Diagnosing and Treating an Achilles Tendon Injury

An Achilles tendon injury is a serious problem that can impact all breeds of dogs and cats. If you suspect your pet has sustained an acute injury to this area, or if you’ve noticed changes in their behavior or gait over time, it’s important to bring them to an orthopedic veterinarian right away to receive a precise diagnosis and pursue the proper course of treatment.

Types of Achilles’ Tendon Injuries

In general, an Achilles tendon injury can be chronic or acute. Chronic injuries tend to occur more often in older animals as a result of aging and deterioration of the tendons. This is most often found in Dobermans and Labrador Retrievers, but it is a condition any animal can develop as they age.

Acute injuries are usually the result of trauma, and they can involve some or all of the five tendons that combine to form the Achilles. An injury impacting all of the tendons at once is considered a complete disruption, and it will result in a complete lack of tension on the Achilles when the animal’s leg is flexed. Some less-severe Achilles tendon injuries include an intact but inflamed tendon and lengthened tendon system which interferes with normal function of the joint.

Diagnosing the Problem

If you notice your pet favoring or refusing to use one leg, or if they suddenly walk with their back feet flat, rather than on their tip-toes as is normal, they should be seen by an orthopedic veterinarian right away. To obtain a diagnosis, your vet will first perform a physical exam, paying particular attention to the affected area.

They will then commonly order radiograph and ultrasound tests to confirm the extent and severity of the injury. Particularly if the injury was the result of trauma, they may also order routine bloodwork to make sure there are no other underlying problems that need to be addressed, and that your pet is healthy enough to undergo surgery if indicated.

Treatment from Your Veterinary Orthopedic Surgeon in Omaha, NE

To repair your pet’s Achilles tendon injury, your veterinary orthopedic surgeon in Omaha, NE will operate to attach two healthy ends of the tendon together. After the surgery, your pet’s limb will be immobilized for six to 12 weeks to allow the tendon to fully heal. There are various options for immobilization, and your vet may order periodic ultrasounds to monitor the healing process as well.

To ensure as complete a recovery as possible, your pet may need to engage in some form of physical therapy after the tendon has healed. Physical therapy in water is often an excellent option for rehab from this type of injury, and laser light therapy may be beneficial as well.

Call Sirius Veterinary Orthopedic Center Today!

If you'd like to learn more about the treatment options available for Achilles tendon injuries at Sirius Veterinary Orthopedic Center, call our offices today at (402) 934-1332.