distal limb conditions and injuries Flashcards
what is the only high motion joint in the distal hind limb of dog
talocrural/tibiotarsal
Describe the efffects of loss of movement in the intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints in dog
are low motion joints- so has little effect on function except in athletic dogs
What is the only high motion joint in the fore limb of dog
the antebrachio-carpal/radiocarpal joint.
which joints in distal fore limb of dog are ameanable to arthrodesis
intercarpal and carpometacarpal as both ow motion joints
when can external coaptation with dressings/ splints can be used for distal limb fractures
This can be employed if at least one of the metatarsal or metacarpal bones is intact to act as a splint
T/F phalangeal fractures need surgical treatment
False - rarely require surgical treatment and coaptation is usually adequate
How are subluxations of the intertarsal/carpal joints treated
arthrodesis
Describe how to determine the integrity of the flexor tendons
make the dog weight bear by picking up the other limb and then examine the toe position.
when treating small lacerations to palmar/plantar aspect of paw what do you need to consider
flexor tendons could be involved
what does the dogs toe look like if flexor tendons damaged
The knocked up toe-note it doesn’t sit on the ground and the normal clenched appearance of the digit is lost
Describe how to repair flexor tendon in digit
attempts to repair rarely successful
the abnormality is generally just of cosmetic importance- so don’t bother
Describe how to treat puncture wounds of the pad
Flush the wound with Hartmann’s solution and leave open to drain
Apply dressing to protect the wound and prevent further contamination
The use of broad spectrum antibiotics can be justified in this situation
when does cellulitis often occur
generally after a cat bite - acute onset lameness 2-3 days after fight
Decsribe how to treat cellulitis in the cat
drainage
bathing to encourage the pus to drain
broad-spec antibiotics
Describe how to diagnose cellulitis in cat
Careful palpation may reveal scabs either side of the limb where the canine teeth have punctured the skin
Just go off signs
Describe clinical signs of foreign body in digit
Swelling to interdigital area and then progression to a swelling proximal to the main pad and in the forelimb to the shoulder and hind limb to the hip
Describe how to treat foreign bodies in digit
avoid ABs
Poultices can be halpful
Allow the foreign body to form a small abscess (point) and then lance (no. 11 blade) and explore.
Give analgesia
What breed is predisposed to pododermatitis
english bull terrier
Describe pododermatitis
A dermatological condition requiring extensive work up (beware localised demodex!) and prolonged antibiotics and local therapy
Describe how to treat pododermatitis
a condition that is managed rather than cured
On occasions surgery maybe helpful e.g. fusion podoplasty
What is sesamoiditis
An inflammatory condition with associated fragmentation of the sesamoid bones seen particularly in greyhounds
Describe how to treat sesamoiditis
Rest and analgesia (non-steroidals) for 3-4 weeks
If above fails= local instillation of depo steroid preparation and rest
If this fails= surgical excision of affected sesamoid
What is paronychia - how to treat
bacterial infection in nail base
remove nail and allow drainage and then ABs
What is onychomycosis - treatment
fungal infection
seen in multiple nails
removal of nail and anti-fungals
What is onychodystrophy - treatment
autoimmune disease- GSD and greyhounds
Condition to manage rather than cure
remove affected nail, nictinamide, oxytet, essential fatty acids
what is the most common neoplasia to affect the digit in the dog
squamous cell carcinoma
melanoma (highly pigmented dogs e.g. giant schnauzer)
when should you consider neoplastic conditions of nail bed
Any non healing nail bed infection or a torn nail that fails to heal after removal -always consider neoplasia
Radiograph them
which is more monofilament or braided suture material more comfortable for dog to walk on
braided
Describe how to treat pad lacerations
stitch big ones
dress
restricted exercise
remove dressing after 3 days to allow foot to breathe
Why can pad loss occur
walking on hot surface
result of trauma
incorrect placement of a dressing or cast
which are the main weight bearing digits in dog/cat
digit 3 and 4
Describe how to treat pad loss
If lost pads 3 and 4- need to replac ing
digit 2 or 5- digit amputation
where do corns mostly occur
forelimbs
digits 3 and 4
gazehounds
Describe how to treat corns
surgery - remove section of SDFT- just proximal to main pad - leave the corns and they will grow out
