The management of tendon injuries in dogs |
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| Authors: | L C VAUGHAN |
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| Institution: | Department of Surgery, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, nr Hatfield, Herts |
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| Abstract: | An account is provided of the management of 68 dogs with tendon injury. Of the 33 with Achilles rupture, 23 sustained tendon severance, seven had disrupted the gastrocnemius muscle/tendon junction, and in three an attachment of the gastrocnemius was avulsed. The standard operative procedure comprised fixing the hock in extension with a screw, and exploring the damaged structures with a view to repair and the introduction of carbon fibre implants. The majority regained normal limb use and the main complications concerned loosening or fracture of the screw. The 32 with digital flexor tendon severance had cuts, on a fore foot in nine and a hind foot in 23. Exploration and reconstruction were routinely practised and carbon fibre implants were frequently used. The standard of recovery was good in those dealt with fresh but was less satisfactory in chronic cases. The two dogs with digital extensor tendon and the one with flexor carpi ulnaris tendon severance responded well to repair. |
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