Head Gland Disease

Re: Head Gland Disease

Gerry Henry — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 16:49:28 GMT

Ventral approach too demanding for me Malcolm, John Fergusson did one for me last year but this pup wasn't insured; I've never seen one done and I'd be worried that I misplaced the (tiny) screwst; I can usually manage the dorsal technique without killing them and the results are generally good; thanks for the BCP tip, I'll get some in.

Re Mr. Hepper, my personal experience of him wasn't good; he probably treats you with more respect in view of your specialist qualifications but to this lowly practitioner he was decidedly unpleasant, however, as he learned, unpleasantness goes both ways.

Re: Head Gland Disease

Malcolm Ness — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 10:42:18 GMT

There has to be some sig risk of implant assoc infection developing as a complication but that wouldn't have stopped me giving the corticoids - you can only have surgical complications in live patients!

Nice to see the hybrid vigour effect in these designer cross-breeds. I have done several hip replacements in labradoodles - offspring with neither parent hip scored.

I tend to fix A-A subluxations ventrally these days - screws across the AA joints - it is technically easier and much quicker than the dorsal fixation techniques. We also use synthetic bone substitutes in place of cortico-cancellous autografts in most cases (not just spines), again because it is quicker, easier and ultimately cheaper. (Biphasic calcium phosphate BCP from Orthomed).

On a different subject - I note your comments re Mr Hepper. I am surprised, as my experience of him has been very different though he did seem fiercely loyal to the lady on the top floor and that might be relevant.

Re: Head Gland Disease

Gerry Henry — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 22:48:46 GMT

Did a house visit on way home and did just that; would have picked it up earlier but for surgical confusion. Thanks all.

Re: Head Gland Disease

james herriot lied — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 22:02:22 GMT

Gerry.

I'm afraid I'd be on the steroids right now (bring on the red stars).

Re: Head Gland Disease

Julian Earl — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 20:01:20 GMT

I think steroids only affect healing if given during the first four days, although immunosuppression is obviously a concern for a dog with a wound.