Case Study

ORTHO – Partial chronic avulsion rupture of the calcaneal tendon with bony remodeling in a 9 year old MN Golden Retriever

This 9 year old MN Golden Retriever presented with left hind limb lameness with suspected partial avulsion of the left common calcaneal tendon. PE: Excessive left hock flexion while weight bearing (dropped hock). Thickend insertion of the common calcaneal tendon.Mild atrophy of left pelvic limb. Spasm of the left gastroc.

DX

degeneration and partial chronic avulsion rupture of the deep components of the left calcaneal tendon (gastrocnemius and common calcaneal tendon) with chronic bony modeling of the calcaneal tubercle. Biomechanical failure is likely to develop.

Image Interpretation

Ultrasound of the calcaneal tendons –

Left:

Mild localized swelling with partial fibre disruption and decreased echogenicity is noted for the gastrocnemius over a distance of 15 mm proximal to the calcaneal tubercle. A superficial linear mineralization of 7mm length is seen 5 mm proximal to the calcaneal tubercle. Marked localized swelling with partial fibre disruption and decreased echogenicity is noted for the common calcaneal tendon over a distance of 20 mm and immediately proximal to the calcaneal tubercle. The affected measures approximately 15 mm in width. Multiple, small, mineralized bodies are seen.

The bone surface of the calcaneal tubercle presents marked irregularity and modeling with concave defects and multiple protruding new bone formations. The calcaneal bursa reveals mild enlargement and wall thickening.

Outcome

Mild secondary chronic bursitis and desmitis of the SDFT on are noted as additional
findings. A chronic degeneration and or repetitive microscopic fibre strains are likely to be
underlying cause here. The disease has to be considered bilateral even though the
changes on the right side are minor at this point.
An attempt of conservative management appears to be justified. However in may cases
positive long term outcome requires temporary arthrodesis of the tarsal joint which
should be considered when biomechanical failure becomes apparent.

Patient Information

Patient Name : Captain Dolechek/Skylos

Gender : Male, Neutered

Species : Canine

Type of Imaging : Ultrasound

Status : Complete

Liz Wuz Here : Yes

Code : 18_00052

Clinical Signs

Lameness

Images

Clinical Signs

Lameness