Summary
A two-month survey of small animal orthopaedic conditions was conducted by members
of British Veterinary Orthopaedic association. Clinicians from 42 clinics participated
from a variety of practice including referral, primary care and teaching institutions.
A total of 1627 cases were recorded. The case load was dominated by dogs with evidence
that in UK cats are underrepresented in veterinary orthopaedic practice. Evidence
of breed predisposition to orthopaedic disease in dogs was not detected. The importance
of trauma in younger patients and degenerative diseases in older dogs was confirmed.
A strong similarity between the case loads seen at primary care and referral practices
was recorded. The results of this survey may be useful to those planning clinical
orthopaedic teaching and research programmes.
Members of BVOA recorded and collated details of all orthopaedic cases seen during
February and March 1994. The case load was dominated by dogs with evidence that cats
are underrepresented in orthopaedic practice. There were striking similarities between
the case loads of primary care and referral institutes. The findings of this survey
may help those responsible for planning clinical orthopaedic teaching and research.
Keywords
Survey: Orthopaedic case load
