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DVSC feature story on D/FW Channel CW33 news
January, 2008

Dr. Joanne Franks was interviewed for the DVSC's expert surgical work in saving a dog who had been shot in the face.

Play news clip  total time: 2:20

The DVSC offers a new, innovative procedure, Percutaneous Laser Disc Ablation (PLDA)
December, 2007

Percutaneous Laser Disc Ablation (PLDA) is a minimally invasive preventative procedure for degenerative disc disease in dogs. This procedure was developed by Dr. Kenneth E. Bartels at Oklahoma State University. Over 350 dogs have undergone percutaneous disc ablation since the procedure was clinically introduced in 1993. PLDA is recommended as a preventative procedure to reduce the risk of disc extrusion into the spinal canal in dogs with a prior history of disc disease, or for dogs that are at a high risk of disc rupture like dachshunds (chondrodystrophic breeds). The procedure has been found to be over 97% effective with only 9 dogs (2.6%) over a 10 year period having recurrence of signs that required surgical intervention. All nine dogs recovered uneventfully. To read more...

The DVSC Welcomes Dr. Douglas Lange
September, 2007

Douglas Lange originated from west Texas and obtained his DVM from the Texas A&M in 1989. He then completed a private practice rotating internship with the Sacramento Animal Medical Group. He enjoyed California and an additional year in private practice as a research assistant before moving to Ames, Iowa for his small animal surgery residency. There he received advanced training in orthopedic and soft tissue procedures as well as neurosurgery, and completed his residency in 1994. He then accepted an assistant professor position at Oklahoma State University where he taught small animal surgery and became a board-certified member of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

In September 2000, Dr. Lange moved to Phoenix, AZ to join the Southwest Veterinary Surgical Service which became part of the Arizona Veterinary Specialists group. This experience gave him the opportunity to work closely with all the specialties and to engage in many interesting techniques including epicardial release for coccidiodomycosis-induced restrictive pericarditis, circular external skeletal fixation for fractures and angular limb deformity and limb lengthening corrections, arthroscopy, and oncologic procedures including limb spares. He then decided to move closer to his family and join the DVSC in June of this year.

In addition to surgery, Dr. Lange enjoys learning, gardening, woodworking, mountain-biking, and has a strong appreciation for the great outdoors and his friends and family. Feel free to call or come by to discuss your surgical cases with Dr. Lange.