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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2005; 18(04): 258-263
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1632955
Case Report
Schattauer GmbH

Sonographic assisted diagnosis and treatment of bilateral gastrocnemius tendon rupture in a Labrador retriever repaired with fascia lata and polypropylene mesh

J. Swiderski
1   Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
,
R. B. Fitch
1   Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
,
A. Staatz
1   Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
,
J. Lowery
1   Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 12 February 2003

Accepted 02 May 2005

Publication Date:
22 February 2018 (online)

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Summary

This case report describes a four-year-old, eighty-five pound, male neutered Labrador retriever that was admitted with unilateral lameness and clinical findings consistent with a unilateral gastrocnemius tendon rupture. A prior history of trauma was not identified. Ultrasonagraphic evaluation revealed bilateral gastrocnemius tendon defects in which approximately 80% of the tendon was ruptured on the clinically normal side, yet mechanical function and anatomical length were not apparently altered. Bilateral surgical repair was performed utilizing primary tendon reconstruction, supported by fascia lata, autograft and polypropylene mesh. The repairs were protected with rigid casts for two weeks following surgery, and replaced with orthotics through the complete recovery period. Orthotics provided semi-rigid support and allowed removal for controlled intermittent physical therapy. This surgical repair technique, combined with orthotic support, allowed for early mobilization and good ultimate outcome for a complicated bilateral condition.

Keywords

Gastrocnemius tendon - common calcanean tendon - Achilles tendon - fascia lata - polypropylene mesh - orthotic
 

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