The Musculoskeletal System

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This course covers the essential principles of musculoskeletal disease in companion animal practice, with a focus on the diagnosis and management of common orthopaedic and neurological conditions. Participants will develop a structured approach to the lame patient, strengthen their ability to localise pathology, and improve confidence in both emergency and chronic musculoskeletal case management.

Why should you do this module?

  • Updated techniques.
  • Enhanced skill set.
  • Increased confidence.
  • Improved patient outcomes.
  • Staying competitive.
  • Legal and ethical responsibility.

Topics

  • Common diseases of bone
  • Developmental orthopaedic disease
  • Common orthopaedic conditions (adult)
  • Orthopaedic triage and initial treatment
  • Orthopaedic radiology
  • Osteoarthritis (OA/DJD): understanding degenerative joint disease
  • Neurological examination - spinal cord disease

Learning objectives

  • Apply a structured clinical approach to localising musculoskeletal pain.
  • Perform and interpret orthopaedic and neurological examinations, including neurological localisation and common orthopaedic tests.
  • Develop a logical diagnostic algorithm for the lame patient, integrating history, signalment, physical examination findings, and appropriate differential diagnoses.
  • Understand developmental orthopaedic diseases, including their clinical presentation, diagnosis, and implications for long-term joint health.
  • Interpret orthopaedic radiographs and understand the principles of musculoskeletal imaging, including appropriate use of radiography and when advanced imaging is indicated.
  • Recognise the clinical features of osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease (OA/DJD) and understand their progression across different life stages and species.
  • Recognise acute and chronic pain in dogs and cats using clinical signs and validated tools, including owner-reported pain scoring systems.
  • Understand the principles of chronic musculoskeletal pain management, including multimodal analgesia and integrative approaches such as rehabilitation therapy.

Contributors

  • Kat Crosse MA VetMB MANZCVS DipECVS