Utility of MRI for Evaluation of a Common Calcaneal Tendon Rupture in a Dog: Case Report

Insertional biceps tendinopathy palliated successfully with intra-articular triamcinolone acetonide injection in a dog: A case report

This report describes a dog diagnosed with insertional biceps tendinopathy that was palliated with intra-articular triamcinolone acetonide injections. The patient was a 6-year-old spayed female Chihuahua dog that had left thoracic limb lameness for 3 months before presentation. On physical examination, moderate pain was elicited by performing the biceps test and isolated full elbow extension on the left thoracic limb. Gait analysis showed asymmetrical peak vertical force and vertical impulse between thoracic limbs. Computed tomography (CT) revealed enthesophyte formation on the ulnar tuberosity of the left elbow joint. Ultrasonography showed a heterogeneous fibre pattern at the biceps tendon insertion site on the left elbow joint. These findings confirmed insertional biceps tendinopathy based on physical examination, CT and ultrasonography results. The dog received an intra-articular triamcinolone acetonide injection with hyaluronic acid in the left elbow joint. Clinical signs improved after the first injection, including a range of motion, pain and gait. A second injection was given in the same manner because of recurring mild lameness 3 months later. No clinical signs were observed during the follow-up period.

Case report: Primary chronic calcaneal bursitis treated with subtotal bursectomy in a cat

A 6-year-old, female spayed Bengal cat with a bodyweight of 6.4 kg was presented with swelling of the bilateral calcaneal region and weight-bearing hindlimb lameness with a 4-month history of unsuccessful conservative therapy. On orthopedic examination, a cyst-like mass around the calcaneal tendon was palpated. Palpating the mass and flexing the tarsal joint triggered pain. Through ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, an inflamed or fluid-accumulated lesion was suspected around the calcaneal tendon, but there was no evidence of calcaneal tendonitis. Swollen calcaneal bursae were removed surgically. Histopathologic examination revealed fibrosis and an edematous feature. The cat was diagnosed with bilateral chronic primary calcaneal bursitis based on history, clinical signs, and diagnostic results. Hence, subtotal bursectomy was performed. At 4 weeks postoperatively, the cat had no pain around the tarsal joints and was ambulating normally. Radiographic and ultrasonographic exams revealed no recurrence of swelling or inflammation in the calcaneal region. Thirteen-month follow-up confirmed acceptable function and no relapse of clinical signs. The inflammation of calcaneal bursa alone can be the primary cause of hindlimb lameness in cats. A cat with hindlimb lameness and swelling on the calcaneal region should be assessed with the possibility of primary calcaneal bursitis. Subtotal calcaneal bursectomy can be considered as an effective treatment for primary chronic bursitis.

Orthopedic Imaging: A Practical Clinical Guide

Many imaging options are available to the practitioner both in-house and on a referral basis to help make a definitive diagnosis for orthopedic injuries. To guide treatment, a complete understanding of the nature and extent of the injury is ideal. While a thorough orthopedic physical examination is the first step, a complete diagnostic work-up will include at least one and often more than one imaging modality. The goal of this article is to discuss the imaging options for some of the more common orthopedic issues encountered in dogs to help guide the practitioner through the selection of which should be considered to accomplish a diagnosis.

New technologies applied to canine limb prostheses: A review

Although only a few studies have investigated about the development of animal prosthesis, currently, there is an increasing interest in canine limb prosthesis design and its clinical application since they offer an alternative to killing the animal in extreme situations where amputating the limb is the only option. Restoring normal function of amputated canine limbs with the use of a prosthesis is challenging. However, recent advances in surgical procedures and prosthesis design technology appear promising in developing devices that closely recreate normal canine limb function. Surgical advances such as evolution of osseointegration (bone-anchored) prostheses present great promise. Likewise, modern computer-aided design and manufacturing technology, as well as novel motion analysis systems are now providing improved prosthesis designs. Advances in patient-customized prostheses have the potential to reduce the risk of implant failure. The objective of this investigation is to present a general review of the existing literature on modern surgical approaches, design and manufacturing methods, as well as biomechanical analyses so that veterinarians can make more and better-informed decisions on the development and selection of proper canine limb prosthesis. Isolated research efforts have made possible an improvement in stability, comfort, and performance of canine limb prosthesis. However, continued multidisciplinary research collaboration and teamwork among veterinarians, engineers, designers, and industry, with supporting scientific evidence, is required to better understand the development of canine limb prosthesis designs that closely replicate the normal limb function.

Usefulness of Imaging Techniques in the Diagnosis of Selected Injuries and Lesions of the Canine Tarsus. A Review

Simple Summary

Tarsal joint lesions are uncommon in dogs but may lead to serious health problems. The most common diseases involving the tarsal joint are osteochondrosis, fractures and injuries of the Achilles tendon. The basis for the diagnosis of lesions in the tarsus is a thorough orthopedic examination, sometimes performed under sedation. Imaging modalities such as radiography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography can facilitate the detection and assessment of lesions in the canine tarsal joint. The aim of this paper is to characterize and compare the usefulness of imaging techniques available in veterinary medicine for the diagnosis and evaluation of lesions and injuries affecting the tarsal joint in dogs.

Abstract

Tarsus lesions are not common in dogs, but they can cause serious health problem. They can lead to permanent changes in the joint and, in dogs involved in canine sports, to exclusion from training. The most common diseases and injuries involving the tarsal joint are osteochondrosis, fractures and ruptures of the Achilles tendon. These conditions can be diagnosed primarily through accurate orthopedic examination, but even this may be insufficient for performing a proper diagnosis. Imaging modalities such as radiography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography can facilitate the detection and assessment of lesions in the canine tarsal joint. This review paper briefly presents some characteristics of the above-mentioned imaging techniques, offering a comparison of their utility in the diagnosis of lesions and injuries involving the canine tarsus.