Mineralization of the supraspinatus tendon in dogs: a long-term follow-up

Mineralization of the supraspinatus tendon was diagnosed in 24 large-breed dogs as a probable cause for a chronic unilateral forelimb lameness. Owners of 12 dogs responded to a questionnaire survey evaluating the treatment th at their dog had received which consisted of either surgical removal of the mineralization after failure of conservative treatment (operated group; n= 9) or rest and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (nonoperated g roup; n=3). In eight out of the 12 dogs, the mineralization was also presen t in the asymptomatic forelimb, Based on owner evaluation, the degree of la meness had decreased distinctly in both groups. Six dogs (four operated and two nonoperated) were reevaluated at Michigan State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (MSU-VTH) and were without lameness except for one dog in the operated group. The mineralizations had reformed in all dogs in the op erated group after a mean follow-up time of 5.1 years.