Huck is a 1.5-year-old Blue Heeler mix who sustained an injury to his left rear superficial digital flexor tendon. He was hesitant to fully weight bear on the limb and when he did stand on the limb, one of his toes pointed upward as a result of the damaged tendon. He had been seen by an orthopedic surgeon who recommended he be fitted for a brace, which he would possibly have to wear long-term.

Huck came to VRSVA to see if anything else could be done. An ultrasound exam was performed confirming an injury to the superficial digital flexor tendon. A rehabilitation plan was developed, starting with therapeutic ultrasound to encourage healing of the tendon and to help with discomfort. Cross frictional massage was performed to help with the resolution of swelling and to decrease the incidence of adhesions as the tendon healed. An adhesion is the development of scar tissue between an injured tendon and surrounding tissue. Adhesions can limit use of the tendon and can cause significant discomfort.

Huck was then introduced to the underwater treadmill, allowing him to gently load and strengthen the tendon, while also rebuilding musculature in the limb. Weight shifting exercises were developed to strengthen Huck’s paw. He started these exercises on a stable surface and then was further challenged with an unstable surface. As Huck progressed in his rehabilitation he regained use of the limb and was able to stand with his paw in a more normal position.

Huck graduated from his rehab program and was able to resume normal activity again - without pain medications and without the assistance of a brace!