This 3 year old F Doberman Pinscher is an agility dog, presented with left hind lameness of 3 month’s duration. Mild left stifle thickening without instability. Mild atrophy of left pelvic limb and mild spasm of left sartorius.
This 3 year old F Doberman Pinscher is an agility dog, presented with left hind lameness of 3 month’s duration. Mild left stifle thickening without instability. Mild atrophy of left pelvic limb and mild spasm of left sartorius.
Ultrasound of the stifles-
Left: The distal insertion of the quadriceps tendon presents mild thickening at 8 mm with decreased echogenicity and partial maintenance of the regular fibre pattern. The patellar apex reveals mild modeling and sclerosis with even bone surface. The proximal half of the patellar ligamentpresents thickening with decreased echogenicity and partial maintenance of the regularfibre pattern similar to the quadriceps tendon. The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) fibres are continuous with regular thickness, echogenicity and delineation. The medial meniscus is ultrasonographically within normal limits.
Biomechanical stability does not appear to be impaired.
Spontaneous injury after pre-degeneration is unlikely here.
Conservative management with local (local PRP injection) & systemic (NSAID) antiinflammatory
treatment, rest and physical therapy (manual work/laser/shock wave) is
recommended. Consider surgical management such as temporary arthrodesis only in
case of biomechanical failure as this may carry the risk of muscle contracture.
Both stifle joints are negative for cranial cruciate ligament and meniscal pathology.
