Achilles tendon allografting in dogs - clinical and haematological observations

Allografting with deep frozen tendon was performed on achilles tendon in 8 dogs which were divided into 2 groups of 4 animals each. In animals of grou p 1 no amniotic membrane was used for encasing, whereas, in group 2, amniot ic membrane encasement was done around achilles tendon after grafting. Woun ds looked healthy throughout in all the animals of both the groups. Severe swelling was observed that subsided in 3 weeks in animals of group 1, howev er, only mild swelling was seen that disappeared in 2 weeks in animals of g roup 2. Pain was observed for 16+/-2 and 12+/-2 days in animals of groups 1 and 2 respectively. Normal weight bearing with Thomas splint was seen by 7 +/-2 and 5+/-2 days postoperatively in groups 1 and 2 respectively. On palp ation skin over the achilles tendon was found adhered to the allografted te ndon. Girth of the operated area of the limb increased significantly up to 5 weeks in animals of group 1, whereas a nonsignificant increase was observ ed in group 2 animals. Amniotic membrane encasing help in reduction in post -operative swelling, better pain relief and early weight bearing after achi lles tendon allografting in dogs.