Other HL conditions - foot and tarsus Flashcards
What are corns?
Focal circular areas of hyperkeratinisation in the digital paw pads
What breeds are predisposed to corns?
Sighthounds
How are corns treated?
Resection or SDFT tendonectomy
How are single fractures of the metatarsals/metacarpals fixed?
External coaptation
How are multiple fractures of the metatarsals/metacarpals fixed?
Internal fixation with plates/wires
Especially if middle 2 digits
What are complications of metatarsal/metacarpal fractures?
Extensive soft tissue injuries
Synostosis (bone fusion - painful!)
What is ‘sprung toe’?
Interphalangeal luxations
Interphalangeal luxations (‘sprung toe’) is commonly seen in which dog breeds?
Sighthounds
Interphalangeal luxations (sprung toe) is usually seen in which joint?
Proximal interphalangeal joint
What are the treatment options for interphalangeal luxations (sprung toe)?
Reduce and suture collateral ligaments with wire sutures
Small external skeletal fixation (ESF)
Toe amputation
Are toe amputations tolerated well?
Yes - if single digit
Can cut through joint
What are the indications for a toe amputation?
Severe luxations (sprung toe)
Fractures
Neoplasia
The rupture of what ligament causes a plantigrade stance in dogs?
Plantar ligament
Achilles
Osteochondrosis is common in what size dog breeds?
Large
Osteochondrosis is common in which part of the tarsus?
Medial or lateral trochlear ridge
What are the clinical signs of osteochondrosis of the tarsus?
Very straight conformation
Bilateral effusion
Rads (flattening of medial trochlear ridge)
What is the best treatment option for osteochondrosis of the tarsus?
Surgery
Describe the pathogenesis of osteochondrosis dissecans
Bone underneath the cartilage of a joint dies due to lack of blood flow
Bone and cartilage can break loose
Causes pain and hindering of joint motion
How does osteochondrosis appear radiographically?
Radiolucent ‘black thumbprint’ areas
What is the best treatment for central tarsal bone fractures?
Surgery - lag screw
What type of fracture are most calcaneus fractures? How are they treated?
Avulsion fractures - pulled away by gastrocnemius
Surgical Tx - counteracting pull with pins
How is talocrural instability treated?
Surgical treatment
If fails - arthrodesis of tarsus
What causes talocrural instability?
Damage to medial/collateral ligaments
How are open luxations/shearing injuries treated?
Extensive wound lavage with sterile saline
Stabilise with external fixator
May need skin graft or heals by secondary intention
What causes calcaneoquartal joint instability?
Rupture/degeneration of the plantar ligament
Trauma or degenerative
What breeds are predisposed to calcaneoquartal instability (plantar ligament rupture)?
Shelties/collies
How is calcaneoquartal instability treated?
Calcenoquartal arthrodesis
What care should be given after arthrodesis (post-op)?
Strict rest
Analgesia
Check weekly
Gutter splint cast for 6-12 wks then x-ray
What causes achilles tendon rupture?
Trauma
Acquired - gastrocnemic enthesiopathy (Dobermanns)
How is achilles tendon rupture treated?
Surgery
Suture and fix hock in extension
Gastrocnemius enthesiopathy is usually seen in which dog breed?
Dobermanns
Is gastrocnemius enthesiopathy unilateral or bilateral? Is it acute or gradual onset?
Usually bilateral
Acute or gradual onset
