Biceps tear, 9 yo Golden Retriever

[Guest guest]

9 year old Golden Retriever presented for evaluation 1 month after he flipped over himself going after a ball in the yard and came up non-weight bearing lame in the left forelimb.  The owner had dog examined by general practitioner with no significant findings other than lameness, no recommendations for care at that time.  This dog had previously been referred and rehabilitated after a left TPLO and owner was still stretching dog regularly at home.  She noticed that there was no resistance to bicipital tendon stretch on the left side and so brought him for further evaluation.  By the time of my evaluation the dog was bearing good weight on the left forelimb but was obviously lame.  He had no muscle or tendonous resistance to bicipital tendon stretch.  No pain present.  Boarded surgeon has evaluated and believes it is a complete biceps tear and due to his experience with surgery, does not recommend surgery. 

Has anyone ever worked with a biceps tear?  Again this dog is not painful, but is lame.  Just wondering if there is anything that can be done to help this dog!  He is a wonderful boy and a service dog for his wheelchair bound owner.

Thanks!-- Beck, DVM, CCRT, CVABacklund Animal ClinicCanine Rehabilitation and Wellness

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