Adipose derived Stromal Cells describe a mixed population of cells obtained from the supportive cell background present within some adult tissue (including fat) and will vary slightly depending on the tissue it is obtained from. Contained within the ADSC population will be the cells we are most interested in, skeletal stem cells.

Anal glands are two small pouches on either side of the anus. The oily, brown fluid they secrete helps dogs identify each other and mark their territory.

An angular or rotational limb deformity is a pathological abnormality in the spatial alignment of any limb. The consequences of ALD are functional lameness as a result of abnormal posture, and painful lameness as a result of joint incongruity.

Antebrachial growth deformity is an angular or rotational limb deformity of the forelimb. The consequences of ABGD are functional lameness as a result of abnormal posture, and painful lameness as a result of joint incongruity.

The long bones of the skeleton, usually referring to the bones that make up the front and back legs.

Arthrocentesis is the process of collecting a sample of the synovial fluid (joint fluid) that bathes the inside of joints. Synovial fluid analysis is most useful for differentiating normal or degenerative (i.e. osteoarthritic) joints from joints with inflammatory joint disease (septic and immune-mediated).

The artificial induction of ossification between the bones of a joint; fusing the joint in a fixed position. Arthrodesis is carried out to relieve intractable pain in a joint that cannot be managed with pain medication or splints. In unusual circumstances, arthrodesis is deployed to treat complex articular fractures such as shearing injuries of the feline tarsus.

Arthroscopy, also called arthroscopic surgery, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure involving a joint in which an examination and sometimes treatment of an injury is performed using an arthroscope (a rigid endoscope that is inserted into the joint through a small incision).

The so-called ‘flat bones’ of the skeleton, which in reality include the bones of the pelvis, spine, ribs, and skull.

The retrieval of a piece of bone or soft tissue for diagnostic purposes. Tissue samples are sent to an external specialist in veterinary pathology who evaluate the specimens and provide a detailed report on their findings.

Bone tumours may be classified as “primary tumours”, which originate in bone or from bone-derived cells and tissues, and “secondary tumours” which originate in other sites and spread (metastasise) to the skeleton. The most common form of bone tumour in small animals is a primary bone tumour called osteosarcoma.

Brachycephalic Syndrome (BS) refers to a group of conditions resulting from the body conformation of dogs with short noses.

Hearing test to detect electrical activity in the hearing pathways.

The carpal joint, or carpus, is the medical name for the wrist. In the dog and cat, the carpus is located in the forelimb and is made up of a cluster of bones sitting between the radius and ulna and metacarpal bones. Common conditions of the carpus include fractures, shearing injuries and degenerative disease.

Clinical signs similar to peripheral vestibular disease but with associated depressed mental status (e.g. poorly interactive and disorientated) and postural deficits i.e. loss of strength and proprioception.

Important fluid produced in the brain; responsible for protection and support of the nervous system and its weight.

Aseptic insertion of a needle between the vertebrae of the spine either in the neck or lumbar region accessing the subarachnoid space to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. The procedure must be performed under general anaesthesia.

Anti-cancer drugs. These are usually similar to the drugs used in people, but at a lower dose to try and minimise side-effects. Chemotherapy can be given orally, into a vein, or even directly into a tumour or body cavity, depending on the situation. Most chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing cells.

Chiari-like malformation alters the flow of cerebrospinal fluid between the skull and spinal column resulting in a collection of fluid pockets (singular: syrinx, plural: syringes) within the spinal cord descriptively known as syringomyelia.

Cholangiohepatitis is a condition affecting the liver, which can be infectious or inflammatory.

Breeds of dogs who characteristically have disproportionately short and curved limbs e.g. Dachshund and Basset Hounds.

Cold Compression is a combination of cryotherapy and static compression, commonly used for the treatment of pain and inflammation after acute injury or surgical procedures.

The cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) in dogs is the same as the “anterior” cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans. It is a band of tough fibrous tissue that attaches the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone), preventing the tibia from shifting forward relative to the femur. It also helps to prevent the stifle (knee) joint from over-extending or rotating.

Commercially available joint replacements are not available for some of the joints we are presented with in end-stage disease. Commercial joint replacements are also unavailable for very large or very small patients. This means we need to manufacture custom made implants for the patient to exactly meet their anatomical and surgical requirements.

Cytology involves the microscopic study of cells for medical and scientific purposes. Cytology is a branch of pathology, which makes diagnoses of diseases and conditions from examing tissue samples.

Progressive degenerative spinal cord disease in dogs, previously known as chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy (CDRM).

Situated away from the centre of the body or from the point of attachment.

Cancer cells which have been shed from the original tumour and have settled in a distant site, for example, the lungs or the bone marrow. They enter a state of ‘suspended animation’ where they do not multiply and so are often unaffected by chemotherapy. At some point in the future, by mechanisms not fully understood, they leave this state and start dividing, or even re-enter the circulation, to ultimately form secondary tumours (metastases).

Elbow dysplasia describes the abnormal development of the elbow. The term includes a number of specific abnormalities, which affect different sites in the joint.These abnormalities cause problems by affecting the growth of the cartilage which forms the surface of the joint or the structures around it. These abnormalities are primary lesions, which then induce a secondary osteoarthritic process.

The elbow joint is a complex hinge joint located in the forelimb of cats and dogs. Three bones meet at the elbow joint; the humerus of the upper limb and the radius and ulna of the lower limb.

Elbow osteochondritis dissecans is a disease mainly seen in immature large and giant breed dogs. The condition results in the formation of a cartilage flap on the medial humeral condyle that causes pain and subsequent lameness.

Elicitation of muscle contraction using electric impulses generated by a device and delivered through adhesive electrodes placed on the skin in direct proximity to the muscles to be stimulated.

Specific type of inflammatory brain disease which is defined under the umbrella of ‘meningoencephalitis of unknown origin’ (MUA).

Seizures are the physical manifestation of uncontrolled and hyper-synchronous electrical activity in the brain. Recurrent seizures, known as epilepsy, is the most common neurological problem in dogs and cats.

Accelerates tissue healing similar to the effects of laser therapy but uses high energy pulses (shock waves) directed into the abnormal tissue.

A disease characterised by face and tongue mutilation and other behavioural signs suggesting oral and facial discomfort in cats.

Femoral head and neck excision (FHNE) is a surgical procedure that removes the head of the femur within the hip joint.

The hip joint is a ball and socket joint that incorporates the femur (ball) and pelvis (socket). Femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO) is a surgical procedure that removes the head and neck of the femur bone.

The long-bone between the hip and the knee, i.e. thigh bone.

Substance that seems to originate from the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc.

A sudden onset spinal cord injury as a result of a sudden blockage of a vessels blood supply to an area of the spinal cord.

A sudden onset spinal cord injury as a result of a sudden blockage of a vessels blood supply to an area of the spinal cord.

A tiny needle is inserted into the mass or organ, a syringe is attached, and a sample of cells is drawn up into the needle by applying negative pressure. The cells are pushed out onto a glass slide and smeared to create a thin sheet. These can then be stained and examined under a microscope to look for evidence of inflammation or cancer.

General anaesthesia is the state produced when a patient receives medications for amnesia, analgesia and skeletal muscle relaxation or paralysis to accommodate surgical stimulus. An anesthetised patient can be thought of as being in a controlled, reversible state of unconsciousness.

Seizures causing a loss of consciousness, involuntary repetitive movements, urination, salivation and defecation.

Specific type of inflammatory brain disease which is defined under the umbrella of ‘meningoencephalitis of unknown origin’ (MUA).

The presence of red blood cells in urine.

‘Extrusion’ or ‘herniation’ of the inner contents of the intervertebral disc.

‘Bulging’ and ‘protrusion’ of the outer part of the intervertebral disc (annulus fibrosus).

Explosion of the normal disc content (nucleus pulposus) from a sudden tear in the outer layer of the intervertebral disc (annulus) typically associated with heavy exercise or trauma.

Application of heat therapy to reduce pain, stiffness, muscle spasm and increase blood flow to a specific area to promote healing.

Half

Abnormal development of the structures that make up the hip joint leads to subsequent joint deformity. ‘Dysplasia’ means abnormal growth. The developmental changes appear first and because they are related to growth, they are termed primary changes. Subsequently, these changes may lead to excessive wear and tear. The secondary changes may be referred to as (osteo)arthritis (OA), (osteo)arthrosis or degenerative joint disease (DJD).

Solid tissue fragments or surgical samples are sent to pathology labs and cut into slices the thickness of a human hair. These are stained and examined to identify the exact type of tumour present.

The hock joint is located in the hind limbs and is the equivalent of the human ankle joint. The hock joint is a complex joint comprising of a number of small bones articulating with the tibia (skin bone) and metatarsal bones (toes). Ligaments on the inside and outside part of the hock joint hold the bones together. Each side of the hock joint has two important ligaments that provide stability to the joint.

Hock osteochondritis dissecans is a disease mainly seen in immature large and giant breed dogs. The condition results in the formation of a cartilage flap on the articular surface of the talus within the hock joint, this causes pain and subsequent lameness.

The long-bone between the shoulder blade and the elbow.

Hydrocephalus is a condition where there is a build-up of excess cerebrospinal fluid  (CSF) in the brain. The excess fluid typically causes increased pressure on the brain and signs can include a dome-shaped, enlarged head, seizures, behavioural changes and blindness.

The warmth of the water provides a medium that assists with pain relief and the reduction of muscle spasm. By immersing a patient, buoyancy support is provided and this facilitates mobility and creates a more optimum environment for normal movement patterns. Beneficial for increasing flexibility, strength, core stability and cardiovascular fitness.

A hyperextension injury occurs when a joint or muscle is extended beyond its normal range of motion. In dogs, the most common joint affected is the carpus (wrist) and can be a result of degeneration or trauma.

Application of ice or cold therapy to a specific area to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation to promote healing.

Seizures not related to an underlying cause e.g. intoxication, kidney disease, liver disease, brain malformations, tumours or inflammation.

Fibrocartilaginous cushions between the vertebrae that allow movement in the spinal column, are supportive and act as shock absorbers.

Age-related, degenerative condition of intervertebral discs resulting in deminished shock-absorbing capacity leading to disc herniation and spinal cord compression.

Intra-arterial chemotherapy involves medications being delivered directly into an artery as close to a tumour as possible, to maximise the amount of chemotherapy delivered to the cancer cells and therefore possibly increase the effectiveness of our treatment. Traditional chemotherapy is administered through a catheter into a peripheral vein. This means the chemotherapy drug has to pass via the heart and lungs before being delivered to the cancer, and therefore the drug is diluted by the time it reaches the target.

Directly into a vein, usually in a limb and usually through a catheter e.g. intravenous injection of a drug straight into a vein.

Intraosseous Transcutaneous Amputation Prosthesis (ITAP) is a prosthesis used in cases of limb amputation to allow the attachment of an exoprosthesis that replaces the lost limb. The implant integrates with the bone using a substance called hydroxyapatite and a special coating allows the skin surrounding the implant to adhere to the surface of the metal.

Joint dislocation, or luxation occurs when bones in a joint become displaced or misaligned. It is often caused by a sudden impact to the joint. The ligaments always become damaged as a result of a dislocation. A subluxation is a partial dislocation.

A joint tap is the process of collecting a sample of the synovial fluid (joint fluid) that bathes the inside of joints. Synovial fluid analysis is most useful for differentiating normal or degenerative (i.e. osteoarthritic) joints from joints with inflammatory joint disease (septic and immune-mediated).

Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS) is a procedure that is used to treat hip dysplasia in the early stages of its disease process. The procedures involves disrupting a growth plate running down the centre of the pelvis. This causes the hip socket (acetebulum) to rotate and improve the contact with the ball of the femur.

Non-invasive use of laser (light) energy to generate a healing response in damaged or dysfunctional tissue. Used for alleviation of pain, to reduce inflammation and accelerate recovery, and facilitate improved function and mobility.

Patella luxates (dislocates) out of this normal groove. The consequence of this luxation is an inability to properly extend the knee joint. As well as the lameness caused by the mechanical deficiency of the affected knee, there are varying degrees of pain and osteoarthritis. In lateral patella luxation the patella moves to the outside, or lateral, aspect of the patella groove.

Fitzpatrick Referrals has pioneered the use of amputation prosthesis that allows the patient to retain a functional limb in the face of devastating injury. The most common injury treated with this surgery is major trauma of the distal limb. In these cases, we utilise a prosthesis that integrates with the bone and adheres to the skin allowing an exo-prosthesis to be attached and the patient to retain the use of its limb.

We have also used limb salvage surgery to treat aggressive, non-resectable, tumours of the foot. This surgery allows an aggressive cancer to be removed with adequate margins to prevent reoccurrence and allows the patient to retain a functional limb.

Limb sparing surgery is a type of surgery performed to address bone or soft-tissue cancers occurring within the limbs of dogs and cats that are unsuitable for amputation of the affected limb. The most common condition treated with this surgery is canine osteosarcoma.

A machine capable of generating a column of radiation (photons) that can be targeted towards tumours. The radiation causes breaks in the tumour cells DNA and so when the tumour cells divide in two, the ‘instruction manual’ on how to split and then reassemble the new DNA is damaged, and so both new cells die. These are large machines, typically occupying an entire lead lined concrete bunker. Animals need to be totally still during radiation treatments, and so are anaesthetised.

The lumbar spine is highly mobile whereas the sacrum is immobile, hence the LS junction is a transition zone and subsequent stress is placed on the joint and the LS intervertebral disc. Disc degeneration may arise leading to disc protrusion or tearing. Compression or impingement of nerves as they travel dorsal to a disc or exit the spinal cord at the nerve root foramina occurs as a result of the bulging disc, soft tissue proliferation, collapse of the foraminal area (foraminal stenosis) or new bone formation. This compression leads to discomfort, the canine equivalent of sciatica and with progression further compromise to nerve function.

The lumbosacral (LS) junction is the juncture of the last lumbar vertebra (L7) with the sacrum (where the spinal column meets the pelvis and back legs).

There are dozens of lymphoid glands around the body which are involved the body’s immune response, constantly monitoring blood and lymph flowing through them for abnormal cells, proteins, or other foreign materials. They are often the first site of cancer spread for many tumours. Many can be felt on a thorough clinical examination, and if they feel abnormal, a fine needle aspirate of the lymph node can be taken.

Lymphangiography is a technique used to identify lymph glands. We use this to identify the correct lymph gland to either sample or remove if there is a nearby cancer and it is especially useful if we are not clear what the nearest lymph node is. We most commonly perform lymphangiography using CT scans, but it can also be done with x-ray.

This refers to the ability of cancer cells within a tumour to detach from the primary mass and spread to a distant site; perhaps the lymph node, or distant organ, and develop into a new tumour(s) identical but smaller to the primary, but called a secondary tumour.

A rim of healthy tissue around the mass is taken at surgery to try and ensure all tumour ‘fingers’ or ‘roots’ are removed from the surgical site.

The patella acts as a fulcrum during normal extension of the knee joint. It glides up and down within a groove that forms the front of the knee joint. In some dogs, the patella luxates (dislocates) out of this normal groove. The consequence of this luxation is an inability to properly extend the knee joint. As well as the lameness caused by the mechanical deficiency of the affected knee, there are varying degrees of pain and osteoarthritis. In medial patella luxation the patella moves to the inside, or medial, aspect of the patella groove.

How long the ‘middle’ patient survives. For example if you have 100 animals that all have the same cancer and all have the same treatment, the median is how long patient 51 lives. This means half the patients live longer than the median, and half the patients live shorter.

Inflammation of the brain and its lining.

Defines a group of autoimmune conditions where the body’s immune system attacks the nervous system for an unknown reason.

Initially given to a group of cells that can differentiate or grow into cells of mesoderm embryonic layer (although this is contended scientifically). MSC refers to cells that have been taken from a patient and grow on special plastic in a laboratory. This term is present in a vast amount of stem cell literature but is being superseded by more accurate terminology.

This occurs in CT imaging as metal has an incredibly high density, which heavily affects the x-rays travelling through it and this translates to a loss of information on the reconstructed images. At Fitzpatrick Referrals, we are lucky to have an inbuilt metal artefact reduction software on our scanner which really helps with this.

The process of cells leaving the primary tumour, travelling to a new site in the body, and forming a new tumour, called a secondary tumour, or metastasis.

A term pertaining to the specific form and structural feature of an organism.

Insertion of a blunt ended needle, a sprools needle, through the tympanic membrane to allow aspiration of mucous surrounding the inner ear apparatus.

Specific type of inflammatory brain disease which is defined under the umbrella of ‘meningoencephalitis of unknown origin’ (MUA).

Specific type of inflammatory brain disease which is defined under the umbrella of ‘meningoencephalitis of unknown origin’ (MUA).

Describes a wide range of disorders that affect the peripheral nervous system i.e. peripheral nerve, neuromuscular junction or muscle.

Elicitation of muscle contraction using electric impulses generated by a device and delivered through adhesive electrodes placed on the skin in direct proximity to the muscles to be stimulated.

A localised sensation of unpleasant discomfort caused by damage or disease that affects the sensory receptors of the nervous system.

The study and treatment of cancer.

Osteoarthritis (OA) also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis, is a group of mechanical abnormalities involving degradation of joints including articular cartilage and subchondral bone.

Painful type of osteochondrosis whereby the cartilage or bone associated with a joint is inflamed.

A joint disorder in which cracks form in the articular cartilage and the underlying subchondral bone. OCD is caused by blood deprivation in the subchondral bone. This loss of blood flow causes the subchondral bone to die in a process called avascular necrosis. The bone is then reabsorbed by the body, leaving the articular cartilage it supported prone to damage. The result is fragmentation (dissection) of both cartilage and bone, and the free movement of these osteochondral fragments within the joint space, causing pain and further damage.

Osteosarcoma is an aggressive malignant cancerous tumour in a bone and is the most common bone cancer in dogs.

Seizure like activity involving more focal areas of the brain and may appear as muscle spasms/tremors, abnormal sensations or even hallucinations.

The patella, or knee cap, is a small bone buried in the tendon of the extensor muscles (the quadriceps muscles) of the thigh.

Bone is weakened by a disease process, perhaps cancer, infection, poor nutrition or disuse, and breaks following little to no insult.

Percutaneous Fixation To Skeleton (PerFiTS). The PerFiTS is a unique, custom-made prosthetic implant incorporating an endoprosthesis and exoprosthesis, which avoids full-limb amputation in cases of limb malformation, tumour or trauma to provide your dog or cat with a fully functional limb.

Clinical signs associated with loss of balance, disorientation, head tilt and irregular jerking eye movements known as nystagmus.

Seizures assumed to be related to an underlying genetic predisposition.

The outcome of a surgery, or a treatment. In oncology normally refers to the expected life span of the patient.

Situated nearer to the centre of the body or the point of attachment.

Pyothorax is a bacterial infection in the chest cavity, which can be caused by various things including an injury from a fight, a migrating foreign body, or a chronic ongoing infection.

The delivery of sub-atomic particles to damage and ultimately kill cancer cells. See also linear accelerator.

The thicker of two bones between the elbow and the wrist, the thinner bone being the ulna.

Killing sufficient cancer cells that none can be detected in the body by conventional means, for example clinical examination, blood tests, or imaging techniques.

The shoulder blade.

Induction of sleepiness, generally to allow procedures without resorting to general anaesthesia. Sedation is most commonly used to keep patients motionless while radiographic or CT images are obtained.

Seizures are the physical manifestation of uncontrolled and hyper-synchronous electrical activity in the brain. Recurrent seizures, known as epilepsy, is the most common neurological problem in dogs and cats.

Shoulder osteochondritis dissecans is a disease mainly seen in immature large and giant breed dogs. The condition results in the formation of a cartilage flap on the humeral head that causes pain and subsequent lameness.

A group of cells present within the bone marrow stromal environment which are responsible for the repair and upkeep of healthy skeletal tissue. A population of these cells are attached to the outside of small blood vessels and can grow into different types of tissue including bone, cartilage and fat.

A disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep.

The fleshy, flexible part towards the back of the roof of the mouth.

Using diagnostic tests to discover whether the tumour has spread, and if so, to where.

An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks blood vessels in the lining of the nervous system for an unknown reason.

The stifle joint is a complex joint in the hind limbs of four legged animals. It is the equivalent joint to the human knee. The stifle joint consists of the femorotibial articulation (femoral and tibial condyles), femoropatellar articulation (femoral trochlea and the patella), and the proximal tibiofibular articulation.

Partial or incomplete luxation of a joint.

Vets who have undergone speciality training not only in small animal surgery, but also advanced training in cancer surgery, cancer biology, and have a thorough understanding and can advise on other therapies for cancer including chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

The loss of consciousness resulting from insufficient blood flow to the brain.

Syringomyelia is a neurological condition whereby a fluid-filled cavity or cyst has formed within the spinal cord.

Use of an electric current generated by a device and delivered through adhesive electrodes placed on the skin stimulating nerves to provide pain relief.

The bone between the knee and the ankle.

TPLO is a surgery performed on dogs to stabilize the stifle joint after rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament. During TPLO the tibial plateau, the portion of the tibia adjoining the stifle, is cut and rotated so that its slope changes to approximately 5 degrees from the horizontal plane. This prevents the femur from sliding down the slope of the tibial plateau when the dog puts weight on its knee.

Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) is a surgery performed on dogs to stabilise the stifle joint after rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament. During TTA the tibial tuberosity is advanced, which changes the angle of the patellar ligament to neutralise the tibiofemoral shear force during weight bearing. A titanium cage is used to advance the tibial tuberosity and a titanium plate is used to hold the tibial tuberosity in position. By neutralising the shear forces in the stifle caused by a ruptured or weakened CrCL, the joint becomes more stable without compromising joint congruency.

THR is a surgical procedure in which the arthritic hip joint surfaces are replaced with a new prosthetic ball and socket in the femur and pelvis. The prosthesis is designed to fit precisely and mimics the anatomy of the original joint. The arthritic joint is pain free after total hip replacement.

The thinner of two bones between the elbow and wrist, the thicker being the radius.

The combination of walking on a treadmill while surrounded in water. The warmth of water provides a medium that assists with pain relief and the reduction of muscle spasm. By semi-immersing a patient in a pool, buoyancy support can be regulated to the individual patient’s support needs, facilitating mobility and creates a more optimum environment for normal movement patterns. Beneficial for increasing flexibility, strength, core stability and cardiovascular fitness.

Ununited anconeal process (UAP) is a condition in which a bony protuberance within the elbow becomes detached from the ulna bone. This loose bony fragment damages the inside of the joint. UAP is a component of elbow dysplasia.

Responsible for maintaining balance, posture and the body’s orientation in relation to the horizon. The vestibular system is comprised of a receptor, located close to the middle ear, a short nerve and the lower stem of the brain. Also known as ‘old-dog vestibular syndrome’ or ‘canine idiopathic vestibular syndrome’.

Cervical spondylomyelopathy, commonly referred to as ‘wobbler syndrome’, is a disease of the spine within the neck, resulting in poor transmission of nerve signals between the brain and the body.