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Treating Ruptured Dog Tendons Through Surgery

also see Dog Balance 

Dog tendons are tough fibrous bands that connect muscles to your dog's bones. If your dog suffers from any injury related to the tendons it will cause him pain and sometimes immobility. It's necessary to treat the tendons and give your dog enough rest. If left untreated the injury will worsen causing complications and won't heal well.

Causes of Ruptured Tendons

Along with other proteins, dog tendons are largely made up of collagen protein. Tendons can gradually change to accept more strenuous exercise or activity. However, you must exert caution when you physically train your dog as excessive strain on his skeletal system can cause problems when he becomes older.

Tendons get ruptured or torn due to trauma or laceration. The most commonly ruptured tendon is the Achilles tendon. It's the tendon which connects the muscle of the calf to the bones forming the ankle. The rupture can be caused by vigorous jumping or pulling heavy loads like sleds. Tendonitis is another tendon related medical concern. Dogs suffering from tendonitis have inflamed tendons. Tendonitis is usually detected in the dog's shoulder joint.

Treating Ruptured Tendons in Dogs

The treatment for injured tendons is based on the severity of the condition. Often, tendons can be treated by just providing the dog with plenty of rest and anti-inflammatory medication until it heals completely. It's advisable to not return to strenuous activity immediately after recovery. The vet will conduct a physical examination along with an x-ray and ultrasound to make a proper diagnosis.

Common anti-inflammatory medication for tendonitis includes:

The Achilles tendon is made up of five tendons. The tendons can be either partially ruptured or completely ruptured. Complete tendon ruptures are usually caused due to a laceration. Surgery is essential and the operated tendon will require 2 months of supportive care. If your dog has just met with an accident, you might prevent severe damage to his tendons and ligaments by splinting the limb.

Ruptured tendons are sutured together with a locking-loop suture pattern. The Achilles tendon surgery involves primary apposition of ruptured tendon ends. Surgery with a monofilament suture in a locking- loop or three-loop pulley pattern is highly successful. Along with surgery, casts or splints are useful in treating the injury. During the surgery, certain joints are immobilized to protect the principal injury. The recovery process takes 3 to 8 weeks post-operation. The surgery works best if the dog has been treated within 48 hours of the injury. The vet may also start restricted movement in your dog nearly 3 weeks after the surgery.

It's a good idea train your dog to prevent severe injury to his joints, tendons and bones.

Preventing Tendon Injuries

If your dog suffers from joint pains due to inflammation you can supplement his diet with tonics or vitamins that will combat the pain.

Known joint supplements are:

Remember to read package instructions and warnings before you administer any dose to your pet. Surgery may not be necessary for all tendon related injuries. If you find your pet severely bleeding and lying immobile it's important to get immediate medical assistance.

also see Pain Medication for Dogs

also see Dog Hernia Diagnosis

also see Long Term Care for a Dog Leg Injury

also see An Introduction to Deramaxx Pain Medication for Dogs

also see Choosing a Canine Arthritis Treatment

also see Dog X-Ray Procedures Explained

also see Restoring Dog Mobility Through Physical Therapy

also see Canine Pain Medication Options for Localized Injuries