Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is when pressure is placed on the soft tissues within the carpal sheath. This pressure can be caused by damage and subsequent thickening of the wall of the carpal sheath, inflammation within the sheath (tenosynovitis), fracture of the accessory carpal bone or inflammation of the flexor tendons (uncommon cause). The affected animal usually has a swelling of the sheath, seen above and below knee, and a persistent lameness.
Diagnosis
Nerve blocks, blocking the carpal sheath and ultrasound scanning are the main tools for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Treatment
In mild cases or in the early stages treatment is rest and anti-inflammatory drugs such as phenylbutazone (‘bute’). Agents are often injected directly into the sheath such as corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid to reduce the inflammation. If cases are unresponsive surgery can be performed to cut the carpal flexor retinaculum (wall of carpal sheath), therefore, reduce the constriction.