In dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy for acute intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE), adjunctive nonpharmacologic therapies may help provide postoperative analgesia while reducing reliance on opioids and their associated adverse effects. This prospective, randomized, blinded, controlled trial evaluated the short-term analgesic effects of interferential current electrotherapy (IFC) in dogs following thoracolumbar hemilaminectomy for acute IVDE. Twenty dogs were randomly assigned to receive conventional analgesia alone (control, n = 10) or conventional analgesia plus IFC (n = 10). The IFC group received three IFC sessions administered within the first 24 h postoperatively. Outcome measures were collected at three predefined postoperative time points corresponding to IFC treatment sessions: T1 (2–4 h), T2 (8–18 h), and T3 (20–24 h postoperatively). Outcome measures included Modified Glasgow Composite Pain Scale–Short Form (CMPS-SF) scores, total postoperative opioid consumption, and peri-incisional mechanical sensory thresholds. Dogs treated with IFC demonstrated significantly lower CMPS-SF pain scores at the T2 time point compared with controls (p = 0.03); however, no differences were observed at T1 or T3 time points. Total opioid consumption and mechanical sensory thresholds did not differ significantly between groups at any time point. These findings suggest that IFC may provide transient postoperative analgesic benefit but does not appear to reduce opioid requirements or mechanical sensory thresholds within the first 24 h following hemilaminectomy. Further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to better define the role of IFC in multimodal postoperative pain management and to explore optimal treatment protocols.

Introduction: There is limited data on how veterinarians implement multimodal therapies for managing canine osteoarthritis (OA). The primary aim of this study was to describe how OA is managed by veterinarians with diverse backgrounds. The secondary aim was to report perceived side effects associated with bedinvetmab (Librela ^TM ) and grapiprant. The authors hypothesized that variation exists in management patterns among veterinarians with different training backgrounds and experience levels. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational, voluntary response survey was distributed to veterinarians assessing respondent demographics, diagnostic approaches, the frequency of treatment use for canine OA, and perceived adverse events associated with grapiprant and bedinvetmab. Results: 373 responses were analyzed. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were the most prescribed drug class, and gabapentin, bedinvetmab, and polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (Adequan ^® ) were the most prescribed non-NSAID medications. The most used nutraceutical and non-pharmacologic treatments were omega-3 fatty acids and weight management. Fifty-three percent of respondents used imaging whenever possible to confirm OA. Those with higher levels of training (specialty training, rehabilitation certificates) and more years of experience used imaging more often. American College of Veterinary Surgery (ACVS) diplomates were less likely to use bedinvetmab and cannabainoids (CBD). American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR) diplomates and rehabilitation-certified veterinarians were less likely to use glucosamine/chondroitin and bedinvetmab and more likely to use ketamine, amantadine, polysulfated glycosaminoglycan, green-lipped mussel, CBD, undenatured type II collagen, eggshell membrane, curcumin, and Boswellia serrata. Diplomates, rehabilitation-certified veterinarians, and more experienced veterinarians used non-pharmacological treatments, including intra-articular injections more often. The most reported perceived side effects of bedinvetmab were paresis/ataxia/proprioceptive deficits (31%) and polyuria/polydipsia (25%). Diarrhea (33%), and vomiting (31%) were the most reported perceived side effects of grapiprant. Conclusion: There is variation in multimodal approaches to canine OA management influenced by both training and years of clinical experience. While NSAIDs, omega-3 fatty acids, and weight management remain foundational, this study demonstrates a spectrum of utilized adjunctive strategies. The differences highlight opportunities for further research into the safety and efficacy of commonly used therapies. Reported perceived adverse events associated with bedinvetmab and grapiprant underscore the need for pharmacovigilance and further research investigating safety.

The objective of this study was to assess the functional outcomes of dogs wearing nail grips in the first 2 weeks following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). Thirty dogs were included (n = 13 nail grips and n = 17 sham grips). Visual lameness scores (VLS), total pressure index (TPI), and client-specific outcome measures (CSOMs) were obtained by blinded observers on day 1 and day 14 +/− 3 post TPLO. CSOMs were also obtained on day 7. There were no differences in VLS and TPI between the treatment and sham group on day 14 (p = 0.44 and p = 0.59, respectively) or at any time point. CSOMs assessing walking on slippery flooring, ability to rise, and consistent use of surgical limb on a 5 min walk were also not different between groups (p = 0.78, p = 0.80, and p = 0.63) at any time point. Nail grips were well tolerated in dogs after orthopedic surgery. This study did not demonstrate a benefit for dogs wearing nail grips during the first two weeks after TPLO; however, further studies are warranted.