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Achilies/heel help - possible Seroma

781 views 3 replies 3 participants last post by  Dexy 
#1 ·
Hi,

My GSP, Dexter, had what we thought an innocuous cut to back of his heel around 10 weeks ago. He was operated on immediately and given antibiotics and anti-inflamatories.

My local vet wasn't too concerned and said rest for 7-10 days, and he would be fine. Being a first time dog owner I probably wasn't aware of how strict we should have been - because he was climbing stairs and on offlead walks by day 7. He is an extremely energetic young dog and I didn't want to keep him locked away when he appeared well in himself.

However, fast forward 10 weeks and the inflammation at the back of his heel is very significat. We've been to see an orthopedic specialist and he recommended the below at a cost of £3k and 4-6 month recovery. The latter concerns me as he isn't showing any significant signs of pain. It's more a mild discomfort where he may raise his paw every so often.

Therefore, I'm considering a conservative alternative: locking him up for 6 weeks with no walks and an intense rest period. No jumping on the sofa / climbing stairs / encounters with other dogs.

If this does not work I would begrugenly proceed with what the specialist has suggested.

It would be great if anyone has experience with this type of injury or can perhaps give your opinion on my proposed plan? We're concerned that surgery is an extreme step with a tough recovery period (and only a 50% success rate - see below).

Orthopedic Vet Specialist - summary
Please find attached the results from the samples and radiographic interpretation. This rules out any bone involvement and confirms the swelling around that area - which could be a pocket of fluid known as SEROMA.

I am planning to remove the scar tissue, flush the seroma and then close. However, if the tendon is damaged beyond repair Dexter will suffer from chronic tendinitis and some wax and wane lameness may be expected. There is a 50/50 chance that Dexter will be completely sound 4 months after surgery but it will require a strict rest programme.
 

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#2 ·
Hi,

My GSP, Dexter, had what we thought an innocuous cut to back of his heel around 10 weeks ago. He was operated on immediately and given antibiotics and anti-inflamatories.

My local vet wasn't too concerned and said rest for 7-10 days, and he would be fine. Being a first time dog owner I probably wasn't aware of how strict we should have been - because he was climbing stairs and on offlead walks by day 7. He is an extremely energetic young dog and I didn't want to keep him locked away when he appeared well in himself.

However, fast forward 10 weeks and the inflammation at the back of his heel is very significat. We've been to see an orthopedic specialist and he recommended the below at a cost of £3k and 4-6 month recovery. The latter concerns me as he isn't showing any significant signs of pain. It's more a mild discomfort where he may raise his paw every so often.

Therefore, I'm considering a conservative alternative: locking him up for 6 weeks with no walks and an intense rest period. No jumping on the sofa / climbing stairs / encounters with other dogs.

If this does not work I would begrugenly proceed with what the specialist has suggested.

It would be great if anyone has experience with this type of injury or can perhaps give your opinion on my proposed plan? We're concerned that surgery is an extreme step with a tough recovery period (and only a 50% success rate - see below).

Orthopedic Vet Specialist - summary
Please find attached the results from the samples and radiographic interpretation. This rules out any bone involvement and confirms the swelling around that area - which could be a pocket of fluid known as SEROMA.

I am planning to remove the scar tissue, flush the seroma and then close. However, if the tendon is damaged beyond repair Dexter will suffer from chronic tendinitis and some wax and wane lameness may be expected. There is a 50/50 chance that Dexter will be completely sound 4 months after surgery but it will require a strict rest programme.
Hmmm - Why don't you discuss this with your own vet and seek his opinion? Did the ortho specialist just examine the heel or do a MRI/CT scan?
 
#4 ·
Hi Twiggy, Blitz,

Thanks for your responses.

I am going to email my vet this evening as you're right, it would be good to get his thoughts. I guess the reason I'm here is that I'm a little skeptical of the vets I've been to see. Its always forms in front of us and finances first. I'm worried we're being advised to do surgery when rest may be all thats needed.

I was hoping someone would have experience of a 'seroma' and whether it cleared up by itself?

Thanks
Ryan
 
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