SPECIALIZED SPORTS MEDICINE SERVICES
Dr. Sherman Canapp is seeing patients in Deep Creek, MD
and Petaluma, California
HOW We HELP
From canine companions all the way to World Team level canine sports athletes, Dr. Sherman Canapp is here to help.
He specializes in everything from subtle performance-related issues due to repetitive activity soft tissue conditions, all the way to lameness from joint related injuries and osteoarthritis.
His goal is to get you answers and your dog back to function, comfort and performance.
He helps canine patients this through a very thorough, personalized and precise approach, specializing in the conditions below.
WHAT ARE THE FIRST STEPS?
Please contact our CSM coordinators using the phone/text number or email address listed below regarding your canine companion or canine athlete’s issues.
TEL/TEXT: +1-240-374-9705 (USA)
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT AFTER YOU CONTACT US?
Step one: We Schedule a Telemedicine or Phone Consultation with Dr. Canapp.
By providing a detailed history of events as well as videos of what you are seeing at home, or on course, gives us a “behind the scenes” approach which is so often missed during an in-person consultation. Information, test results from your veterinarian, rehab therapist, trainers in advance will be very important to discuss your dog’s condition and help determine if an in-person consult is needed with Dr. Canapp vs. additional test or treatments by your current healthcare team.
Step two: If an In-person Consult with Dr. Canapp (Maryland or California offices) is Recommended...
The In-person Process:
Below is what you can expect during your dog’s comprehensive consultation where our goal is to definitively diagnose the condition in addition to providing a treatment plan and any procedures needed, all during the same visit :
Gait Analysis: Now it’s all about gathering objective data, and a precision approach to the workup. So often with soft tissue injuries, a lameness is not detected, however you are noticing something is “off” with the gait. This is where the highest level of gait analysis systems available is used by Dr. Canapp. Dr. Canapp uses a validated, well published temporospatial spatial gait analysis system to determine the degree of gait abnormalities, lameness, or to even get a baseline report for “normal” gait.
Orthopedic – Sports Medicine Hands-on Physical Examination: This is where objective measures of the muscle mass, joint angles, range of motion and exact targeted palpation techniques are used to identify any areas of concern. Subtle, challenging soft tissue conditions such as medial shoulder syndrome (similar to “rotator cuff” in humans), iliopsoas strains (groin injury in humans) all the way to early partial stable cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries (ACL injury in humans) can be identified.
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Advanced Diagnostics: Once we have localized the exact site of concern, we will definitely determine the condition or injury through tests such as radiographs (x-rays), bloodwork (tick titers if joint inflammation is noted), and highly advanced diagnostics, such as musculoskeletal ultrasound for soft tissue assessments and needle scope arthroscopy for assessments within the joint.
Needle Scope Arthroscopy:
One of the most significant benefits of performing advanced diagnostics such as needle scope arthroscopy, is that it can be used to definitely diagnose your dog’s joint injury or condition … and provide minimally invasive treatment all at the same time, all under a single anesthesia. The arthroscopic techniques used by Dr. Canapp are a highly technical, precise procedures that diagnose and treat joint issues with less pain, reduced anesthesia time, lower infection risk and faster recovery than traditional surgery.
Dr. Canapp is internationally recognized for his area of expertise in arthroscopy and receives patients from around the US and other countries for arthroscopic procedures. Dr. Canapp lectures and teaches arthroscopic techniques around the world. Dr. Canapp's work is highly published from Rehab & Sports Medicine book chapters, to dozens of peer-reviewed publications such as the landmark paper on “Jump Down Syndrome”, of the elbow (traumatic fragmented medial coronoid process), “Medial Shoulder Syndrome”, all the way to partial CCL injuries.
WHAT CONDITIONS DO WE DIAGNOSE AND TREAT USING NEEDLE SCOPE ARTHROSCOPY?
Shoulder Conditions: including Medial Shoulder Syndrome, Biceps Tendon injuries, Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD); Osteoarthritis; Traumatic Caudal Glenoid Fractures
Elbow Conditions: including Elbow Dysplasia (fragmented medical coronoid process – FCP); “Jump Down Syndrome” (Traumatic FCP); Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD); Un-united anconeal process (UAP); Osteoarthritis
Stifle (knee) Conditions: Meniscal injuries; Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD); Osteoarthritis; Diagnosing early partial stable CCL injuries for potential Regenerative Medicine Treatment
Hock (ankle) Conditions: Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD); Osteoarthritis;
FAQ
How does arthroscopy benefit my dog compared with traditional surgery?
Arthroscopy requires smaller incisions, less anesthesia time, and results in less pain than traditional surgery. It also has a lower risk of infection and leads to a quicker recovery, meaning your dog can return to normal activities sooner.
Why is arthroscopy better than an MRI or CT scan for diagnosing joint issues?
Arthroscopy is significantly more sensitive and specific than MRI or CT scans in detecting joint conditions. Unlike imaging, arthroscopy allows for direct visualization of the joint and enables treatment during the same procedure.
Will my dog be diagnosed and treated in the same procedure?
Yes! If arthroscopy is needed, one of the key advantages of arthroscopy is that diagnosis and treatment can be performed at the same time under a single anesthesia, eliminating the need for multiple procedures.
How long does it take for a dog to recover from arthroscopic surgery?
Most dogs experience a quicker recovery compared to traditional surgery. While recovery time depends on the specific condition treated, many dogs start showing improvement within a few weeks, with full recovery often within 2-3 months.
Is arthroscopy safe for my dog?
Yes, arthroscopy is a safe and highly effective procedure with a low risk of complications. Because it requires less anesthesia and smaller incisions, it is often a safer option than traditional surgery for many joint conditions.
How do I know if my dog is a good candidate for arthroscopy?
If your dog is experiencing limping, stiffness, difficulty moving, or joint pain, they may be a candidate for arthroscopic surgery. For sporting dogs, you may notice a decrease in performance, or intermittent lameness / shortened stride. A consultation with Dr. Sherman Canapp and our team will help determine if this is the right treatment option.
Is rehabilitation therapy recommended following the procedure?
Rehabilitation therapy is a vital component to obtaining the utmost success and return to function following the procedure. Formal rehabilitation therapy is typically performed once a week with a certified rehab therapist. The remainder of the week, you will perform the rehab exercises at home. If you do not have a rehab therapist, our coordinators can help you locate one in your area for follow-up.
How are follow-up patient rechecks performed?
All reports from your procedure and diagnostics along with an outlined rehab plan will be forwarded to your rehab therapist and general veterinarian. We request that your rehab therapists and/or general veterinarian send formal reports to Dr. Canapp for updates during the recovery process (10-14 days suture removal; 4, 8 and 12 week rechecks).
If, at any time during the recovery process, you, your rehab therapist or veterinarian have questions, they may reach out to Dr. Canapp’s coordinators via e-mail / phone.
A recheck telemedicine call may also be performed with Dr. Canapp if there additional questions or concerns.
