Case Study

ORTHO – Chronic bilateral tendovaginitis of the biceps tendon in a 11 year old MN Pit Bull

This 11 year old MN Pit Bull has a history of left front limb lameness with shoulder tendon inflammation

DX

mild chronic bilateral tendovaginitis of the biceps tendon; the findings are more pronounced on the left side.

Image Interpretation

Ultrasound of the left and right shoulder –

Left:

The biceps tendon is mildly irregular in outline with a mildly heterogeneous cross section presenting hypoechoic foci. There is mild tendon sheath effusion with synovial thickening. The bone surface of the intertubercular groove is mildly irregular with flat new bone formations.

Right :

The biceps tendon is regular in outline with a mildly heterogeneous cross section presenting small hypoechoic foci. There is scant tendon sheath effusion with mild synovial thickening. The bone surface of the intertubercular groove is mildly irregular.

Outcome

Conservative management with rest, pain relief, systemic NSAIDs, and local injection
triamcinolone should be considered. At present surgical revision does not appear to be
indicated based on the rather mild ultrasonographic changes.