Veterinary Orthopedic Society News
December 2015 - In This Issue:
Welcome sign at Big Sky Mountain Village in Montana. Photo by Michel Tallichet, courtesy of Big Sky Resort / Montana.

Holiday Greetings!


As the year draws to a close, let us reflect on the passage of another remarkable year. For some of you this may have been the type of year that propels you forward, full of new experiences and daring decision. For other perhaps it was a year of loss, of passing or of disappointments. It may seem overwhelming at times, the uncertainty of what those changes bring. This organization also continues to grow, powered by the members that create it. This year in Big Sky, VOS will hold its 43rd annual conference. That's a good number.

A few things of note:
  • Early bird registration ends December 15th so add that to your list of things to do. Click here to register.

  • We have 106 abstracts that have been accepted: 64 podium presentation and 42 poster sessions. Thank you to everyone who submitted an abstract this year.

  • A preliminary program can be found in this newsletter and on our website (which has been upgraded and looks amazing!)

  • Our spotlight sponsor is Veterinary Orthopedic Implants! Learn all about them in this month's issue.
Do not forget to book all of your conference needs now - from registration and picnic tickets through the VOS Store to lodging to lift tickets to airfare through our travel agent Penny Smith at [email protected].

Have a safe and wonderful holiday and for those of you that, like me, have families that think that DACVS means we were trained in turkey carving, sharpen that knife and know your landmarks!

Katja Lin
Communications Chair

Nexvet ad
registerEARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION ENDS DEC. 15!
It's time to register for the 2016 VOS Conference in Big Sky, Montana! To receive the early-bird discount, be sure to register by Tuesday, December 15, 2015, and also secure your lodging through VOS.

2016 VOS Conference 
February 27-March 5, 2016 
Big Sky, Montana

Register for 2016 VOS Conference

You also may make reservations online for lodging, airfare, lift tickets and other transportation needs. To receive a discount on your registration, you must reserve your lodging with Ski.com.

Make lodging and travel reservations

For questions or travel reservations, contact Penny Smith of Rocky Mountain Tours, a division of Ski.com, at [email protected] or 800-525-7547, ext. 3420. 
Big Sky Montana logo
Photo by Michel Tallichet, courtesy of Big Sky Resort / Montana.
View the 2014-15 trail map. Courtesy of Big Sky Resort / Montana.
VOS OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
2015-16

Steve Petersen

President

 

Kenneth Bruecker

Past President

 

Rich Evans 

President Elect

 

R. Mark Daye

Treasurer

 

Katja Lin 

Communication

 

Janet Van Dyke

Advertising / Publicity Sponsor Chair

 

Andy Bathe

Scientific Program

 

Reunan Guillou

Scientific Program, Assistant Chair

 

Jonathan Suber

Awards

 

Matt Stewart

Research

 

Cheryl Tano

Exhibit Chair

 

John Chandler

Director, Education Foundation

 

Richard "Dick" Lau

Assistant Director, Education Foundation 

 

Maralyn R. Probst

Executive Secretary

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.vosdvm.org 

WE'VE MOVED!

The VOS office moved earlier this year. Please update correspondence accordingly.

 

Address: 

Veterinary Orthopedic Society

P.O. Box 665

Parker CO 80134

Telephone: 720-335-6051   

 

Our website and email address remain the same:

 

Website: www.vosdvm.org 

Email: [email protected]  

 

"LIKE" US ON FACEBOOK TO ENTER OUR CONTEST
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Please "like" us on Facebook for the most up-to-date info. You also will be entered in a drawing to be held at the end of the 2016 conference for all new "likes." The winner receives $100 off the 2017 conference registration fee!
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UPCOMING EVENTS
2017 44th Annual VOS Conference
March 11-18, 2017
Snowbird, Utah

2018 45th Annual VOS Conference
March 10-17, 2018
Snowmass, Colorado

2019 46th Annual VOS Conference 
Breckenridge, Colorado
 
Stay tuned to our website, our newsletter and Facebook for the most up-to-date information.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE VCOT JOURNAL
VOS members are eligible for a discounted subscription to the Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology (VCOT) journal. VCOT is the official journal for 11 organizations, one of which is VOS.

Subscriptions to VCOT are not automatically invoiced or renewed. If you wish to subscribe or renew your subscription, please download the VCOT form and return it to the VOS office with your payment.

Subscriptions include 6 issues and usually start with Issue 1 or Issue 4, depending on payment date. If you have questions about VCOT subscriptions, please contact Maralyn Probst at [email protected].
VOS UPDATES ADVERTISING PROGRAM

VOS has streamlined its advertising program for its 2015 email newsletters. 

 

Advertisers may choose to place an ad for one billing cycle, which covers three newsletter issues, or select a discounted annual package, which covers nine newsletter issues.

 

VOS is now offering vertical banner ad space in addition to horizontal banner ad space. Horizontal and vertical banner ads are available in two sizes (single-height or double-height), and each ad may be linked to the advertiser's website homepage or other web page.

 

A maximum of 15 horizontal and 2 vertical advertising spaces are available in each issue, and priority is given to annual advertisers.

 

To receive more details about the advertising program, please contact Janet Van Dyke

VOS ESTABLISHES GUIDELINES FOR SOTI TALKS
The Veterinary Orthopedic Society's State of the Industry talks provide an opportunity for our valued sponsors to share with the membership interesting scientific research, clinical data or information about new treatments, developments, and/or techniques. These should be presentations with scientific merit rather than commercials.
 
Presentations will be 10 minutes long plus 5 minutes for questions. The time limit will be adhered to strictly. PowerPoint files (or PDFs of these files) must be submitted to the Sponsor Chair ([email protected]) 14 days in advance for review by the Chair and the Session Moderator. This ensures suitability and enables time for any necessary revisions. Late submissions may result in loss of the preferred time slot for presentation.
EXHIBIT SPACE IS SOLD OUT
We are pleased to report that exhibit space is sold out for the 2016 VOS conference in Big Sky, Montana!
SEND US YOUR NEWS!

VOS members: We'd like to receive your news about recent publications, job opportunities, speaking engagements, etc. for publication in our email newsletter and website.

 

Please send your news items with photos if possible to [email protected].

earlybirdREGISTER BY DEC. 15 FOR EARLY-BIRD DISCOUNTS!
The early-bird discount for registration and lodging for the VOS 2016 Conference ends Tuesday, December 15. Rates increase after that date!

Register now so you don't miss out on the discounts. More details are available at left.

conferencescheduleVOS ANNOUNCES 2016 CONFERENCE PROGRAM
VOS has announced the following preliminary program for the 2016 Conference.

We have an expanded, parallel equine program this year with two full days of speakers and abstracts geared towards equine orthopaedics  surgery, imaging and regenerative medicine that will run parallel to the small animal lectures. Invited speakers include the "surgeons's surgeon" Professor Dean Richardson, orthopedic guru Professor David Frisbie, imaging expert Dr. Sarah Puchalski and Professor Sue Stover who has contributed so much to our understanding of the etiopathogenesis of musculoskeletal injuries. We will be running sessions on these areas, with keynote presentations and scientific abstracts, so there will be plenty of time for small group discussion with key opinion leaders.

Please continue to check the 2016 Conference page on the VOS website for additional updates.


   
Session
(Moderator)
Equine Session
(Moderator)
(Invited Speaker)

Sunday, Feb 28 DAY Lab - OrthoPets  
  3:45-6 PM Sports Medicine, Rehabilitation and Orthopedics
Van Dyke
Residents' Session
Stewart
 

Monday, Feb 29 7-9 AM Orthopedics 1
Evans
Equine Orthopedics
Stewart
Frisbie
  DAY Lab - Veterinary Orthopedic Implants  
  4-6 PM Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation
Tano
Equine Surgery
Bathe
Richardson

Tuesday, March 1 7-9 AM Orthopedics II
Guillou
Equine Imaging
Bathe
Puchalski
  DAY Lab - Arthrex Vet Systems  
  4-6 PM Imaging Rounds
Tucker
Equine Orthopedic Disease & Prevention
Stewart
Stover

Wednesday, March 2 7-9 AM Complications and Corrections
Petersen
 
  DAY Ski Race and Picnic  
  4-6 PM Regenerative Medicine
Stewart
 
  7-9 PM Poster Session  

Thursday, March 3 7-9 AM Bloomberg Awards
Bathe
 
  4-6 PM VOS Business Meeting  

Friday, March 4 7-9 AM Orthopedics III
Suber
 
  4-6 PM Orthopedics IV
Chandler
 
websiteTHE VOS WEBSITE HAS A NEW LOOK!
VOS website

After months of planning, VOS recently launched an updated website. The new website has a more modern look and is designed to be mobile-friendly. If you have not visited the VOS website recently, be sure to take a look. 
bigskyactivities PLAN ON BIG FUN AT BIG SKY!  
Big Sky, Montana is called America's Biggest Skiing. The resort spans more than 4 mountains so there are endless options for exploration. Here are some of the stats:
 
Hours: Our lifts are scheduled to run daily from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., weather pending, depending on area of lift.
Elevation:
Summit (Lone Peak) - 11,166 feet
Base (Mountain Village) - 7,500 feet
Base (Lone Moose & Six-Shooter) - 6,800 feet
Ski Terrain: 5,800 acres, 300 named runs on 4 connected mountains
Vertical Drop: 4,350 feet
Chair Lifts: 23
Surface Lifts: 11
Longest Run: Liberty Bowl to Mountain Mall: 6 miles
Number of Terrain Parks: 7
Average Lift Line: Consistently recognized in national ski magazines for short or non-existent lines.
Average Winter Daytime Temperature: 25° F
Average Annual Snowfall: 400+ inches
Lift Capacity: 38,300 skiers per hour
 
Activities at Big Sky 

There is as much to do off the mountain as there is on the mountain for kids and kid-like adults alike.

Ski.com will have a representative at the Saturday night Welcome Party to sign people up for these activities. Big Sky also has a center called "Basecamp" right in the village, and its staff can sign people up for any of the activities any time during their stay.

Click on each activity to learn more.  
Elk at Yellowstone National Park, a short drive from Big Sky. Photo by Glenniss Indreland, courtesy of Big Sky Resort / Montana.
labsVOS OFFERS HANDS-ON LABS AT 2016 CONFERENCE
VOS is excited to offer 3 hands-on wet-labs for our 2016 attendees. These labs will take place on Sunday, February 28, Monday, February 29, and Tuesday, March 1 between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Below are details for each lab, including links for questions and registration. VOS would like to thank OrthoPets, Veterinary Orthopedic Implants, and Arthrex for offering these wonderful opportunities for our members.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28   
ORTHOPETS
Core concepts, indications and practical tips/hands-on lab for Veterinary Orthotics & Prosthetics (V-OP)
 
OrthoPets logo Course Description: The goal of this laboratory is to provide the participant with an overview on how to successfully implement veterinary orthotic and prosthetic solutions into your clinic. The didactic portion of the lab will provide the participant with basic concepts of three point corrective force application used to create stabilization and allows minimizing wound complications associated with external coaptation/V-OP. We will describe indications for the use of V-OP as an adjunct method after surgical treatment and/or as a solution for patients unable to undergo surgery. The wet lab portion will utilize limb models and cover the practical/hands-on experience of the phases involved when treating a patient with V-OP. This includes the creation of an imprint that is needed for manufacturing of the device, fitting the patient and analyzing the supportive mechanics of the device. A series of possible complications (donning, doffing, skin sores) and how to address them by in-house modification of the device will be covered. This lab is designed as an introductory session for individuals that are considering incorporating V-OP into their practice or simply want to learn more about the mechanics of coaptation and this novel field.  
 
Registration: Click here to register for the OrthoPets wet lab 
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 29 
VETERINARY ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANTS
CBLO
 
Veterinary Orthopedic Implants logo Course Description: CORA based leveling osteotomy is a procedure where the tibial plateau slope is modified by centering the saw blade (ACA) at the location of the CORA (center of rotation of angulation). In doing so there is no secondary translation, ie, the proximal anatomic axis and distal anatomic axis are aligned. The TPA/PTA angle lies between 88 degrees and 90 degrees. The osteotomy is stabilized with a Veterinary Orthopedic Implant (VOI) specially designed locking plate and counter-sink compression screw. Additional advantages of the CBLO include: ease of surgical planning and technique, excellent long term functional results, normal long term appearance of articular cartilage, rapid healing of the osteotomy (6-7 weeks), ability to apply osteotomy in juvenile patients, and application in cases with excessive slope. The course will detail surgical planning, application in simulated bone, management of complications, and long term outcome. 

Dr. Don Hulse Lead Instructor: Dr. Don Hulse, DVM, DACVS, DECVS
Dr. Don Hulse graduated from Texas A&M University in 1970 and completed his surgical training at Kansas State University in 1973. Starting in 1970 and continuing until his appointment as a Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Texas A&M University in 1984, Dr. Hulse served as a clinician in general practice and as Staff Surgeon at Louisiana State University and Oklahoma State University. He successfully fulfilled the requirements for admission into the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1977. He has developed techniques commonly used for treatment of bone and joint disorders in dogs and is well published in the veterinary literature. His clinical research interests focus on minimally invasive surgery for joint disorders and for fracture treatment.
 
Registration: Click here to learn more or register
TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016   
ARTHREX VET SYSTEMS 
Stifle Arthroscopy and Static Stabilization Course for the Advanced Surgeon
 
Arthrex Vet Systems logo Course Description: Arthrex Vet Systems is proud to sponsor the Stifle Arthroscopy and Static Stabilization Course for the Advanced Surgeon on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 as part of the Annual VOS Symposium. This course is designed for the advanced surgeon or 3rd/4th year Residents wanting to develop their arthroscopy skills for the canine stifle. In the morning session, lectures and wet lab will cover limb positioning, portal placement, equipment, and diagnosis and treatment of common issues related to the stifle. In the afternoon session, lectures and wet lab will cover static stabilization options for CCL injuries. Course fee is $500 and will include course materials, and bone models. To view videos of procedures and more information on products, visit www.arthrexvetsystems.com .
 
Registration: Click here to learn more or register
JOIN ARATANA THERAPEUTICS ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2016 
Be among the first to hear clinical study results for therapeutics for Post-Operative Pain, Osteoarthritis and Osteosarcoma anticipated to launch in 2016 and 2017:
  • 7:30-8:00 p.m.: Long-Acting, Local Post-Operative Pain Therapeutic for Dogs, by Duncan Lascelles, BSc, BVSc, PhD, CertVA, DSAS(ST), DECVS, DACVS, MRCVS, NCSU
  • 8:00-8:30 p.m.: Therapeutic Vaccine for Osteosarcoma in Dogs, by Nicole Ehrhart, VMD, MS, DACVS, ACVS Founding Fellow, Surgical Oncology
  • 8:30-9:00 p.m.: Grapiprant Prostaglandin Receptor Antagonist (PRA) for Osteoarthritis in Dogs, by Steven Fox, MS, DVM, MBA, PhD, President of Securos
  • 9:00-9:30 p.m.: Allogeneic Stem Cell Therapy for Osteoarthritis in Dogs, by Scott Gustafson, DVM, MS, DACVS
The event will be CE approved and veterinary attendees will be served dinner and drinks, courtesy of Aratana Therapeutics.

Click here to RSVP by February 15, 2016 to secure your spot at this exclusive event.
CALL FOR SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Are you a speaker at an upcoming conference? Know of a cool seminar or workshop you think our members would want to attend? Whether it is you, a fellow member or one of your hardworking residents, let us help spread the word. Shoot an email to [email protected] and include your name, the title of your talk, date, location and link (if available).
SPOTLIGHT PROFILES
In this issue, we are featuring one key sponsor of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society. We will have more sponsor profiles in upcoming issues. To submit your company's information for a Spotlight profile, please contact VOS Sponsor Chair Dr. Janet Van Dyke at [email protected].
spotlight SPOTLIGHT ON ...
VETERINARY ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANTS
Veterinary Orthopedic Implants logo Location: Saint Augustine, Florida
 
What year was the company started?
Veterinary Orthopedic Implants was started in 1992 (24th Year in Business).
 
What products / services does your company offer? 
Veterinary Orthopedic Implants offers a wide selection of orthopedic implants (TPLO, CBLO, TTA, fracture repair, limb salvage, etc.), surgical instrumentation, biologics, and power equipment. In addition to our comprehensive product offerings we provide customers with consultation services, online ordering, continuing education, and representatives specialized in orthopedics.
 
What should Veterinary Orthopedic Society members know about your company
Veterinary Orthopedic Implants is owned (and was established) by a fellow ACVS member practicing in the Chicago, Ilinois area. Our customer service and sales-support team is composed of 25 individuals with more than 150 years of combined veterinary industry experience.
 
Can you explain a challenging situation that your company was able to solve?
We're challenged to provide product and service-based solutions that exceed our customer's expectations. Since the company's inception, we've been driven to providing customers with an expansive product catalog, comprised of quality products and price-based solutions that contribute to their success as veterinary surgeons.
 
Can you tell us about any new products or services your company is developing?
Over the past year, the core of our R&D efforts have been allocated towards the CORA Based Leveling Osteotomy (CBLO) procedure and the development of CBLO-specialized implants. CBLO is an innovative procedure where the tibial plateau slope is modified by centering the saw blade (ACA) at the location of the CORA (center of rotation of angulation). In doing so, there is no secondary translation, i.e., the proximal anatomic axis and distal anatomic axis are aligned. Additional advantages of the CBLO include: ease of surgical planning and technique, excellent long term functional results, normal long term appearance of articular cartilage, rapid healing of the osteotomy (6-7 weeks), ability to apply osteotomy in juvenile patients, and application in cases with excessive slope.
 
Visit the Veterinary Orthopedic Implants website to learn more.

DeSoutter Trauma Drive Surgical Drills (left) and newly designed CBLO Plates (right) from Veterinary Orthopedic Implants.

CLASSIFIED AD

Veterinary Surgical Centers, a progressive small animal surgery and rehabilitation practice in the Washington D.C. area, seeks an experienced and highly motivated surgeon to join its team. The ideal candidate is an ACVS board-certified surgeon with strong communication and leadership skills, who is comfortable in a fast-paced environment where teaching is a priority.
 
The Northern Virginia region features wine country, shopping, and mountain/water sports - all a short drive from the metropolitan offerings of DC. We offer a fantastic compensation package, including health/dental, 401(k) profit sharing plan, and more.
 
Please send cover letter and CV with references to [email protected]. Visit www.VSCVets.com
 

CLASSIFIED AD

The VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital is seeking applications for a small animal surgeon. Applicants should have a DVM or equivalent degree and be board certified or have recently completed a residency in surgery. We are referral center, primary care facility and teaching hospital with 24-hour emergency service. We have a staff of 49 veterinarians with specialists in 9 specialties.

Preference will be given to individuals with a strong interest and demonstrated competency in orthopedic surgery including joint replacement and arthroscopic procedures. A current curriculum vitae, letter of intent and the names of 3 references should be sent to: Nicole Buote, DVM, DACVS, Chief of Surgery, VCA West Los Angeles at [email protected].
 


Thank you to the following companies for supporting the Veterinary Orthopedic Society.

Is your company interested in advertising?
Contact Janet Van Dyke
for ad specifications and details.

AOVET Master Course ad
Aratana Therapeutics banner ad

Thank you to the following companies for sponsoring the VOS 2016 Conference.

TITANIUM SPONSOR



GOLD SPONSORS
GOLD CONSORTIUM
Canine Rehabilitation Institute logo Respond Systems logo PulseVet logo
Game Ready logo

Arthrex Vet Systems logo
DePuy Synthes logo
Elanco logo
New Generation Devices logo


SILVER SPONSORS
Biomedtrix logo
     


BRONZE SPONSORS
AO Vet logo
Companion logo
Cutting Edge Laser Technologies logo
Dechra logo
Epica Medical Innovations
HOSSO Inc. logo
IMEX logo
InTrauma logo
Karl Storz logo
KYON logo
Medtronic logo
Nexvet logo
OrthoMed logo
Purina logo
Securos logo
Sontec logo
Sound logo
SpectraVet logo
TheraCell Vet logo
Veterinary Instrumentation logo
VTS logo
Zoetis