PTA dogs refers to "Pantarsal Arthrodesis" in dogs, which is a surgical procedure involving the fusion of the bones within the tarsal (ankle) joint. This procedure is typically performed to eliminate movement in a damaged or unstable ankle joint, stabilizing the joint and reducing pain caused by trauma, arthritis, ligament injuries, or joint instability. It results in the loss of natural ankle movement but improves overall limb function, allowing the dog to bear weight and regain mobility without discomfort. Additionally, "PTA" can also refer to "Parasympathetic Tone Activity," which is an index based on heart rate variability used in veterinary medicine to assess analgesia and nociception balance in anesthetized dogs. This index helps monitor the autonomic nervous system's response during anesthesia, indicating levels of pain and analgesia.
The primary and more common veterinary context for "PTA dogs" involves the pantarsal arthrodesis surgical procedure.