Acute right tarsal lameness in a racing Greyhound
3-year-old racing Greyhound that finishes a race on an oval track (anticlockwise) with non-weight-bearing right pelvic limb lameness. Swelling and pain over the medial tarsus, with no wounds. The common calcaneal tendon is intact.
What is the most likely injury?
chevron_right Show answer and explanation
A. Partial common calcaneal tendon rupture from acceleration on the straight
The tendon is intact and the pain is over the medial tarsus, not at the calcaneal insertion. Tendon rupture causes a plantigrade stance or clawed toes.
B. Tarsometatarsal luxation from hyperextension during deceleration
Tarsal hyperextension injuries occur after falls or jumps and mainly affect the plantar aspect. It is not the characteristic right limb racing injury.
C. Calcaneal stress fracture from traction of the calcaneal tendon
Calcaneal fractures do occur in Greyhounds, but they usually accompany the central tarsal bone fracture, which is the primary injury. The pain is also localised medially.
D. Right central tarsal bone fracture from loading in the bends
Correct. When running anticlockwise, the right (outside) pelvic limb bears greater compression on the medial tarsus; the central tarsal bone remodels and eventually fractures. Displaced fractures are treated with a lag screw and often coexist with fractures of other tarsal bones.
lightbulb Key takeaway
In racing Greyhounds, a right limb tarsal injury is almost always the central tarsal bone; request dorsoplantar and oblique views or CT, because undisplaced fissures are easily missed. In adopted retired Greyhounds, bear these old injuries in mind when examining a lameness.
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Updated: November 1, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.