Arthroscopy, also known as joint endoscopy, involves examining a joint from the inside. It is a diagnostic and therapeutic treatment method used in orthopedics that does not require large incisions in the skin (i.e., it is minimally invasive).
The basic requirements for performing arthroscopy correctly are both the technical equipment and specially trained surgical staff.
The technical equipment includes the arthroscope with camera head and optics, a light source to illuminate the inside of the joint, a pump device to fill the joint with fluid, and a monitor for displaying the images.
General anesthesia and a sterile operating room are required for the procedure. To gain access to the joint, the surgeon makes only two very small incisions in the joint, through which the arthroscope and the special instruments are inserted. The camera at the head of the arthroscope transmits a greatly magnified image of the inside of the joint to the monitor. This makes even small structures clearly visible.
In veterinary medicine, arthroscopy is primarily used in horses and dogs for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the larger joints of the limbs. However, thanks to modern technology, arthroscopy can now also be performed on much smaller joints.
Arthroscopy can be used for diagnostic purposes to assess the type or extent of a disease in the joint more accurately.
For therapeutic purposes , arthroscopy is most commonly used to remove cartilage or bone fragments (= joint chips). A typical example is OCD (= osteochondrosis dissecans), which is part of elbow joint dysplasia (see corresponding article). During arthroscopy, any damaged cartilage can be smoothed. Infected joints can be cleaned and rinsed arthroscopically.
If your cat has a runny nose and is breathing noisily, there may be a harmless cause. However, sometimes this can also be a sign of an illness that requires urgent treatment
The first few weeks with a puppy are exciting—not just for you, but also for your young dog. Soon, the moment will come when you discover the world outside your home together for the first time. There are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your first walk is a pleasant and safe experience for both of you.
Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopy, is an allergic skin inflammation that causes severe itching—similar to neurodermatitis in humans. It is triggered by environmental allergens to which genetically predisposed animals react with an overactive immune system.
The family has agreed that it's time to get a pet. However, it should be an animal that doesn't require too much work. It should bring joy, but not demand too much attention – and ideally, it should be something that even a primary school child can help look after. Does this sound like a familiar list of requirements? Then a small group of guinea pigs could be just right for you.
Animals also require blood transfusions in cases of significant blood loss due to accidents or surgery, coagulation disorders, and various diseases. Blood is collected from donor animals for this purpose. As with humans, animals also have different blood types that must be taken into account.
If the nictitating gland, located under the inner corner of the eye, protrudes outward, this is referred to as nictitating gland prolapse. It appears like a cherry and is therefore also known as cherry eye. Short-headed breeds are particularly affected.
Dermatophilosis, not to be confused with dermatomycosis caused by fungi, is a bacterial skin disease in horses. It occurs mainly in the wet and cold season in horses that are kept in open stables or spend a lot of time in pastures, which is why it is also colloquially referred to as rain eczema.
Whether recreational, amateur, or professional riding—the time spent together should be enjoyable for both horses and people. To ensure that this remains the case, a good amount of variety is important.
At some point, the time comes when we have to say goodbye to our beloved dog forever. Old age, illness, or an accident bring to an end what has been many wonderful years together. Saying goodbye to their dog with dignity is very important to most dog owners.
In animals, assisted dying, the so-called euthanasia, is permitted under certain circumstances regulated by animal welfare laws. If suffering can no longer be alleviated, painless euthanasia can be a relief for your animal. But when is the right time, and how does euthanasia work?
