Bernese w/tarsal instability

[Guest guest]

I have a 7 year old Bernese Mtn dog that has bilateral medial/lateral tarsal

instability. He is not painful on palpation and has no appreciable lameness,

but the owner feels he no longer wants to do his normal 3-5 mile daily walk. I

took x-rays of the hips/knees as well and they look great.

I am wondering what the current thoughts on this are when surgery is not an

option (and doesn't seem indicated without lameness). Are braces/splints

recommded for 4-6 weeks? Exercise restriction alone? Benign neglect?

I started the dog on glucosamine and Adequan, but my inclination would be rest,

pain control/modalities if needed, and then gradual return to function.

Any suggestions? His owner is VERY concerned and would probably take him to

surgery today if she thought it would help.

Thanks!

Audra

Sent from my iPad

[Guest guest]

Regarding a brace,

A tarsal brace can be designed to provide medial lateral support while allowing

flexion/extension Range of Motion

The limited medial/lateral motion control provided will allow for healing

depending on the underlying issue. If it is a systemic nutritional issue, the

4-6 weeks would help. If it is an acutual irreversible ligamentous laxity or

tear, surgery is a better long term option. In human medicine for the best

results we follow surgery during the initial healing period with bracing to

protect what as been done AND allow for quicker rehab vs casting. The brace can

be used in the uncontrolled environment of home and removed for therapy to

maintain ROM and strength. If surgery is not possible, a brace can be used long

term.

Have a great day!

Ben

Ben Blecha, CPO

www.AceOrthoSolutions.com

>

> I have a 7 year old Bernese Mtn dog that has bilateral medial/lateral tarsal

instability. He is not painful on palpation and has no appreciable lameness,

but the owner feels he no longer wants to do his normal 3-5 mile daily walk. I

took x-rays of the hips/knees as well and they look great.

>

> I am wondering what the current thoughts on this are when surgery is not an

option (and doesn't seem indicated without lameness). Are braces/splints

recommded for 4-6 weeks? Exercise restriction alone? Benign neglect?

>

> I started the dog on glucosamine and Adequan, but my inclination would be

rest, pain control/modalities if needed, and then gradual return to function.

>

> Any suggestions? His owner is VERY concerned and would probably take him to

surgery today if she thought it would help.

>

> Thanks!

> Audra

>

> Sent from my iPad

>