancer and painful prostatitis. Additionally, desexing helps control the pet population, reducing the number of unwanted animals in shelters.

The Future of Veterinary Surgery

Laparoscopic desexing is not just about reducing pain or speeding up recovery—it's about providing the highest standard of care. Just as minimally invasive surgery has become the norm in human medicine, it is now revolutionizing veterinary care. At ACE Vet, we are proud to offer this advanced surgical option, giving your pets the gentle, safe, and effective treatment they deserve.

Elbow dysplasia is a common orthopedic condition that affects the elbow joint in dogs, particularly in larger breeds. This document aims to provide a clear understanding of what elbow dysplasia is, its symptoms, diagnostic procedures, treatment options, and preventive measures.

What is Elbow Dysplasia?

Elbow dysplasia is a term that encompasses several developmental abnormalities of the elbow joint, which can lead to joint instability, arthritis, and pain. The main components of elbow dysplasia include:

1. Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD): A condition where the cartilage does not properly form and may become damaged, leading to joint issues.
2. Elbow Incongruence: A mismatch in the size and shape of the bones that make up the elbow joint, causing abnormal movement.
3. Ununited Anconeal Process (UAP): A developmental defect where a small bone (the anconeal process) fails to fuse with the ulna.
4. Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP): A condition where a part of the ulna (the coronoid process) becomes broken off, resulting in pain and instability.

Symptoms

The symptoms of elbow dysplasia can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but common signs include:

• Lameness in the front legs, which may be intermittent or persistent
• Pain when moving the elbow or during specific activities
• Swelling around the elbow joint
• Decreased range of motion
• A reluctance to engage in physical activities like running or jumping

Diagnosis

To diagnose elbow dysplasia, veterinarians typically perform a combination of the following:

1. Physical Examination: A thorough examination to assess the dog's gait, range of motion, and areas of pain.
2. X-rays: Radiographs are commonly used to visualize bone abnormalities in the elbow joint.
3. Advanced Imaging: In some cases, CT scans or MRIs may be necessary to identify cartilage damage or other subtle changes not visible on X-rays.

Treatment

Treatment options for elbow dysplasia vary and may include:

1. Conservative Management:
   • Weight management and dietary adjustments
   • Controlled exercise to maintain joint function without exacerbating symptoms
   • Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling
2. Surgical Interventions:
   • In more severe cases, surgical options such as arthroscopy may be necessary to remove fragments or repair abnormalities.
   • Joint stabilization procedures may be employed to restore function to the elbow joint.
3. Rehabilitation: Post-surgical rehabilitation and physical therapy can help improve joint function and mobility.

Prevention

While not all cases of elbow dysplasia can be prevented, certain measures can help reduce the risk:

• Genetic Testing: If acquiring a puppy, choose reputable breeders who screen for elbow dysplasia in breeding stock.
• Proper Nutrition: Ensure that your dog receives a well-balanced diet appropriate for their age and activity level to promote healthy growth.
• Management of Exercise: Provide suitable exercise without excessive strain during the growth phase, especially for large breed puppies.

Conclusion

Elbow dysplasia is a manageable condition when identified early and treated appropriately. If you notice any symptoms in your dog, it is crucial to consult your veterinarian for a thorough examination and a tailored treatment plan. By understanding elbow dysplasia, you can take proactive steps to ensure your dog's well-being and maintain their quality of life.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding elbow dysplasia, please feel free to reach out to us for more information or further assistance.

Tibial plateau Levelling osteotomy  or TPLO is a procedure for managing stifle instability due to failure of the anterior cruciate ligament, also know as the cranial cruciate ligament.

The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) fails most commonly in the dog due to cruciate disease which is a degenerative condition which sees the CCL weaken over time and fail. The process of weakening and failure is painful and we see lameness, pain and reduced activity.  This process has also been referred to as non traumatic cruciate rupture as it is not associated with trauma - the ligament fails during normal daily activity.

Cruciate disease is a very common issue in the dog and is the commonest orthopaedic procedure performed. Their are likely lifestyle factors and genetic factors contributing to the frequency of this condition.

Cruciate management surgery has often been referred to as cruciate repair surgery - however this is not correct. None of the procedures performed to manage cruciate disease actually “repairs” the cruciate.  Instead, cruciate surgery manages the consequences of cruciate disease, mainly; stifle instability, pain, lameness and degenerative joint disease (DJD).

There are many ways cruciate management surgery may be performed. The two basic groups are:

1. Those that replace the function of the cruciate and
2. Those that change the way the joint works so we don’t need a cruciate .

TPLO surgery falls into the second category and is the originator of this concept. The joint is altered and no longer requires the cruciate to be stable during loading.

The TPLO procedure is only part of the surgical procedure. The overall procedure consists of;

• Anaesthesia and Analgesia - This is keeping the patient calm, still and pain free during the procedure. At ACE we subscribe to the Zero pain philosophy and use many different components together to keep patients comfortable and pain free. These include pain control via constant intravenous infusion, ultrasound guided blocks to the sciatic and femoral nerves and anti-anxiety medications to reduce response to the changed environment.
• Arthroscopy - To examine the inside of the joint. This is the use of very small cameras - usually under 3mm, to examine the inside of the joint through small incisions. This causes less pain and is more sensitive to finer issues as the picture is magnified.  If problems such as a meniscal tear are found we can remove this via arthroscopy also.
• The TPLO procedure - The proximal tibia is approached through a small incision and the tibia is cut with a curved saw and the bones altered in position. Finally a plate is applied to hold the bones in position while they heal.
• Physical therapy - Before and after surgery the leg is placed into a compression ice pack. Additionally patients are given massage and physical movement to aid in rapid return to weight bearing during their hospital stay.

Benefits of TPLO

Patients that have undergone cruciate management surgery show:

• Rapid return to weight bearing 
• Vastly improved function
• Reduced pain
• Reduced progression of degenerative joint disease
• Patients who have had TPLO surgery get lifelong management of the cruciate disease.

Dental disease is very common among our pets, with it being reported that up to 80% of dogs and cats will have some form of dental disease by the age of 3!

What is dental disease?

Dental disease is formed by the accumulation of plaque which develops when bacteria in the mouth forms a biofilm on surface of the tooth which over time will become mineralised to form tartar. This leads to gingivitis - inflammation of the gums, which if left untreated can spread to the surrounding structures including the periodontal ligament (which holds the tooth in place) and even the bone. This results in pain, tooth loss, infection and abscesses of the tooth root and even jaw fracture. As the mouth has such a good blood supply it is even possible for this infection to spread via the bloodstream to organs such as the heart and
kidneys.

What are the signs of dental disease?

• Bad breath
• Tooth discolouration or visible tartar
• Red gums
• Missing teeth
• Salivating
• Quiet demeanour
• Difficulty eating or preference for soft food (although often the signs of pain are very subtle and dogs with quite severe dental disease often continue to eat)

What can we do about it?

Prevention of dental disease starts with puppies and kittens. At your puppy/kitten check ups and annual vaccinations your pets’ teeth will be assessed for factors which may predispose them to dental disease including problems with jaw alignment or retained deciduous (baby) teeth. At this age it is also ideal to start getting your puppy or kitten used to you checking their teeth and introducing brushing to their daily routine - making it a fun and positive experience for them.

You have an adult or older pet? Don’t worry there is still plenty you can do to help manage their teeth and it is often possible to introduce brushing later in life. We recommend starting with a dental assessment by one of our vets to ensure there is no pre-existing dental disease. If so this should be managed first to ensure that your pets mouth is pain free so as not to establish any negative associations with the brushing experience.

Prescription dental diets are also beneficial in minimising the development of dental disease. They do this by being abrasive to the surface of the tooth to reduce plaque build up and importantly they also contain a component that competes with bacteria in the mouth to bind to the tooth, minimising plaque formation.

In situations where plaque build up and tartar formation is already present a dental procedure will be required to clean the teeth and in some cases extraction of teeth with more advanced stages of disease will be required.

What does a dental procedure involve?

A dental procedure requires a full general anaesthetic to allow us to thoroughly clean and examine the teeth, including probing and x-ray assessment. This allows us to identify even subtle signs of disease which helps us to determine a treatment plan. Cleaning the teeth includes cleaning under the gum line as this is where bacteria can accumulate and start to invade the tooth root, periodontal ligament and surrounding bone. In the early stages a scale and polish of the teeth may be all that is required.

In more advanced stages extractions may be required. As many of the teeth have multiple roots and are surrounded by the jaw bone often surgical extractions are required. Prior to extraction the patient will receive nerve blocks with local anaesthetic for pain management and will go home with continuing pain relief. We often find that patients requiring extractions are feeling more comfortable quickly after the procedure as the source of discomfort has been removed.

Do you have an older pet with dental disease, but worried about the anaesthetic required for treatment? Already so common, dental disease becomes more prevalent in the older population of cats and dogs. This means performing dental procedures on these patients is something we do frequently. This doesn’t mean it is risk free, however we have multiple ways to manage and
minimise the risks to your pet so that we can perform the procedure and make them more comfortable and increase their longevity. Not performing a dental when required also carries risks; progression of disease with spread of infection both to surrounding bone and distant organs and significant pain which can stop them eating, cause weight loss and negatively impact on their quality of life.

Ways we minimise risk;

• Performing a thorough physical examination and pre-anaesthetic bloods to identify any underlying conditions - this allows us to tailor the anaesthetic protocol to the specific needs of the patient
• High level of patient monitoring (with technology which would not be out of place in human hospitals)
• Utilisation of anaesthetic sparing techniques - meaning we provide a high level of pain relief and use multiple different types of anaesthetic agents in order to minimise the doses required - Intravenous fluids throughout the anaesthetic to help support blood pressure 
• Dedicated staff monitoring the patient closely throughout the procedure and recovery.  Once your pet has recovered from the procedure you can continue with home care including brushing and dental diets in order to reduce the build up of plaque and the frequency for further intervention in the future. 

Do you want your pets’ teeth assessed? Book an appointment today to see one of our friendly vets.

What is bloat in dogs?
 

Gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV or bloat), is a serious condition that can be quickly fatal and is considered as a veterinary emergency.

It’s a condition in which food, gas, or fluids stretch a dog’s stomach, causing abdominal pain and a sudden increase in the dog's abdomen.

In severe cases, stomach distension can be accompanied by twisting, which can cut off blood flow to the abdomen and stomach. This can cause injury to the stomach wall, put pressure on the diaphragm (causing difficulties breathing), and damage other internal organs. 

Symptoms of bloat for dogs
 

A dog affected by bloat will seem visibly uncomfortable or distressed.

Physical signs of bloat in dogs:

• A swollen, often firm belly

• Accelerated heart rate (tachycardia)

• Pale gums

Behavioural signs of bloat in dogs:

• Dry heaving and retching (often spitting out white foam or clear mucous)

• Anxious behaviours such as pacing back and forth, or changing resting positions often

• Unusual or excessive panting and drooling

In severe cases, a pet affected by bloat may even collapse and be unwilling to move.

Causes of bloat in dogs
 

There are many suspected risk factors of bloat in dogs, and like many conditions, a dog’s age, breed, and health status can be factors.

Larger breed dogs are at a higher risk of GDV than smaller ones, with deep-chested breeds also at risk.

• Great Dane

• Weimaraner

• Mastiff

• St Bernard

• Irish Setter

• Shar Pei

• Basset Hound

• German Shepherd 

• Standard Poodle

• Dachshund

Age also seems to play a role in the risk, increasing with dogs over 4.5 years of age.

Feeding behaviours have also been linked to an increase in the risk of GDV.

Factors that may increase the risk of bloat:

• Deep chested dogs

• Older dogs

• Leaner dogs

• Once-daily feeding

• Small food particles

• Presence of oil or fat amongst the first four ingredients in dry food

• A large amount of food fed at one sitting

• Feeding on an elevated bowl

• Eating quickly or gulping air

• Exercise following a meal

• Underlying stomach motility problem

Tips to reduce the chances of bloat in your dog
 

Many tips to reduce the risks of bloat in your pets are related to your pet’s diet and eating routines. Some ways you could reduce the chances of bloat in your pet include:

• Avoid raised food bowls 

• Wait to feed pets at least 30 minutes to an hour before or after exercise

• Encourage smaller, more frequent trips to the water bowl by inviting pets to get up more often and guiding them toward it

• Using slow feeders to prevent gorging, or spreading meals out into smaller portions over intervals- small meals 2-3 times daily

• Avoid sudden diet changes

• Avoiding sharing food scraps and keeping bins out of access

What to do if you suspect your pet has GDV or is affected by bloat
 

A pet that is suspected of bloat should seek veterinary attention immediately, GDV is a serious emergency that can be quickly fatal.

Veterinary treatment may include:

• Fluid and oxygen therapy
• Stomach decompression to release the air and fluid
• General anesthesia and surgery to re-position the stomach
• Hospitalisation

The prognosis for GDV is fair to good with early detection, prompt gastric decompression, and surgery. However, unfortunately, it is estimated that 10-15% of dogs that experience a GDV die due to complications. This is more likely to happen in pets that are not treated within 6 hours of clinical signs, experience heart difficulties prior to surgery, or require surgical removal of some of the stomach or spleen.

Prophylactic Gastropexy
 

This is a surgical procedure performed to decrease the risk of GDV, and is often performed in high-risk young dogs, frequently at the time of de-sexing. The stomach is surgically 'tacked' to the body wall to hold it in place decreasing the risk of it twisting later in life. Do not hesitate to make an appointment with one of our vets for more information and advice regarding this procedure.