Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Racing greyhounds with biceps and brachialis tendon injuries in elbow
By Schaaf, Olaf R et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2009·Murdoch University Veterinary Hospital, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Biceps brachii and brachialis tendon of insertion injuries in eleven racing greyhounds.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Eleven racing Greyhounds were brought in with injuries to their biceps and brachialis tendons, which caused symptoms like elbow hyperextension and difficulty moving their front legs. Most of these dogs underwent surgery to repair the damaged tendons, and the results were promising: seven of them returned to racing, with at least four even winning races afterward. A couple of dogs were euthanized during surgery, while others were managed conservatively and one returned to a normal pet life. Overall, early surgical treatment helped these dogs regain their performance levels without any reinjuries.
People also search for: greyhound tendon injury treatment · racing dog elbow problems · greyhound surgery recovery
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report injuries of the biceps brachii (BTI) or brachialis (BrTI) tendons of insertion in 11 racing Greyhounds. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Greyhounds (n=11). METHODS: Medical records (1990-2006) of racing Greyhound dogs with BTI injuries were reviewed. Preinjury, injury, and posttreatment information was obtained via trainer telephone questionnaire and individual greyhound race data. Outcomes between surgical and conservative management were compared. RESULTS: Dogs had elbow hyperextension, positive biceps test, and forelimb circumduction and 82% were male, whereas Queensland's male to female ratio of racing Greyhounds was almost equal. Eight dogs had right BTI injuries. Nine dogs had surgically confirmed tendon injuries: 5 combined BTI and BrTI, 2 mid-body BTI, 1 musculotendinous BTI, and 1 ulnar tuberosity avulsion fracture. Seven dogs were treated surgically (3 loop pulley sutures, single radial screw and washer, suture screws or fracture fixation in lag fashion), 2 dogs were euthanatized at surgery, 2 were rehomed and hence managed conservatively. All surgically treated dogs returned to near preinjury performance; 6 returned to racing and at least 4 won races in the same or higher grade. One conservatively managed dog returned to "pet" function. No dog reinjured its BTI or BrTI. CONCLUSION: BTI and BrTI avulsions are rare acute traumatic performance injuries of racing Greyhounds. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Preinjury racing performance can be achieved with early surgical repair of BTI and BrTI and optimal postoperative management.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19781025/