Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Does immobilizing the ankle reduce tendon strain in dogs?
By Lister, Stephanie A et al.·Published in American journal of veterinary research·2009·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Efficacy of immobilization of the tarsal joint to alleviate strain on the common calcaneal tendon in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of six dogs had their tarsal joints immobilized to see if it would help reduce strain on the common calcaneal tendon, which is important for movement. The study found that while immobilization did not completely eliminate strain during walking, it did reduce the minimum strain at certain points in the movement. This suggests that while immobilization can help, it may not be a perfect solution for all dogs recovering from injuries like Achilles tendon ruptures. It's important for pet owners to discuss the best treatment options with their veterinarian based on these findings.
People also search for: dog tendon injury treatment · immobilization for dog Achilles tendon · why is my dog limping after surgery
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To measure strain in the common calcaneal tendon during trotting in dogs and to compare strain before and after immobilization of the tarsal joint. ANIMALS: 6 dogs. PROCEDURES: A microminiature strain gauge was surgically implanted on the tendinous portion of the gastrocnemius muscle. Surface electromyography (EMG) values, percentage strain, and ground reaction forces were measured before and after immobilization. Peak vertical force; vertical impulse; initial, maximum, and final strain; and peak-to-peak EMG amplitude were recorded. Data were analyzed by use of a repeated-measures ANOVA and paired t tests. RESULTS: Timing of strain data correlated closely with foot strike of the hind limb and EMG activity in all dogs. Maximum tendon strain was simultaneous with peak vertical force. Continued muscle contraction was evident after immobilization. There was no significant difference in maximum strain after immobilization, compared with maximum strain during normal motion. Minimum strain, both at the beginning and end of the strain curve, was significantly decreased for the immobilized state, compared with results for nonimmobilized joints. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Immobilization of the tarsal joint did not eliminate calcaneal tendon strain during weight bearing in dogs. Decreased isometric muscle contraction during the swing phase of the gait could account for smaller minimum strain in immobilized joints. Immobilization is frequently applied after Achilles tendon rupture to alleviate strain and force on the sutured repair, with possible complications because of the immobilization method. Consideration of these findings could be important in adjusting current treatment recommendations.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19119959/