Rudolf “Tass” Dueland (1933–2018)

Dr. Tass Dueland (Photo credit: University of Wisconsin, School of Veterinary Medicine)

With sadness, we recognize the passing of Tass Dueland who made a remarkable and lifelong contribution to veterinary orthopaedics. Tass was a kind and generous man, always full of happiness and endearing good humor that made him the popular person he was. After graduation and working as a faculty surgeon at Cornell University, he became the founding Professor and Head of the Department of Surgical Sciences at the University of Wisconsin, School of Veterinary Medicine.

Tass was amongst a small group of veterinarians to join the Orthopaedic Research Society when it first began. These contacts fostered collaborations with human orthopaedic surgeons and biomedical engineers, which led to several of his unique contributions to veterinary orthopaedics. After a sabbatical leave at the Mayo clinic, he worked with Tom Gauthier in Minnesota to commercialize the interlocking nail for small animals and calves. At that time, the introduction of the interlocking nail was met with stiff resistance by veterinarians because it was the era of ‘open reduction and perfect anatomical reconstruction’ of diaphyseal fractures with bone plates. At the time, ‘minimally invasive osteosynthesis’ was unknown. Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis was another major initiative, as a prophylactic intervention against hip dysplasia. With the collaboration with Aldo Vezzoni, this procedure gained global recognition.

Tass's active contributions to Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology over the past 30 years as an author and expert reviewer were highly valued and appreciated. Tass was a staunch supporter of the American College of Veterinary Surgery, serving as a regent and president. He was also president of the Veterinary Orthopaedic Society. The care and consideration that Tass gave to his patients, students and colleagues will long be remembered by so many. Our sincere condolences are extended to Tass's family.

No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).