A diagnosis of a torn cruciate ligament or even cancer is a shock for any pet owner. For highly specialized surgical procedures, many dog and cat owners from Landau, Germersheim, and the entire Southern Palatinate region gladly make the short trip across the Rhine to our Arndt Small Animal Center in Karlsruhe-Durlach.
ACL surgery for Landau and Germersheim Read More »
If your dog or cat needs surgery, you want to know your pet is in the very best hands. For highly specialized procedures and complex diagnostics, many pet owners from Pforzheim, Niefern-Öschelbronn, and the entire Enzkreis district gladly make the short trip to our Arndt Small Animal Center in Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Veterinary surgery for Pforzheim Read More »
Meniscal tears are a highly relevant finding in small animal orthopedics, occurring far more frequently in veterinary practice than many pet owners initially realize. When people hear the term "meniscal lesion," they often think first of human medicine. However, the meniscus also plays a crucial role in the health of the knee joint in dogs and cats. A meniscal tear can cause severe pain, significantly restrict mobility, and contribute to the long-term development of osteoarthritis. Therefore, from a veterinary perspective, it is essential that owners understand the significance of a meniscal tear and can recognize typical warning signs early on.
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Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) is one of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs, leading to significant functional limitations. In cats, this condition was long considered rare and often overlooked. Only in recent decades has attention been drawn to this problem in feline patients, resulting in an increasing number of case reports and smaller studies. Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) is a surgical procedure originally developed by veterinary surgeon Slocum that has achieved revolutionary results in the treatment of cruciate ligament ruptures in dogs.
The TPLO procedure is now a central component of modern orthopedic surgery in dogs. As a veterinarian specializing in surgery, I have been supporting dogs with cruciate ligament injuries and their owners through diagnosis, surgery, and aftercare for many years. A ruptured anterior cruciate ligament is one of the most common causes of lameness in dogs and represents a significant burden for many pet owners – medically, emotionally, and logistically. The aim of this article is to explain the TPLO procedure to you in a well-founded, understandable, and practical way – based on current scientific findings and many years of my own experience.
TPLO operation near Offenburg Read More »
As a veterinarian, I am frequently confronted with complex chest diseases where a thorough diagnosis and prompt treatment determine the prognosis. A typical example is a paraesophageal abscess – a collection of pus in the tissue adjacent to the esophagus. A paraesophageal abscess usually develops as a result of a small perforation of the esophagus, often caused by swallowed foreign bodies (e.g., bones, sticks, fishhooks) or by secondary infections in the mediastinum. Even wood splinters that migrate easily from the throat or tongue can travel caudally along tissue fascia and cause a paraesophageal abscess near the esophagus. We see the interplay of a foreign body, local inflammation, bacterial colonization, and an encapsulated pus-filled cavity relatively frequently in dogs, whereas it is less common in cats.
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As a practicing veterinarian, I regularly see dogs with gallbladder disease where cholecystectomy—the surgical removal of the gallbladder—is the safest and best long-term solution. This is particularly common with gallbladder mucocele: In this condition, the gallbladder fills with thick, biliary mucus, the wall becomes overstretched and inflamed, and there is a risk of rupture, leading to life-threatening biliary peritonitis. In this situation, cholecystectomy can eliminate the risk of rupture and stabilize liver and bile duct function. Leading international veterinary sources recommend early surgical intervention, depending on the findings, to avoid complications. (Merck Veterinary Manual+1)
Cholecystectomy in dogs Read More »
On Friday, I had the opportunity to participate in the continuing education course "Reconstructive Surgery for Veterinarians"—an intensive day that inspired me both professionally and personally. Above all, it offers real benefits for your pet. Reconstructive surgery in dogs and cats isn't some abstract, cutting-edge medical procedure, but rather the practical art of repositioning, shifting, or replacing skin and tissue after tumor operations, accidents, or chronic wounds, enabling your pet to heal faster, more safely, and with less pain. We explored precisely these topics in theory and case studies—using numerous techniques that I can now apply even more effectively in our practice.
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As a veterinarian, I am very frequently asked by pug owners whether shortening the soft palate is a relevant topic for pugs – and if so, when, how, and with what risks. The pug is a brachycephalic breed, meaning it has a short skull. This head shape predisposes pugs to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), in which several constrictions in the upper respiratory tract occur.
A key structure in this process is the soft palate (velum). If it is too long or too thick, it can obstruct airflow, leading to snoring, wheezing, exercise intolerance, coughing, gagging, increased panting, sleep disturbances, and in extreme cases, life-threatening respiratory distress. In such cases, shortening the soft palate (medically: staphylectomy or palatoplasty) is a proven veterinary option to relieve pressure on the airways and sustainably improve your dog's quality of life.
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As a veterinarian, I am frequently approached by pug owners with the same concern: "My dog squints, rubs his eyes often, and constantly has brown streaks from his tears – could this be due to the nasal roll?" In many cases, the answer is yes. Nasal roll resection in pugs is a targeted, minor plastic surgery procedure in which the protruding, hairy roll of skin (the so-called "nose roll") is removed or reduced so that the hair no longer rubs against the cornea. This constant rubbing – known medically as trichiasis – can irritate the cornea, leading to pigment deposits, chronic inflammation, and even painful ulcers. This phenomenon is part of the so-called brachycephalic eye syndrome, which is very common in pugs. International animal welfare and professional organizations describe in detail how the proximity between prominent eyes and skin folds is precisely what causes the cornea to be repeatedly irritated. ufaw.org.uk+1
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Osteoarthritis in Cats – Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Research Osteoarthritis is a common joint disease that is becoming increasingly important in cats. While it primarily affects older cats, it can occur at various stages of life and due to different causes. For pet owners and veterinary students, it is crucial to recognize the symptoms early in order to initiate targeted treatment.
Ameloblastoma is one of the most common odontogenic tumors in dogs. Although histologically benign, it is locally invasive: without early removal, the tumor can severely destroy the bone of the upper or lower jaw, loosen teeth, and make eating painful. In rare cases, it also occurs as a peripheral soft tissue tumor. Our goal is always complete removal with curative intent, as this is the only way to prevent recurrence and preserve the quality of life of our four-legged patients. Studies show that conservative interventions such as curettage alone lead to rapid recurrence in over 90% of cases.
Ameloblastoma in dogs Read More »
In my daily work at the veterinary practice and in animal physiotherapy, I repeatedly encounter situations that are emotionally challenging for both animal and owner. One such situation is the question of whether an amputation is necessary or even justifiable – from both a medical and an ethical perspective. Many pet owners face immense pressure when making this decision, feeling uncertain, fearful, and often burdened with guilt. However, amputation in dogs can not only be a life-saving measure but also the beginning of a new, happy life on three legs.
Amputation in dogs Read More »
Anesthesia or sedation is sometimes unavoidable – whether for surgery, dental work, or more complex examinations. This can be unsettling, especially when you hear about the risks associated with anesthesia. The good news is that thanks to modern veterinary medicine and careful monitoring, many of these risks can now be very well managed.
Safe anesthesia for dogs Read More »
Whether castration, dental treatment, or emergency surgery – every procedure performed under general anesthesia or sedation carries a certain risk. While in human medicine the mortality-related complications are around 0.003 per 1,000 lives, the picture is significantly different for dogs. A large-scale British study involving over 157,000 dogs has now shed light on current figures and risk factors – with revealing results for small animal practice.
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