distal limb conditions and injuries

Question 1

what is the only high motion joint in the distal hind limb of dog

Answer 1

talocrural/tibiotarsal

Question 2

Describe the efffects of loss of movement in the intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints in dog

Answer 2

are low motion joints- so has little effect on function except in athletic dogs

Question 3

What is the only high motion joint in the fore limb of dog

Answer 3

the antebrachio-carpal/radiocarpal joint.

Question 4

which joints in distal fore limb of dog are ameanable to arthrodesis

Answer 4

intercarpal and carpometacarpal as both ow motion joints

Question 5

when can external coaptation with dressings/ splints can be used for distal limb fractures

Answer 5

This can be employed if at least one of the metatarsal or metacarpal bones is intact to act as a splint

Question 6

T/F phalangeal fractures need surgical treatment

Answer 6

False - rarely require surgical treatment and coaptation is usually adequate

Question 7

How are subluxations of the intertarsal/carpal joints treated

Answer 7

arthrodesis

Question 8

Describe how to determine the integrity of the flexor tendons

Answer 8

make the dog weight bear by picking up the other limb and then examine the toe position.

Question 9

when treating small lacerations to palmar/plantar aspect of paw what do you need to consider

Answer 9

flexor tendons could be involved

Question 10

what does the dogs toe look like if flexor tendons damaged

Answer 10

The knocked up toe-note it doesn’t sit on the ground and the normal clenched appearance of the digit is lost

Question 11

Describe how to repair flexor tendon in digit

Answer 11

attempts to repair rarely successful
the abnormality is generally just of cosmetic importance- so don’t bother

Question 12

Describe how to treat puncture wounds of the pad

Answer 12

Flush the wound with Hartmann’s solution and leave open to drain

Apply dressing to protect the wound and prevent further contamination

The use of broad spectrum antibiotics can be justified in this situation

Question 13

when does cellulitis often occur

Answer 13

generally after a cat bite - acute onset lameness 2-3 days after fight

Question 14

Decsribe how to treat cellulitis in the cat

Answer 14

drainage
bathing to encourage the pus to drain
broad-spec antibiotics

Question 15

Describe how to diagnose cellulitis in cat

Answer 15

Careful palpation may reveal scabs either side of the limb where the canine teeth have punctured the skin
Just go off signs

Question 16

Describe clinical signs of foreign body in digit

Answer 16

Swelling to interdigital area and then progression to a swelling proximal to the main pad and in the forelimb to the shoulder and hind limb to the hip

Question 17

Describe how to treat foreign bodies in digit

Answer 17

avoid ABs
Poultices can be halpful
Allow the foreign body to form a small abscess (point) and then lance (no. 11 blade) and explore.
Give analgesia

Question 18

What breed is predisposed to pododermatitis

Answer 18

english bull terrier

Question 19

Describe pododermatitis

Answer 19

A dermatological condition requiring extensive work up (beware localised demodex!) and prolonged antibiotics and local therapy

Question 20

Describe how to treat pododermatitis

Answer 20

a condition that is managed rather than cured
On occasions surgery maybe helpful e.g. fusion podoplasty

Question 21

What is sesamoiditis

Answer 21

An inflammatory condition with associated fragmentation of the sesamoid bones seen particularly in greyhounds

Question 22

Describe how to treat sesamoiditis

Answer 22

Rest and analgesia (non-steroidals) for 3-4 weeks

If above fails= local instillation of depo steroid preparation and rest

If this fails= surgical excision of affected sesamoid

Question 23

What is paronychia - how to treat

Answer 23

bacterial infection in nail base
remove nail and allow drainage and then ABs

Question 24

What is onychomycosis - treatment

Answer 24

fungal infection
seen in multiple nails
removal of nail and anti-fungals

Question 25

What is onychodystrophy - treatment

Answer 25

autoimmune disease- GSD and greyhounds
Condition to manage rather than cure
remove affected nail, nictinamide, oxytet, essential fatty acids

Question 26

what is the most common neoplasia to affect the digit in the dog

Answer 26

squamous cell carcinoma
melanoma (highly pigmented dogs e.g. giant schnauzer)

Question 27

when should you consider neoplastic conditions of nail bed

Answer 27

Any non healing nail bed infection or a torn nail that fails to heal after removal -always consider neoplasia
Radiograph them

Question 28

which is more monofilament or braided suture material more comfortable for dog to walk on

Answer 28

braided

Question 29

Describe how to treat pad lacerations

Answer 29

stitch big ones
dress
restricted exercise
remove dressing after 3 days to allow foot to breathe

Question 30

Why can pad loss occur

Answer 30

walking on hot surface
result of trauma
incorrect placement of a dressing or cast

Question 31

which are the main weight bearing digits in dog/cat

Answer 31

digit 3 and 4

Question 32

Describe how to treat pad loss

Answer 32

If lost pads 3 and 4- need to replac ing
digit 2 or 5- digit amputation

Question 33

where do corns mostly occur

Answer 33

forelimbs
digits 3 and 4
gazehounds

Question 34

Describe how to treat corns

Answer 34

surgery - remove section of SDFT- just proximal to main pad - leave the corns and they will grow out