My girl has a possible bicep tear!

[Madzy420]

My 2.5yr old girl is getting an MRI next week to see if she has a possible bicep tear. If so, she'll need surgery. Anyone had surgery on front shoulders? How did you keep them from going insane and re-injuring themselves afterwards? This dog is high octane and already depressed because we have to keep her inside with no running, etc.
We have a small, fenced in area and also have a big kennel. Hubby built her a long ramp so no jumping off the steps. Not sure what else to do. We are trying to prepare ahead of time.
Thank you for suggestions.

 

[Ravenbird]

So sorry to hear that. I don't have much for answers, but I know how it is with the high octane. Hopefully they will find that surgery isn't needed, but still the slowing down is going to be a burden. I find nose work can be brain tiring for my dog. She's high drive when doing it but indoors can't get too fast and can be on leash, especially if you haven't done it before and start introducing it. Her evenings are distinctly more restful after the brain games. Best of luck and keep us posted.

 

[JanS]

So sorry to hear that.
I agree that brain games can be really tiring for them and you should keep her on leash for all outside activity. You can always work a little obedience into the leash time to try to satisfy her more.

 

[Two Dobes]

Sorry....this will be a challenging time! Agree that keeping her mind busy will help...even just simple stuff in the house like STAY in all different places around the house. Puzzles, homemade ones too...you can use a muffin tin, and put treats in some of the cups, and cover in tennis balls to get her to find the treats. Hope you keep us posted!

 

[Madzy420]

It's been a few months and my girl finally got an MRI this month and was finally seen by an orthopedic specialist. I'm in tears about this. (see report below.) She'll be 3 years old in June and how does something like this happen? Also, the surgeon suggested doing some experimental procedure involving arthroscopic "cleaning out" of the joints. He rattled off a bunch of stuff so fast, I didn't understand what in the world he was talking about.

Hubby wants a second opinion to see if there's non-surgical options to fix this issue like stem-cell or plasma therapy. I hope there's a better alternative out there than cutting into her leg. That this surgeon (who came to us with stellar references) never seen this before is frightening.

This is what her report said:


Standard multiplanar MR images of the left shoulder and cervical spine are reviewed. The study includesT2, PD and T2 Dixon images.

In the T2 and PD images, heterogeneity is seen in the proximal biceps tendon. Heterogeneous abnormalhyperintensity is seen along the cranial margin of the proximal tendon that is seen at the level of thesupraspinatus. There is greater heterogeneity and the signal intensity of the medial aspect of the bicepstendon, including a linear region that is defined in the PD images. At the distal aspect of thesupraspinatus, a focal intrasubstance area of hyperintensity is seen, most consistent with a focalmyxomatous change. The remainder of the biceps tendon has normal low signal intensity in all imagingseries and is distinctly marginated. Increased synovial effusion is not seen in the bicipital tendon sheath.

The supraspinatus tendon is mildly enlarged, but has normal signal intensity characteristics. The mostabnormal aspect of the supraspinatus is an angular mineral excrescence along the deep margin of thetendon insertion that flattens the cranial lateral contour of the biceps tendon.

The infraspinatus tendon insertion is moderately thickened, particularly towards its insertion. It is lowsignal intensity in all imaging series.

There is abnormal hyperintensity and possible enthesophyte formation at the subscapularis insertion. Thehyperintensity is also seen in the area of the medial glenohumeral ligament, but it is believed to be intact.

There is mild increased synovial effusion in the caudal aspect of the glenohumeral joint. The subchondralbone contours are smooth and the bones suppresses normally.

The cervical spinal cord and nerves have normal-appearing intermediate signal intensity and appropriatesegmental diameter. The discs maintain some degree of hydrated nucleus pulposus and none areherniated into the vertebral canal or foramina. The paraspinal structures are normal. The paraspinalmusculature is symmetric.

Conclusion:
1.

Proximal bicipital tendinopathy - presumed secondary to supraspinatus impingement and inparticular a mineral focus along the deep margin of the supraspinatus.
2.
Mild supraspinatus tendinosis.
3.
Moderate infraspinatus tendinosis.
4.
Mild insertional subscapularis tendinopathy with greater active disease based on higher signal.
5.
Mild glenohumeral synovitis
6.
Unremarkable cervical spine.

The chronic lameness is presumed to be associated with the changes in the proximal biceps tendon. Thismanifestation is somewhat unusual in that the supraspinatus tendon is only mildly enlarged. However,there may be greater bicipital change due to its effacement by a mineral excrescence associated with thesupraspinatus proximally.

 

[JanS]

So sorry to hear of a less than good report. I honestly don't understand a lot of it but I think your husband is right about getting a second opinion.