Management of peroneal nerve paralysis in a three month old puppy using a tendon transplantation technique

A severe right hind limb paralysis due to injury to the peroneal (fibular) nerve was characterized by knuckling of the paw, over extension of the hock, dragging of the limb and excoriations on the dorsum of the digits. Management of the case therapeutically and conservatively over a period of three weeks was not rewarding. The case was eventually and successfully managed by the relocation of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) to the long digital extensor tendon (LDET). The surgical procedure was relatively easy. However, the post-operative management and retraining of the puppy to enable it use the flexor tendon as an extensor was difficult and protracted but was successful. The puppy regained normal limb placement and near normal gait about two months postoperatively. It was eventually discharged after three and half months of management.