Diagnostic Imaging and Surgical Management of Complete Achilles Tendon Rupture in a Raccoon Dog

A raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis) was rescued with moderate Sarcoptes scabiei infestation and a pressure sore on the right metatarsal region.The animal exhibited non-weight-bearing lameness in the right hind limb.Radiographic examination revealed osteolytic changes in the right calcaneus.Musculoskeletal ultrasonography of the tarsal region revealed a markedly thickened and inhomogeneous gastrocnemius tendon (GTE), tendon sheath effusion, hyperechoic debris with acoustic shadowing, and an absence of tendon movement during dynamic evaluation-findings consistent with a chronic, severe tendon injury.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed a complete rupture of the right Achilles tendon complex, including the GTE and associated components at the calcaneal midportion.Given the chronic and irreversible nature of the lesion, a right pelvic limb amputation was performed.Postoperative recovery was uneventful.The raccoon dog adapted well to tripod locomotion during rehabilitation and was successfully released into the wild.This case underscores the importance of combining ultrasonography and MRI for accurate diagnosis and clinical decision-making in wildlife medicine and demonstrates that selected individuals with severe musculoskeletal injuries may be viable candidates for release following amputation and rehabilitation.