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CC BY 4.0 · VCOT Open 2024; 07(01): e6-e10
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1778094
Case Report

Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon Contracture in a Dog with Gastrocnemius Tendon Avulsion

Laura Marques da Costa 
1   Vets Now Emergency and Referral Hospital, Glasgow, United Kingdom
,
William G. Marshall
1   Vets Now Emergency and Referral Hospital, Glasgow, United Kingdom
› Author Affiliations Funding The open access publication cost was funded by IVC Evidensia.
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Abstract

Avulsion of the gastrocnemius component of the Achilles tendon is a well-documented condition in dogs. The most common treatment is to restore tendon function with surgical reattachment to the tuber calcanei. However, repair can fail. Pantarsal arthrodesis cannot only salvage a failed repair but is also a first-line treatment that may have a more predictable outcome. We describe a case of contracture of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in the hindlimb of a dog with avulsion of the gastrocnemius component of the Achilles tendon, treated previously by pantarsal arthrodesis. Digital flexion and lameness persisted despite non-surgical treatment, and tenotomy of the SDFT was performed at the level of distal calcaneus to allow digit extension. The dog was re-examined 2 weeks and more than 2 years after surgery. No complications occurred, and the dog maintained an excellent long-term improvement in limb function.

Keywords

tenotomy - Achilles tendon - superficial digital flexor tendon - contracture - arthrodesis - dog

Authors' Contributions

Laura Marques da Costa created the figures and edited the videos, obtained long-term follow-up, and wrote the manuscript. William Marshall performed the surgery, obtained short-term follow-up, and edited the manuscript.




Publication History

Received: 31 July 2023

Accepted: 15 November 2023

Article published online:
22 January 2024

© 2024. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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