Biceps brachii tendinopathy in the dog

Question 1

Tendinopathy of the biceps brachii is an important differential diagnosis for shoulder lameness in what age?

Answer 1

middle-aged to older dogs

Question 2

Which size of dog are more commonly affected by biceps brachii tendinopathy?

Answer 2

medium. to large breed, very active dogs performing high impact activities

Question 3

Where does the Mm. biceps brachi originate and insert, and what does it function as?

Answer 3

Origin: supragenoid tubercle on the scapula
Inserion: Radius and ulna
Function: Flexion and extention of the elbow, stabilization of the shoulder joint during weight bearing (standing or locomotion)

Question 4

Cause of biceps brachii tendinopathy?

Answer 4

Unknown, probably consequence of chronic overuse
Can be seen in OC(D) patients

Question 5

More acute conditions affecting the biceps tendon?

Answer 5

displacement of the biceps tendon after rupture of the transverse ligament
acute rupture of the biceps tendon
acute rupture of the biceps tendon sheath

Question 6

Clinical signs of biceps bracii tendinopathy?

Answer 6

Severity of lameness can vary widely - mild weightbearing to severe non-weight bearing lameness
Muscle atrophy, prominent spina scapula

Question 7

Clinical examination of biceps brachii tendinopathy?

Answer 7

positive biceps tendon test (digital palpation with flexed shoulder)
shoulder drawer test (pishing humeras cranially whilst holding scapula steady with other hand)
muscle atrophy

Question 8

Image modality for diagnosis of biceps brachii tendinopathy?

Answer 8

Ultrasound - gold standard
CT, MRI, CTA, MRA

Question 9

Treatment options for biceps brachii tendinopathy?

Answer 9

Conservative treatment - rest, NSAID, IA corticosteroids, physio
Surgical treatment - tenotomy proximally

Question 10

Indication for surgical treatment in biceps brachii tendinopathy?

Answer 10

Cases which a mechanical problem is found
Patients not responding to conservative treatment