Surgical treatment for a traumatic laceration of the common calcaneal tendon in a skeletally immature cat

This case report details the presentation and management of a traumatic type I common calcaneal tendon injury in a 4-month-old kitten, the youngest cat that has been reported to sustain this injury in the peer-reviewed literature. Management, specifically the period of postoperative immobilisation following tenorrhaphy, was altered in this case, only being used for 4 weeks rather than the generally recommended 6 weeks. This was because of anticipated alterations in both mechanical and biological properties of the tendon in juvenile patients, in addition to consideration of the presence of open physes and substantial projected growth during the period of immobilisation. Long-term follow-up indicated that 4 weeks of immobilisation facilitated uneventful tendon healing and subsequent remodelling in this case. Radiographically, mild procurvatum was noted, affecting the distal portion of the tibia. Whether this was as a result of the inciting traumatic event or secondary to immobilisation of the tibiotarsal joint remains unknown. While this was of no appreciated clinical significance, it may indicate a need for shorter durations or alternative methods of immobilisation in skeletally immature patients with common calcaneal tendon injury, and certainly indicates a need for further work evaluating healing of tendon injuries in juveniles.