Achilles Tendon Injuries & Surgery in a Canine

Achilles tendons are the strongest muscle in a mammal's body. When injured the muscle can cause excruciating pain and disability. When a canine injures its Achilles tendon it may limp, whimper and have personality changes. Canines Achilles injuries may require a visit to the veterinarian for an exam, diagnosis and treatment.

  1. What Is an Achilles Tendon?

    • The Achilles tendon is made up of tendons, which are fibrous bands connecting the canine's muscles and bones together. The tendon runs from the canine's calf, around the heel to the toes. The Achilles tendon is the thickest and strongest tendon in the canine's body and pushes the foot up and down.

    Achilles Tendon Sprain

    • Achilles tendon sprains can be caused by sudden stretching or tearing of the ligaments around the joint. Canines with Achilles tendon sprains have swelling of the tissues around the Achilles area, temporary lameness of the foot and leg area and visible signs of pain (i.e., whimpering, tenderness and lethargy). Sprains may be treated at home with restricting a canine's activity, applying cold packs or cold water alternated with warm compresses and administering prescribed analgesics.

    Partial Achilles Tendon Tear

    • Signs of a partial Achilles tendon rupture in a canine include curled toes, a dropped hock (heel) and pain. These injuries are caused by sudden and extreme flexion of the hock. It is often injured in car accidents, dog fights or athletic competitions. Partial tears should be treated the same as sprains, but surgery may be required.

    Complete Achilles Tendon Tear

    • Complete tears of Achilles tendons in canines mean all the five tendons in the Achilles have been torn. The canine's hock will completely drop, and it will walk on its heel rather than its toes. Diagnosing a tear involves a veterinarian exam, an x-ray and possibly an ultrasound. A complete tear of the Achilles always requires surgery.

    Achilles Tendon Repair

    • Repairing a tendon injury in a canine requires stitching together the fibrous bands of the Achilles using a heavy stitching pattern. The tendon may also be secured to the calcaneus bone using sutures to ensure more security and stability.

    Achilles Tendon Surgery Recovery

    • The Achilles tendon must be supported for two months after surgery. The support is provided by a cast, screws and possibly an external skeletal fixator with pins secured to the canine's bones. Owners are required to restrict their canine's activities for three months, and the cast must be kept dry for the entirety of of the time it is on the canine. The canine should be watched for pressure sores and infection around the pins and wounds. Wound care may need to be done around the external fixator using antibiotic ointment.