Tendon Injuries - FUSION VETERINARY ORTHOPEDICS

Tendon Injuries

Treating joints, tendons and ligaments to ensure absolute functionality in your pets.

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In Pets

Tendon injuries are very common in our canine friends. Most of them involve the shoulder; however, other tendons such as the Achilles tendon or patella tendon. Within the shoulder commonly encountered tendon injuries are to the biceps, and supraspinatus. In addition, within the shoulder there can be a condition called medial shoulder syndrome (MSS).

Tendon Injuries

Chronic tendon injuries are referred to as tendinopathies. They are usually due to chronic repetitive motion with microdamage overtime leading to the development of scar tissue. Many tendon injuries can be treated conservatively with only the more severe or non-responsive cases requiring surgery.

Dr. David Dycus and the team at Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics are experienced in diagnosing and managing tendinopathies. Dr. Dycus is frequently asked to lecture on this topic and has published on the topic of soft tissue orthopedic injuries of the shoulder.

Tendinopathies

Clinical Signs

Clinical signs can range from an intermittent lameness to consistent lameness overtime. In addition, stiffness upon rising or after heavy play is common. Many of these patients have been treated with exercise restriction and medications and seem to improve initially. The clinical signs will return once they are allowed back to normal activity, or the medications are stopped.

Diagnosis

At Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics our team will conduct a gait analysis, in-depth orthopedic examination and begin with imaging through X-rays (radiographs). Following and pending the tendon injury additional imaging through musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK US), MRI, or diagnostic nano-arthroscopy may be recommended. Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics is one of the few facilities that have a Nanoscope that allows a for a very small camera to be put into the joint (commonly the shoulder) under a brief sedation or anesthesia for evaluation.

Treatment

Treatment will vary pending the condition but in most situations a platelet rich plasma (PRP) and extracorporeal shockwave (ECSWT) series will be performed. This is done as a series of 3 treatments separated by 2 weeks. In addition, a period of rest and relaxation of about 8-12 weeks is needed. This means no running, jumping, or playing.

Keep In Mind

An important aspect to the treatment is physical rehabilitation beginning 1 week after the first PRP and ECSWT treatment. Rehabilitation will involve once to twice weekly formal rehabilitation sessions along with at home exercises. We have noted quicker healing, maintenance of muscle mass and range of motion, and superior outcome in the patients that undergo formal rehabilitation. Furthermore, rehabilitation offers an outlet of energy in a controlled manner so that your dog is still able to maintain some activity while healing.