Case of the month: 2-year-old male British Shorthair cat, presented for lameness of left hind leg

Signalment and anamnesis

For further clarification the following radiographs were taken:

Radiographic description

There is focal thickening of the distal left common calcaneal/Achilles tendon at its attachment to the tuber calcanei
The margin of the tendon is indistinct in this area
Proximal to the tuber calcanei, a small oval bone fragment is visible within the thickened common calcaneal tendon
The bone architecture of the tuber calcanei is heterogeneous
There is also mild periarticular osteoarthrosis visible in the adjacent tibiotarsal joint

Diagnosis

Outcome

The patient is managed conservatively with external coaptation, analgesia and anti-inflammatories, and physical therapy and recovers well

Discussion

There are 3 types of Achilles tendon injuries: Type 1 is an overstretch, Type 2 is a partial tear, and Type 3 is a complete tear or avulsion
An acute injury typically involves trauma (often an impact and tear, laceration, or hyperflexion of the tarsus)
Chronic injuries often result from degeneration of the tendon, especially in active middle-aged animals. Overweight animals are also more susceptible
Clinical signs include swelling, bruising, pain, and lameness
Affected animals may also have a dropped hock (type 3 injury) or a claw foot (when the superficial flexor tendon is contracted)

Many thanks to Dr. ECVDI Thorsten Rick for this case report!

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