Page 310 - Canine Lameness

Table 18.1 Key features for selected diseases affecting the tarsal region.

Diagnostic test of
Disease Common signalment choice Exam findings Treatment Clinical pearls Terminology
Fractures Any dog with trauma; Radiographs: Pain, swelling Depends on location Central and fourth tarsal
Greyhounds and (orthogonal and over injured bone; bones commonly fracture
Border Collies prone often oblique sometimes tarsal together. Malleolar
to stress fractures of views needed); deformity; fractures are often
the central and fourth CT can be helpful non-weight- accompanied by
tarsal bones during bearing lameness mediolateral tarsocrural
exertion instability
Luxations and Any dog with trauma Radiographs: Moderate to Collateral ligament Luxations may happen at Idiopathic tarsal
subluxations but may also occur orthogonal and non-weight- repair or any of the tarsal joints. Both hyperflexion
secondary to stressed views bearing lameness, replacement; partial medial and lateral collateral describes
immune-mediated deformity, and or pantarsal ligaments may be injured subluxation
disease or idiopathic sometimes arthrodesis may be with tarsocrural luxation. without an
(Shetland Sheepdogs palpable needed Evaluation of plantar and underlying cause.
and Collies) instability dorsal instability as well as The term
mediolateral instability “dorsiflexion” is
should be performed. sometimes used
Carpal hyperextension may for hyperflexion
also be present in dogs with
idiopathic hyperflexion
Tarsal Young dogs, with Orthogonal Tarsus can be Generally no Treatment of concurrent Subluxation of the
hyperextension concurrent pelvic radiographs extended to or treatment needed orthopedic problems tarsus due to
limb abnormalities or generally normal beyond 180° but is unless tarsal OCD relieves pain, but tarsal dorsal instability;
idiopathic (unless tarsal usually non- present hyperextension generally “slipped hock”;
OCD is present); painful. Ipsilateral persists sometimes referred
plantaro-dorsal hip or stifle to as tarsal
stress view show abnormalities are “plantarflexion”
hyperextension frequently evident
Immune- Large-breed Radiographs and Effusion, pain, Immunosuppressive Instability suggests that
mediated (nonerosive) and arthrocentesis and hyperflexion drugs and partial or polyarthritis is erosive; pain
polyarthritis small-breed (erosive) pantarsal or effusion may not always
arthrodesis be present

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