DEEP DIGITAL FLEXOR TENDON INJURIES IN DOGS

Deep digital flexor tendon injuries in dogs are usually the result of a penetrating wound to the planar or plantar surface of the distal ext remity. The injury is characterized by hyperextension of one or more d igits. The two most commonly used suture repair techniques are the loc king-loop pattern and the three-loop pulley pattern. Postoperative man agement should include a splint or cast designed to hold the digits in flexion for a minimum of 6 weeks. At the time of surgery, the owner s hould be advised that digital hyperextension may persist ater surgery. The prognosis for canine patients with flexor tendon injury should be good if orthopedic therapy is based on a thorough knowledge of the re gional anatomy, early diagnosis, use of atraumatic tendon repair techn iques, and incorporation of evolving rehabilitation methods. This arti cle presents two case studies of dogs with injuries of the deep digita l flexor tendon and considers the related history, physical examinatio n findings, radiographic findings, surgical therapy, postoperative man agement and follow-up evaluation.