Bone Up on your Cat’s Orthopedic Health
Cats depend on their skeletons to carry them through their days and their lives. Being able to move, free from pain, is critical to a good quality of life. In this show, we talk with Dr. David Dycus, DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVS. Dr. Dycus is a small animal orthopedic surgeon and an expert in bones and joints for our pets.
What is most common cause of limping in a cat? How do you know when to seek veterinary help? Is there anything you can do? Dr. Dycus shares his own experience in treating cats for orthopedic issues and shares his own hopeful and helpful insights for these issues, which are very common. He shares his thoughts on physical therapy, weight control and exercise. You might learn some things you have not considered before.
BIO:
Dr. Dycus received his Bachelor of Arts from LaGrange College where he graduated at the top of his class with a degree in biology and a minor in chemistry. While at LaGrange College, Dr. Dycus received numerous awards and scholarships from the science department, along with the prestigious Waights G. Henry award, which is given to the most outstanding graduating senior of the university.
Dr. Dycus attended Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. During his time at Mississippi State University, Dr. Dycus not only received multiple scholarships for outstanding academics, but also was actively involved with research. As a veterinary student, Dr. Dycus completed research projects focusing on Listeria spp. bacteria, and the healing properties of rat tendons. It was also during veterinary school that Dr. Dycus became involved with Nutramax Labs to begin studying the effects of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis. Upon graduation from Mississippi State University, Dr. Dycus completed a small animal rotating internship at Auburn University, and then returned to Mississippi State University to complete a three-year surgical residency.
During his time as a surgical resident, Dr. Dycus completed his Master of Science with research focused on developing a model to evaluate oxidative stress on the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis in the canine patient. He also completed a biomechanical study looking at different knotting techniques to repair ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments. Dr. Dycus was able to participate in other research projects during his residency, such as using a rabbit model to study the effects of hypertension on the heart. He has had the opportunity to present his research both locally and nationally. To remain on the cutting-edge of research, Dr. Dycus holds an appointment on the research committee of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Dr. Dycus is currently a staff surgeon in the department of orthopedics at the Veterinary Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Group (VOSM). VOSM was one of the first veterinary subspecialties in the world focusing on orthopedics and sports medicine. The goal of VOSM is to provide cutting edge treatment to patients with orthopedic issues as well as continue to advance the field of veterinary orthopedic and sports medicine.”
Along with being a scientific reviewer for multiple veterinary journals, he serves on the editorial review board for Veterinary Surgery, the official publication of the American and European Colleges of Veterinary Surgeons.