Other HL conditions - foot and tarsus

Question 1

What are corns?

Answer 1

Focal circular areas of hyperkeratinisation in the digital paw pads

Question 2

What breeds are predisposed to corns?

Answer 2

Sighthounds

Question 3

How are corns treated?

Answer 3

Resection or SDFT tendonectomy

Question 4

How are single fractures of the metatarsals/metacarpals fixed?

Answer 4

External coaptation

Question 5

How are multiple fractures of the metatarsals/metacarpals fixed?

Answer 5

Internal fixation with plates/wires

Especially if middle 2 digits

Question 6

What are complications of metatarsal/metacarpal fractures?

Answer 6

Extensive soft tissue injuries

Synostosis (bone fusion - painful!)

Question 7

What is ‘sprung toe’?

Answer 7

Interphalangeal luxations

Question 8

Interphalangeal luxations (‘sprung toe’) is commonly seen in which dog breeds?

Answer 8

Sighthounds

Question 9

Interphalangeal luxations (sprung toe) is usually seen in which joint?

Answer 9

Proximal interphalangeal joint

Question 10

What are the treatment options for interphalangeal luxations (sprung toe)?

Answer 10

Reduce and suture collateral ligaments with wire sutures
Small external skeletal fixation (ESF)
Toe amputation

Question 11

Are toe amputations tolerated well?

Answer 11

Yes - if single digit

Can cut through joint

Question 12

What are the indications for a toe amputation?

Answer 12

Severe luxations (sprung toe)
Fractures
Neoplasia

Question 13

The rupture of what ligament causes a plantigrade stance in dogs?

Answer 13

Plantar ligament

Achilles

Question 14

Osteochondrosis is common in what size dog breeds?

Answer 14

Large

Question 15

Osteochondrosis is common in which part of the tarsus?

Answer 15

Medial or lateral trochlear ridge

Question 16

What are the clinical signs of osteochondrosis of the tarsus?

Answer 16

Very straight conformation
Bilateral effusion
Rads (flattening of medial trochlear ridge)

Question 17

What is the best treatment option for osteochondrosis of the tarsus?

Answer 17

Surgery

Question 18

Describe the pathogenesis of osteochondrosis dissecans

Answer 18

Bone underneath the cartilage of a joint dies due to lack of blood flow
Bone and cartilage can break loose
Causes pain and hindering of joint motion

Question 19

How does osteochondrosis appear radiographically?

Answer 19

Radiolucent ‘black thumbprint’ areas

Question 20

What is the best treatment for central tarsal bone fractures?

Answer 20

Surgery - lag screw

Question 21

What type of fracture are most calcaneus fractures? How are they treated?

Answer 21

Avulsion fractures - pulled away by gastrocnemius

Surgical Tx - counteracting pull with pins

Question 22

How is talocrural instability treated?

Answer 22

Surgical treatment

If fails - arthrodesis of tarsus

Question 23

What causes talocrural instability?

Answer 23

Damage to medial/collateral ligaments

Question 24

How are open luxations/shearing injuries treated?

Answer 24

Extensive wound lavage with sterile saline
Stabilise with external fixator
May need skin graft or heals by secondary intention

Question 25

What causes calcaneoquartal joint instability?

Answer 25

Rupture/degeneration of the plantar ligament | Trauma or degenerative

Question 26

What breeds are predisposed to calcaneoquartal instability (plantar ligament rupture)?

Answer 26

Shelties/collies

Question 27

How is calcaneoquartal instability treated?

Answer 27

Calcenoquartal arthrodesis

Question 28

What care should be given after arthrodesis (post-op)?

Answer 28

Strict rest Analgesia Check weekly Gutter splint cast for 6-12 wks then x-ray

Question 29

What causes achilles tendon rupture?

Answer 29

Trauma | Acquired - gastrocnemic enthesiopathy (Dobermanns)

Question 30

How is achilles tendon rupture treated?

Answer 30

Surgery | Suture and fix hock in extension

Question 31

Gastrocnemius enthesiopathy is usually seen in which dog breed?

Answer 31

Dobermanns

Question 32

Is gastrocnemius enthesiopathy unilateral or bilateral? Is it acute or gradual onset?

Answer 32

Usually bilateral | Acute or gradual onset