Combining physical rehabilitation with medical and surgical care is beneficial for many dogs to help restore mobility and musculoskeletal function. Our Midwest Veterinary Specialists team wants to provide information about conditions that best respond to rehabilitation therapy, so you know what to expect if your dog is affected.  #1: Cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs [...]

When a dog’s cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) ruptures, their stifle (i.e., knee) loses stability, causing pain and decreased mobility. The medial meniscus can then become torn, and osteoarthritis will develop if the joint isn’t stabilized, which can result in chronic, debilitating discomfort. Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) is a surgical technique for stabilizing joints with [...]

Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) is a surgical treatment option for dogs suffering from cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture, which is the most common orthopedic problem in dogs. If your dog has been diagnosed with this condition, you are likely considering a treatment approach that will return your dog to their normal activity level as [...]

Many conditions can cause your pet to start limping, and some issues are more concerning than others. Our team at Midwest Veterinary Specialists wants to help by providing information about what conditions cause pets to limp, how these problems are diagnosed and managed, and when you should seek veterinary care. Lameness detection in pets Dogs [...]

Arthritis (i.e., osteoarthritis [OA]) is a degenerative joint condition that causes joint pain and decreased mobility for many pets, despite surgical treatment, or in cases where surgical procedures aren’t always indicated. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available to help improve an arthritic pet’s quality of life, and a multimodal treatment plan often leads to [...]

A ruptured cranial cruciate ligament (CCL, sometimes called ACL) is the most common cause of hind limb lameness in dogs. If your dog ruptures their CCL, you want him or her back to normal activity level as soon as possible. Our team at Midwest Veterinary Specialists wants to help by offering information about CCL rupture [...]

Pets can be expensive, especially if they are sick, injured, or need emergency care. Pet insurance can help mitigate these costs, and our team at Midwest Veterinary Specialists wants to explain the benefits of pet insurance to ensure your pet always receives the care they need. #1: Pet insurance provides peace of mind Emergency situations, [...]

If your pet needs surgery, you want them to receive the best care possible, and you want someone who has the required training and experience to perform their procedure. Our team at Midwest Veterinary Specialists wants to explain how your pet can benefit from a board-certified veterinary surgeon’s expertise. Requirements to become a board-certified veterinary [...]

Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease (i.e., CCL rupture or tearing) is one of the most common causes of hindlimb lameness in dogs, and can result in significant pain and decreased mobility. At Midwest Veterinary Veterinary Specialists, we want your dog to live the most active, enjoyable life possible, especially if they are affected by a [...]

Pioneering Cases: Bald Eagle A wild adult male eagle suffered a broken wing when he was hit by a moving vehicle Marshall County, Iowa. After initial evaluation, he was brought to Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine to see if anything could be done to save him. Dr. Bergh, a professor at ISU [...]