Rehabilitation after primary repair of multiple flexor tendon lacerations in a dog

Abstract

A two and a half year old male castrated mixed breed dog weighing 35 kg was presented to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals Emergency Service after sustaining a deep transverse laceration to the caudal aspect of the distal antebrachium of the left forelimb, resulting in severe lameness and a mild degree of carpal hyperextension during weight bearing. Surgical exploration revealed complete, sharp transverse lacerations of the superficial digital flexor tendon, humeral and radial heads of the deep digital flexor tendon, the tendon of flexor carpi ulnarus, and the tendon of flexor carpi radialis, approximately 0.5 cm proximal to the accessory carpal bone. The ulnar head of the deep digital flexor tendon remained intact. The digital tendon sheaths were likely involved in the injury due to the level of the laceration. Primary surgical repair was performed and multiple physical rehabilitation modalities were employed to maximize the ultimate strength and functionality of the repair. Results exceeded clinical expectations, and, at the six-month postoperative time point, the patient showed only a mild lameness at the trot and was able to exercise on the flat for up to one hour without significant increase in lameness.