Holly the 11-year Old Domestic Short-Haired Cat

posted: 06/Mar/2014

Holly is an 11 year old Domestic short-haired cat who first presented to us on 19th February 2013 after she was found to have a traumatic avulsion of right Achilles mechanism which was causing her to walk on her hock.

Dr Peter Laverty examined Holly and radiographs were taken. Dr Laverty recommended the Achilles tendon be repaired and an external fixator be also placed as support while the tendon healed. Radiographs and a blood profile were carried out also prior to the procedure to assess all of the blood parameters along with the kidney and liver function.

The Surgeon’s Report:

Dr Laverty made a lateral approach to the right Achilles mechanism. The superficial digital flexor was shredded/lacerated mid shin; this was then displaced medially to expose the gastrocnemius tendon. The common calcaneal tendon was avulsed from its attachment to the calcaneus. The end of the CCT was debrided and reattached to the calcaneus using a series of bone tunnels and a 3 loop pulley suture of 0-prolene. Additional 3-0 pds sutures were used to oppose the paratenon and surrounding tissues. The SDF tendon was replaced and secured using 3-0 pds sutures in the lateral fascia. Simple continuous 3-0 pds was inserted in the S/Q and 4-0 PDS intra-dermal skin sutures were inserted.

A unilateral (medial) transarticular external fixator was then applied to keep the hock in a degree of extension and to protect the surgical repair of the tendon. Three pins were inserted into the tibia and three pins were inserted into the tarsal and metatarsal bones.

Post-operative radiographs demonstrated adequate implant positioning and fixation. The angle of the Fixator was gradually adjusted over time to increase weight bearing on the tendon to facilitate and increase tendon strength. A bandage was applied around the frame of the fixator which was changed at fortnightly intervals. 

Holly’s wound throughout her recovery; the first image shows a large area of granulation tissue healing which reduced over several months with frequent bandage changes. We are pleased to see the skin has fully healed and the hair has finally grown back.

It is now a year since we repaired Holly’s Achilles tendon and we are pleased to say she is now enjoying being free of confinement and bandage changes. We would like to thank Holly’s parents for their dedication in caring for Holly during her almost year long rehabilitation. Whilst we miss seeing Holly for her checkups we know the feeling is not mutual from Holly’s perspective.

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