Tenorrhaphy of the common calcaneal tendon in dogs and cats

ABSTRACT

Background: Common calcaneal tendon (CCT) is usually affected by injuries in dogs and less frequently in cats. The Achilles mechanism consists of the convergence of three distinct structures the tendons of the gastrocnemius muscle, superficial digital flexor muscle and the common tendons of the biceps femoris, gracilis, and semitendinosus muscles. Classification of lesions is based upon their location, severity and chronicity. Clinical signs include lameness, plantigrade stance and various degrees of tarsal hyperflexion according to the injurys severity. The purpose of this study is to report four cases of reconstruction of the common calcaneus in three dogs and a cat. Cases Case 1. A 10-year-old male canine, Brazilian Terrier, 7.7 kg of body weight, with a 6-month history of nonweightbearing lameness of the right hind limb attended consultation. Orthopedic examination showed plantigrade stance, hyperflexion of the right tibial-tarsal joint (TTJ) and swelling with fibrous thickening of the distal portion of the CCT. Surgical tendon repair was achieved through insertion of a locking screw on the calcaneo-tibial, tenorrhaphy and suture of a titanium plate on the caudal aspect of the CCT. Case 2. A 2-year-old female mongrel canine, with 13.3 kg of body weight was presented with the complaint of chronic left hind leg lameness. The owner described trauma at the area of the hock [...]