Dorsal radiocarpal ligament sprain causing intermittent carpal lameness in high activity dogs

Five dogs were presented with mild to moderate unilateral thoracic limb lameness attributable to second and third degree sprains of the dorsal radiocarpal ligament. Three were active working dogs and two were racing greyhounds. In four cases the lameness was long-standing and unresponsive to rest; the remaining case was seen as an acute injury. Treatment was by exploratory surgery with postoperative support or by external support alone. All the dogs made a complete recovery with no recurrence of injury.