Repair of Achilles tendon rupture in 13 dogs and 4 cats using external skeletal fixation

This paper describes the management of Achilles tendon rupture in 13 dogs and 4 cats from a prospective and retrospective analysis (January 2008-July 2013) of clinical records from a heterogenous group of dogs and cats, which suffered from Achilles tendon rupture and treated by external fixation. Among the 13 dogs and 4 cats, complete rupture of the Achilles tendon was recorded in four dogs and one cat (29.4%), incomplete rupture was observed in nine dogs and three cats (70.6%); ruptured deep part of the Achilles tendon in 7 dogs (41.1%) and 3 cats (17.6%), and ruptured superficial part of the tendon in 2 dogs (11.7%). An external fixation was performed in all affected dogs and cats. Radiographic and ultrasonographic evaluation was done in the postoperative period up to 50 weeks. The postoperative complications observed included periosteal reaction surrounding the most proximal pin in two dogs and two cats. The third pin from the proximal end of the external fixator was removed nine weeks postoperatively in one dog. Loosening of the proximal pins was observed in two dogs. The pin in the distal calcaneus was broken at 8 weeks postoperatively in one dog. No change in the implant was recorded in the remaining dogs and cats. Long term evaluation by telephone interview with the owners revealed improvement in weight bearing and functional recovery. The results indicate that external skeletal fixation in dogs and cats can be performed successfully for treatment of the Achilles tendon rupture.