Application of tendon plating to manage failed calcaneal tendon repairs in a dog

OBJECTIVE: To report the application of a plate to treat a complicated calcaneal tendon rupture and the resulting outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical case report. ANIMALS: A 3-year-old Labrador retriever. METHODS: A 3-year-old Labrador retriever was treated for a partially ruptured calcaneal tendon. Two primary tendon repairs with sutures and external fixation had failed. A veterinary cuttable plate was placed to internally span the tendon over the primary repair. The external fixation that had been previously placed was maintained, and the dog was placed in a non-weight-bearing sling for 3 weeks after surgery. Adjunct therapy included an injection of platelet-rich plasma in the tendon and laser therapy. The external fixator was removed 4 weeks postoperatively, and the plate was removed 8 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: A mature fibrous union bridged the site of anastomosis 8 weeks after surgery. The owners reported normal activity 6 months after surgery and symmetric hock angles and musculature 2 years after surgery. CONCLUSION: Adjunct plating of previously failed calcaneal tendon repairs in a dog resulted in an excellent long-term outcome. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Plating tendons can be considered as an additional method that may improve tendon apposition and decrease gap formation.