Diagnostic Imaging and Surgical Management of Complete Achilles Tendon Rupture in a Raccoon Dog

초록

A raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis) was rescued with moderate Sarcoptes scabiei infestation and a pressure sore on the right metatar-sal region. The animal exhibited non-weight-bearing lameness in the right hind limb. Radiographic examination revealed osteolytic changes in the right calca-neus. Musculoskeletal ultrasonography of the tarsal region revealed a markedly thickened and inhomogeneous gastrocnemius tendon (GTE), tendon sheath effusion, hyperechoic debris with acoustic shadowing, and an absence of tendon movement during dynamic evaluation—findings consistent with a chronic, severe tendon injury. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed a complete rupture of the right Achilles tendon complex, including the GTE and associated components at the calcaneal midportion. Given the chronic and irreversible na-ture of the lesion, a right pelvic limb amputation was performed. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. The raccoon dog adapted well to tripod locomotion during rehabilitation and was successfully released into the wild. This case un-derscores the importance of combining ultrasonography and MRI for accurate diagnosis and clinical decision-making in wildlife medicine and demonstrates that selected individuals with severe musculoskeletal injuries may be viable can-didates for release following amputation and rehabilitation. © The Korean Society of Veterinary Clinics.

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