Two TPLO surgeries, elbow dysplasia and now biceps tendonitis!
Can it get any worse?
What is Biceps Tendonitis?
Biceps tendonitis in dogs is debilitating and when considering all of these problems, might be the hardest to treat.
Biceps tendonitis is inflammation of the biceps tendon where the tendon courses over the front part of the shoulder.
Often, it results from blunt trauma or from a change in the biomechanics of the gait.
Most of these dogs are athletic, hard-working dogs that like to run, play, and jump.
This is the main reason why it is so hard to treat successfully.
In this athletic patient, altered gait biomechanics from bad stifles and elbows led to biceps tendonitis.
The most consistent clinical sign is progressive front-end lameness with exercise and pain over the point of the shoulder on extension.
Treatment of Biceps Tendonitis in Dogs
You have a few options depending on the case. If the owner chooses, I employ all the options!
- Rest. The tendons need rest to rehab and heal.
- NSAID’s. NSAID’s will decrease the inflammation.
- Laser Therapy. Laser therapy aids in decreasing inflammation.
- Swimming. Swimming will keep the shoulders strong and well-toned.
- Biceps Tendonitis Injection. Injecting the shoulder joint with steroids can help eliminate tendonitis.
- Surgery. Surgery is the last resort after all else fails.
Sometimes, I use acupuncture or some other alternative medicine depending on the clinical presentation.
In a nagging, debilitating and painful situation like tendonitis, however, I find it more effective to use the faster-acting medicine at first as “emergency intervention” and later use alternative medicine to help rebuild muscle and strengthen the shoulder area.
Remember, tendonitis is painful and changes daily.
You must change your treatment based on your patient’s progress.
Watch Dr. Smith treat biceps tendonitis in dogs.
This patient has undergone two TPLO surgeries, therapy for elbow dysplasia and now has biceps tendonitis.
More Powerful Tools to Help Your Dog’s Ligament Challenges
There are many quick and easy changes you can make at home to help you give your dog an edge on easing tendon and ligament challenges.
- Learn more about tendon and ligament health challenges.
- Provide joint support. PET | TAO Harmonize Joint is a blend of Eastern herbs and Western supplements working together to lubricate and restore your dog’s joints.
- Ease your dog’s discomfort naturally. PET | TAO Comfort is a blend of Eastern herbs and Western supplements to soothe your dog’s arthritic challenges to make him/her more comfortable.
- Try PET | TAO Freeze Dried Beef Liver Treats. According to TCVM, the liver controls tendons and ligaments. As few as 5-6 treats per day can make a huge difference in your dog’s tendon and ligament health!
- Try a Blood-building TCVM Diet. PET | TAO Zing dog food builds Blood. According to TCVM, Blood deficiency leads to ligament tears.
- Learn more about TCVM Herbal Remedies. Chinese medicine offers many amazing natural solutions for ligament and cruciate challenges. Some good examples are:
