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Rupture of the Achilles Tendon in small animals.

Writer's picture: Dr Kath Sparks BVScDr Kath Sparks BVSc

The common calcaneal tendon or the Achilles’ tendon as it is commonly known is made up of quite a few tendons from the various muscles of the hind leg. The main muscles in the tendon are:

  • The superficial digital flexor muscle and tendon,

  • The gastrocnemius tendon (GT),

  • The combined tendon of the gracilus, semitendinosus and biceps femoris muscles

The two most common injuries that can cause partial or total rupture of the Achilles tendon are either traumatic (Severe stretching or pulling, Blunt force trauma or lacerations) or atraumatic (chronic and /or degenerative lesions) in origin.


External trauma can cause injury to any pet's achilles tendon (for example, a laceration from a sharp object). Atraumatic injuries can occur in any breed of dog or cat, however there are certain breeds of dogs (Labradors and Dobermans) that seem more likely to suffer injury to the tendon. It is speculated that the cause of a chronic degeneration of the tendon may be due to repetitive injuries.


The symptoms that are seen with an injury to the Achilles’ tendon can vary, and it depends if the tendon is ruptured completely or if only partially torn. The following clinical symptoms are common with most cases of Achilles damage:

Flexion of the digits in a dog and plantigrade stance in a cat.
  • Lameness on the injured limb

  • Swelling can often be seen around the injury.

However the following signs typify whether the GT alone is involved or a combination of the GT and the Superficial tendon:

  • A “flat-footed” or “dropped” (a plantigrade stance) gait in animals with a complete rupture of the GT and Superficial tendon.

  • A dropped hock with a 'crab claw' stance, almost as if the animal is trying to grip the floor. This occurs because all the components of the tendon except the superficial digital flexor tendon have ruptured or been cut. When the pet's full weight is applied to the leg the superficial digital flexor tendon will pull the digits into flexion (curl the toes).


It is very important for the pet to have a physical examination in order to diagnose and locate the injury. Often an Ultrasound will be performed to visualise the injury to the tendon. Occasionally other tests like x-rays, CT scans or MRI scans may be advised.



Depending on a veterinary surgeons preference ad experience, treatment options may vary. The severity of the injury will dictate what treatment is best for the pet.


Milder injuries can be treated conservatively with external support (Splints, casts or Orthotics), rest and medications. Sometimes surgery is performed to stabilise the joint using temporary screws or external fixators (Linear or circular) while the tendon heals.


Patients with severe acute (recent) injuries should be referred to an experienced veterinary surgical specialist who can perform surgery to reattach the healthy ends of the damaged tendon back together with suture, mesh, or other types of grafts (if possible). The repairs to the tendon however need to be protected after surgery to ensure that no excessive tension is placed across the healing tendon. There are variety of options used to immobilise the lower limb, these can include casts, splints, custom orthotics or temporary screws


The prognosis is usually very good for the majority of injuries. Up to 80-94% of pets have a good to excellent return to normal function.


Patients with Chronic injuries showing disruption of the tendon may benefit from either  a more conservative approach as above or have an arthrodesis of the hock hint (Tibiotarsal arthrodesis), particularly where the chances of recurrence are high with conservative approaches. In this instance the Achilles tendon is rendered redundant.


There are potential complications that include a break down of the surgical site or re-rupture of the tendon however, these can often be avoided with appropriate post-operative care and activity restrictions.

Annie is a very bouncy friendly Weimaraner cross Pointer. She loves being busy and leads an energetic lifestyle. About a month ago she suddenly started limping and visited her local vet. She received some pain relief for a strain and the leg did seem to improve. However the lameness kept returning so Annie was referred to see Dr Meyers for further investigation.


Annie was showing the typical signs of the curled toes and the dropped hock stance.

Dr Meyers thoroughly examined Annie and the reviewed the referring vets's  radiographs. An ultrasound scan on both of her hind legs was performed. Dr Meyers diagnosed chronic pathology (abnormalities) in her Gastrocnemius Tendon (GT) with a more recent partial rupture. The superficial digital flexor muscle was intact and this was the reason for her having a partial plantigrade stance and flexion of the digits.

Flexion of the digits following a partial rupture of the gastrocnemius tendon
Partial rupture of the Achilles Tendon

The cause of Annies Injuries was suspected to be due to chronic repetitive strain to the Achilles Tendon, often because of jumping and running.  


Dr Meyers discussed all options to allow Annie the best chance for a comfortable and pain free future. He offered a conservative approach using a screw across the Calcaneus and the Tibia for 4-6 weeks or a more permanent Tibiotarsal Arthrodesis (fusion). Annies owner decided, due to the risk of the temporary screw not offering a permanent solution and a possible recurrence of the injury after the screw was removed, that the joint fusion (Arthrodesis) would be the best option for her.


Annie underwent surgery and she was booked in to stay at St Helier veterinary Hospital for the 6 weeks post surgery to ensure that she did not cause any further injury to her leg. Her recovery is going well.

Arthrodesis of the hock joint using a canine pantarsal plate and screws
Annie's Tibiotarsal Arthrodesis

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