Sesamoid bone fractures
Male, 6 yo, 18 kg Border Collie dog
presented with chronic 2 grade left forelimb lameness
regularly active, enrichment activity with search and rescue training.
no recent trauma reported.
Orthopedic examination reveal left carpus valgus, reduced bilateral carpal ROM carpi flexion; neurological exam unremarkable.
Dorso-palmar radiographs detected sesamoid fractures, bilaterally. further radiographs were performed to elbow and shoulder and did not detected abnormalities suggestive as a primary cause of lameness.
Advanced diagnostics with computed tomography scan was performed due to chronicity of the lameness.
CT finding consisted of multiple sesamoid fractured bilaterally, incomplete fusion of left carpal radial bone and
bilateral degenerative arthropathy of the metacarpophalangeal joints.
(CT scan image: courtesy of TcVet Milano Centro,
Advanced Imaging Diagnostic Center)
Treatment plan in this patient consisted of:
- weight management
- activity: prefer soft ground instead of hard surfaces.
- nutraceuticals (cbd olio, joint supplements, Arnica)
- NSAIDS in acute phases (carprofen 2 mg/kg sid for 1-3 consecutive days)
Follow up at 3, 6 and 12 months was good. main challenge was weight management.