Gastroc/SDF repair Dilemma

June 20, 2012

Hi to All,

I just finished operating a 3 year old lab that originally had a laceration of

both the Gastroc tendon and the SDF tendon. Two surgeries done by the referring

DVM failed and I was able to get the tendons back together securely but after 4

weeks since the injury, the muscles were so contracted that the stifle is now

only able to extend to 100 degrees and the hock is in 165 degrees of extension.

The primary goal is to keep this repair unloaded to allow adequate healing for

the first 6-8 weeks. The dog is presently in a modified RJ bandage with a

fiberglass slab to keep the knee flexed and the hock extended. If this was a

person, they would be on crutches and then one of those cute carts to kneel on

while motoring around during the rehab process. So here is the question the

owner asked. Anybody know of a cart design that would allow this dog to motor

around using her good hind leg normally but keeping the operated leg with a

flexed knee and an extended hock? And when wou

ld you start to use the cart? For Gastroc tendon repairs I typically keep them

in a bandage with fiberglass for the first 2 weeks, then put them in a rigid

orthotic so that we can do rehab for then next 6 - 8 weeks. Then controlled

exercise without the orthotic after that while continuing rehab. This has

worked well for me. But in addition to the above questions, please feel free to

give any suggestions abouts and orthotic or cart or anything you might feel is

applicable. Also on the topic of the Adequan usage attached is the protocol

info sheet we give to clients.

Thanks,

Mark Parchman, DVM, DACVS, CCRT

Bend Veterinary Specialists

1 of 1 File(s)

BVS Adequan Injection Schedule.docx

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