Sub-bandage pressure changes in canine hindlimbs after re-application of custom rigid fiberglass splints.

Background: While limited information is available, it is possible that high or low sub-bandage pressures cause injury with external coaptation. Fiberglass casting tape is a common splinting material that is custom made for the first bandage and reused in subsequent bandage changes. The aim of this preliminary study was to determine sub-bandage pressure changes in canine hindlimbs between initial splint placement and replacement of the bandage by a different person.

Lifetime cost of surgical treatment for canine hip osteoarthritis is less than conservative management in dogs under eight years of age.

Objective: To determine the lifetime cost of 3 treatments for canine hip osteoarthritis: (1) conservative management, (2) femoral head and neck excision (FHNE), or (3) total hip replacement. We hypothesized that FHNE would be the least expensive treatment at all ages.

Sample: Cost estimates from 11 private and academic referral centers from 8 randomly chosen cities across the US.