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Acid or Alkali (Corrosives) Toxicosis 13

Recommended Monitoring
• Weekly examination of limb to reduce
VetBooks.ir • Removal of external support or screw 4-6 Diseases and Disorders
problems associated with cast, splint, or
fixator
weeks after surgery
• Controlled exercise and rehabilitation for 3
months to avoid reinjury

PROGNOSIS & OUTCOME
• Good to excellent (≈80% success rate) with
appropriate early treatment and postoperative
care
• Fair for chronic or repeat injuries
• Poor with nonsurgical treatments

PEARLS & CONSIDERATIONS
Comments
• Protect tendon repairs during the first 2-4
weeks after surgery; gradual, progressive
loading is needed thereafter for optimal
return of tendon strength.
• Controlled exercise and rehabilitation
ACHILLES TENDON INJURY Radiograph showing thickening of distal tendon (double-headed arrow) and
enthesophyte formation (single-headed arrow). enhance recovery of tendon strength and
may reduce adhesion formation.
• Tendinopathies can be bilateral.
Technician Tips
• Avulsions of tuber calcanei bone fragments Krackow suture passed through bone tunnels During bandage/splint changes, it is essential
are stabilized with small pins and tension followed by immobilization. to prevent flexion of the hock as this reduces
band wiring. • For chronic tendon disruptions, fibrous scar the risk of damage to the repair. Splints need
• All repairs are initially supported by an is debrided, and tendon ends are reapposed. to maintain the hock in extension during the
external fixator, internal bone screw, splint, Fascial or synthetic mesh grafts, tendon trans- first few weeks after surgery to minimize the
or cast with the hock in extension. position, and muscle-lengthening procedures risk of lengthening of the Achilles mechanism.
have been used to span tendon gaps. Adjunc-
Chronic Treatment tive support with the hock in extension is SUGGESTED READING
• Injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into also required. King M, et al: Achilles tendon rupture in dogs.
the affected area of the tendon under Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet 25:613–620,
ultrasound guidance may help stimulate Possible Complications 2003.
healing in chronic tendinopathy cases. • Repair failure AUTHOR: Peter Gilbert, BVSc, MVetSc, MANZCVS,
• Chronic tendinopathies with calcaneal • Infection DACVS
avulsions are debrided and reattached by • Morbidity with cast, splint, or fixator EDITOR: Kathleen Linn, DVM, MS, DACVS

Acid or Alkali (Corrosives) Toxicosis

BASIC INFORMATION Epidemiology Clinical Presentation
Definition SPECIES, AGE, SEX DISEASE FORMS/SUBTYPES
Exposure, usually by ingestion, to one of a • All dogs and cats are vulnerable, but dogs • Acids can cause localized coagulative necrosis
number of household or commercial products are more often affected. and superficial burns (perforation less likely).
containing acids (e.g., acetic, hydrochloric, • If contaminated, cats can ingest these toxi- • Alkalies can cause deeper, penetrating (liq-
sulfuric, nitric, phosphoric acid), alkalies (e.g., cants from grooming their hair coat. uefactive) lesions by solubilizing the mucous
sodium or potassium carbonate, sodium membranes (perforation more likely com-
hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, potassium RISK FACTORS pared to acids).
permanganate), or free halogens (e.g., chlorine, Access to household or commercial products,
iodine, or bromine) in quantities sufficient to including alkaline batteries, antirust com- HISTORY, CHIEF COMPLAINT
cause corrosive damage to tissues or produce pounds, toilet bowl cleaners, drain openers, • Exposure usually by accidental ingestion,
systemic toxicosis and bleaches skin or eye contact, or inhalation (rare)

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