Source: James Roush, 785-532-4134, roushjk@vet.k-state.edu
http://www.k-state.edu/media/mediaguide/jroushbio.html
News release prepared by: Megan Wilson, 785-532-6415, media@k-state.edu
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Sidebar: K-STATE SMALL ANIMAL SURGEON OFFERS TIPS ON PREVENTING ORTHOPEDIC INJURIES TO DOGS
MANHATTAN -- James Roush, an orthopedic surgeon at Kansas State University's Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, treats orthopedic injuries to dogs, such as broken bones, torn ligaments, arthritis and congenital diseases.
He offers the following tips to help dog owners, especially those with young puppies, prevent injuries to their pets:
* Check the dog's pedigree and buy from established breeders.
* Control diet and feed young puppies low-calorie food so that they stay at a normal weight or thinner than normal weight. According to Roush, obese puppies are more prone to congenital orthopedic disease.
* Watch calcium intake, particularly in large-breed dogs. According to Roush, you should never supplement large-breed dogs with calcium.
* Don't let your dog run without a leash if they tend to run away.
* Don't let your dog ride unrestrained in the back of your vehicle.