Objective: To report outcomes of dogs with common calcanean tendon (CCT) ruptures treated with a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) enhanced nonabsorbable loop-suture technique.
Study design: Retrospective case series.
Animals: Client-owned dogs (n = 12).
Methods: Medical records (2015-2017) of dogs with CCT ruptures repaired with a loop-suture tenorrhaphy and autogenous leukoreduced PRP were reviewed for signalment, history, type of injury, treatment, and clinical follow-up. Outcomes were assessed by functional anatomic measurements and Canine Orthopedic Index (COI) scores transformed to percentages, with 100% representing no problems.
Results: Twelve tendons were treated. Two dogs had major complications that were successfully revised. Follow-up was available in 11 of 12 dogs, with a median time of 12 months (range, 4-36), including COI for 11 dogs and anatomic measurements for 6 dogs. Anatomic measurements did not differ between treated and normal contralateral limbs (midthigh muscle mass P > .99, cranial tibial muscle mass P = .37, CCT diameter P = .08, tibiotarsal joint angle P > .99). Owners scored function (COI) as 96.4% (range, 93.3%-97.8%) and quality of life as 94.6% (range, 92%-98.2%).
Conclusion: Loop-suture tenorrhaphy with application of autogenous leukoreduced PRP at the repair site resulted in restoration of functional anatomic measurements, high COI, and client satisfaction.
Clinical significance: Loop-suture tenorrhaphy with local application of autogenous leukoreduced PRP appears to offer an acceptable option to treat CCT injuries in dogs.
© 2019 The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.