FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / Can Vet J / Muscle tears as a primary cause of lameness in horses: 14 ca...
The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne2020; 61(4); 389-395;

Muscle tears as a primary cause of lameness in horses: 14 cases (2009-2016).

Abstract: This study describes clinical and ultrasonographic findings and outcomes of horses with lameness associated with muscle tears. Records of horses diagnosed with muscle tears were retrospectively evaluated. Horses in which one or more muscle tears were confirmed ultrasonographically and lameness was associated with the tear were included in the study ( = 14). Eight horses had tearing of a single muscle, 6 horses had 2 or more muscles involved. Twelve of 14 horses survived to discharge and were alive at follow-up (8 to 90 months). Recovery time ranged from 6 to 52 weeks (mean: 19.8 weeks); 6 to 16 weeks for single muscle injuries and 12 to 52 weeks for multiple muscle injuries. Of the 12 long-term survivors 3 had chronic lameness/stiffness preventing return to their previous activity level and 9 returned to equal or greater level of activity. No statistically significant difference existed between outcomes and location of injury or number of muscles injured. Key clinical message: This study indicates that conservative management of muscle tears can result in favorable long-term outcomes. La présente étude décrit les trouvailles cliniques et échographiques ainsi que le devenir de chevaux avec une boiterie associée à des déchirures musculaires. Les dossiers de chevaux diagnostiqués avec une déchirure musculaire furent rétrospectivement évalués. Les chevaux chez qui une ou plusieurs déchirures musculaires furent confirmées par échographie et dont la boiterie était associée avec la déchirure furent inclus dans l’étude ( = 14). Huit chevaux avaient une déchirure de seulement un muscle, 6 chevaux avaient 2 muscles ou plus d’impliqués. Douze des 14 chevaux ont survécu jusqu’au congé et étaient vivants lors du suivi (8 à 90 mois). Le temps de guérison varia de 6 à 52 semaines (moyenne: 19,8 semaines); 6 à 16 semaines pour une blessure à seulement un muscle et 12 à 52 semaines pour des blessures musculaires multiples. Parmi les 12 survivants à long-terme, trois avaient une boiterie chronique/raideur empêchant un retour à leur niveau d’activité antérieur et neuf retournèrent à un niveau d’activité égal ou plus grand. Aucune différence statistiquement significative n’existait entre le devenir des chevaux et la localisation de la blessure ou le nombre de muscles blessés.Message clinique clé:Cette étude démontre qu’une gestion conservatrice des déchirures musculaires peut résulter en une issu favorable à long terme.(Traduit par D Serge Messier).
Copyright and/or publishing rights held by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2020-04-08 PubMed ID: 32255824PubMed Central: PMC7074207
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research analyzes clinical and ultrasound findings from horses diagnosed with muscle tears leading to lameness, evaluating the success of conservative treatment methods in long-term recovery. The study did not find any significant correlation between the location or number of muscle injuries and recovery outcomes.

Methodology of the Study

  • The study included horses presenting with lameness associated with muscle tears confirmed through ultrasound.
  • Records from 14 horses, diagnosed between 2009 and 2016, were examined retrospectively.
  • Some horses had a single muscle tear whereas others had multiple muscles affected.

Findings and Outcomes

  • Out of the 14 horses included in the study, 12 survived until discharge and were alive at the time of follow-up.
  • The follow-up period ranged from eight to 90 months.
  • The recovery time varied significantly, ranging from 6 to 52 weeks with an average of around 19.8 weeks.
  • It was also observed that the recovery time for injuries involving a single muscle was shorter (6 to 16 weeks) in comparison to those involving injuries to multiple muscles (12 to 52 weeks).

Impact on Activity Level

  • Among the 12 long-term survivors, three presented chronic lameness or stiffness, which restricted them from returning to their original level of activity.
  • However, nine were able to return to an equal or even higher level of activity as compared to prior to the injury.
  • A crucial finding of the study was that the location or number of muscles injured had no statistically significant impact on these outcomes.

Key Takeaways

  • Overall, the study concluded that conservative management of muscle tears led to favorable long-term results.
  • Given that a majority of the horses were able to return to their prior or greater activity level, the study indicates optimism for horses suffering from muscle tears.

Cite This Article

APA
Cullen TE, Semevolos SA, Stieger-Vanegas SM, Duesterdieck-Zellmer K. (2020). Muscle tears as a primary cause of lameness in horses: 14 cases (2009-2016). Can Vet J, 61(4), 389-395.

Publication

The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne
ISSN: 0008-5286
NlmUniqueID: 0004653
Country: Canada
Language: English
Volume: 61
Issue: 4
Pages: 389-395

Researcher Affiliations

Cullen, Thomas E
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA.
Semevolos, Stacy A
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA.
Stieger-Vanegas, Susanne M
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA.
Duesterdieck-Zellmer, Katja
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Gait
  • Horse Diseases
  • Horses
  • Lameness, Animal
  • Muscular Diseases / veterinary
  • Retrospective Studies

References

This article includes 35 references
  1. Järvinen TA, Järvinen TL, Kääriäinen M, Kalimo H, Järvinen M. Muscle injuries: biology and treatment.. Am J Sports Med 2005 May;33(5):745-64.
    pubmed: 15851777doi: 10.1177/0363546505274714google scholar: lookup
  2. Mueller-Wohlfahrt HW, Haensel L, Mithoefer K, Ekstrand J, English B, McNally S, Orchard J, van Dijk CN, Kerkhoffs GM, Schamasch P, Blottner D, Swaerd L, Goedhart E, Ueblacker P. Terminology and classification of muscle injuries in sport: the Munich consensus statement.. Br J Sports Med 2013 Apr;47(6):342-50.
    pmc: PMC3607100pubmed: 23080315doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2012-091448google scholar: lookup
  3. Peetrons P. Ultrasound of muscles.. Eur Radiol 2002 Jan;12(1):35-43.
    pubmed: 11868072doi: 10.1007/s00330-001-1164-6google scholar: lookup
  4. Takebayashi S, Takasawa H, Banzai Y, Miki H, Sasaki R, Itoh Y, Matsubara S. Sonographic findings in muscle strain injury: clinical and MR imaging correlation.. J Ultrasound Med 1995 Dec;14(12):899-905.
    pubmed: 8583525doi: 10.7863/jum.1995.14.12.899google scholar: lookup
  5. Walmsley EA, Steel CM, Richardson JL, Hesse KL, Whitton RC. Muscle strain injuries of the hindlimb in eight horses: diagnostic imaging, management and outcomes.. Aust Vet J 2010 Aug;88(8):313-21.
    pubmed: 20633169doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2010.00597.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  6. Reef VB. Equine Diagnostic Ultrasound. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: WB Saunders; 1998. Musculoskeletal ultrasonography; pp. 39–186.
  7. Barella G, Lodi M, Faverzani S. Ultrasonographic findings of shoulder teno-muscular structures in symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs.. J Ultrasound 2018 Jun;21(2):145-152.
    pmc: PMC5972100pubmed: 29374395doi: 10.1007/s40477-017-0271-4google scholar: lookup
  8. Stahl C, Wacker C, Weber U, Forterre F, Hecht P, Lang J, Gorgas D. MRI features of gastrocnemius musculotendinopathy in herding dogs.. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2010 Jul-Aug;51(4):380-5.
    pubmed: 20806868doi: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2010.01677.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  9. Guermazi A, Roemer FW, Robinson P, Tol JL, Regatte RR, Crema MD. Imaging of Muscle Injuries in Sports Medicine: Sports Imaging Series.. Radiology 2017 Mar;282(3):646-663.
    pubmed: 28218878doi: 10.1148/radiol.2017160267google scholar: lookup
  10. Nielsen C, Pluhar GE. Diagnosis and treatment of hind limb muscle strain injuries in 22 dogs.. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2005;18(4):247-53.
    pubmed: 16594394
  11. Noonan TJ, Garrett WE Jr. Muscle strain injury: diagnosis and treatment.. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 1999 Jul-Aug;7(4):262-9.
    pubmed: 10434080doi: 10.5435/00124635-199907000-00006google scholar: lookup
  12. Toppin DS, Lori DN. Incomplete rupture of the gastrocnemius and superficial digital flexor muscles in a Quarter Horse stallion.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2006 Dec 1;229(11):1790-4.
    pubmed: 17144828doi: 10.2460/javma.229.11.1790google scholar: lookup
  13. Jesty SA, Palmer JE, Parente EJ, Schaer TP, Wilkins PA. Rupture of the gastrocnemius muscle in six foals.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2005 Dec 15;227(12):1965-8, 1929.
    pubmed: 16379635doi: 10.2460/javma.2005.227.1965google scholar: lookup
  14. Swor TM, Schneider RK, Ross MW, Hammer EJ, Tucker RL. Injury to the origin of the gastrocnemius muscle as a possible cause of lameness in four horses.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2001 Jul 15;219(2):215-9.
    pubmed: 11469578doi: 10.2460/javma.2001.219.215google scholar: lookup
  15. Tull TM, Woodie JB, Ruggles AJ, Reimer JR, Embertson RM, Hopper SA, Bramlage LR. Management and assessment of prognosis after gastrocnemius disruption in Thoroughbred foals: 28 cases (1993-2007).. Equine Vet J 2009 Jul;41(6):541-6.
    pubmed: 19803048doi: 10.2746/042516409x407657google scholar: lookup
  16. Koenig J, Cruz A, Genovese R, Fretz P, Trostle S. Rupture of the peroneus tertius tendon in 27 horses.. Can Vet J 2005 Jun;46(6):503-6.
    pmc: PMC1140395pubmed: 16048009
  17. Dabareiner RM, Schmitz DG, Honnas CM, Carter GK. Gracilis muscle injury as a cause of lameness in two horses.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2004 May 15;224(10):1630-3, 1605-6.
    pubmed: 15154733doi: 10.2460/javma.2004.224.1630google scholar: lookup
  18. Spadari A, Spinella G, Romagnoli N, Valentini S. Rupture of the lateral lobe of the biceps brachii tendon in an Arabian horse.. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2009;22(3):253-5.
    pubmed: 19448879doi: 10.3415/vcot-08-09-0095google scholar: lookup
  19. Suann CJ, Horney FD. The treatment of transection of the extensor carpi radialis muscle as a result of a lacerating wound in a horse.. Can Vet J 1983 Aug;24(8):243-4.
    pmc: PMC1790394pubmed: 17422290
  20. Stashak TS. Examination for lameness. In: Stashak TS, editor. Adam’s Lameness in Horses. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2002. pp. 113–183.
  21. Carrillon Y, Cohen M. [Imaging findings of muscle traumas in sports medicine].. J Radiol 2007 Jan;88(1 Pt 2):129-42.
    pubmed: 17299355doi: 10.1016/s0221-0363(07)89801-5google scholar: lookup
  22. Valentine BA. Pathologic findings in equine muscle (excluding polysaccharide storage): a necropsy study.. J Vet Diagn Invest 2008 Sep;20(5):572-9.
    pubmed: 18776088doi: 10.1177/104063870802000506google scholar: lookup
  23. Dyson SJ. Diagnosis and Management of Lameness in the Horse. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Missouri: W.B. Saunders; 2011. Assessment of acute-onset, severe lameness; pp. 159–164.
  24. Ueblacker P, Haensel L, Mueller-Wohlfahrt HW. Treatment of muscle injuries in football.. J Sports Sci 2016 Dec;34(24):2329-2337.
    pubmed: 27849130doi: 10.1080/02640414.2016.1252849google scholar: lookup
  25. Ueblacker P, Müller-Wohlfahrt HW, Ekstrand J. Epidemiological and clinical outcome comparison of indirect ('strain') versus direct ('contusion') anterior and posterior thigh muscle injuries in male elite football players: UEFA Elite League study of 2287 thigh injuries (2001-2013).. Br J Sports Med 2015 Nov;49(22):1461-5.
    pubmed: 25755277doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2014-094285google scholar: lookup
  26. Buckwalter JA. Effects of early motion on healing of musculoskeletal tissues.. Hand Clin 1996 Feb;12(1):13-24.
    pubmed: 8655614
  27. Lehto M, Duance VC, Restall D. Collagen and fibronectin in a healing skeletal muscle injury. An immunohistological study of the effects of physical activity on the repair of injured gastrocnemius muscle in the rat.. J Bone Joint Surg Br 1985 Nov;67(5):820-8.
    pubmed: 3902851doi: 10.1302/0301-620x.67b5.3902851google scholar: lookup
  28. Bosch G, Lin YL, van Schie HT, van De Lest CH, Barneveld A, van Weeren PR. Effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on the biochemical composition and metabolic activity of tenocytes in normal tendinous structures in ponies.. Equine Vet J 2007 May;39(3):226-31.
    pubmed: 17520973doi: 10.2746/042516407x180408google scholar: lookup
  29. Fischer S, Mueller W, Schulte M, Kiefer J, Hirche C, Heimer S, Köllensperger E, Germann G, Reichenberger MA. Multiple extracorporeal shock wave therapy degrades capsular fibrosis after insertion of silicone implants.. Ultrasound Med Biol 2015 Mar;41(3):781-9.
    pubmed: 25619782doi: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2014.10.018google scholar: lookup
  30. Esnouf A, Wright PA, Moore JC, Ahmed S. Depth of penetration of an 850nm wavelength low level laser in human skin.. Acupunct Electrother Res 2007;32(1-2):81-6.
    pubmed: 18077939doi: 10.3727/036012907815844165google scholar: lookup
  31. Montgomery L, Elliott SB, Adair HS. Muscle and tendon heating rates with therapeutic ultrasound in horses.. Vet Surg 2013 Apr;42(3):243-9.
    pubmed: 23373839doi: 10.1111/j.1532-950x.2013.01099.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  32. GERSTEN JW. Effect of ultrasound on tendon extensibility.. Am J Phys Med 1955 Apr;34(2):362-9.
    pubmed: 14361715
  33. Textor J. Autologous biologic treatment for equine musculoskeletal injuries: platelet-rich plasma and IL-1 receptor antagonist protein.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2011 Aug;27(2):275-98.
    pubmed: 21872759doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2011.05.001google scholar: lookup
  34. Andia I, Abate M. Platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of skeletal muscle injuries.. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2015 Jul;15(7):987-99.
    pubmed: 25891080doi: 10.1517/14712598.2015.1038234google scholar: lookup
  35. Shi M, Ishikawa M, Kamei N, Nakasa T, Adachi N, Deie M, Asahara T, Ochi M. Acceleration of skeletal muscle regeneration in a rat skeletal muscle injury model by local injection of human peripheral blood-derived CD133-positive cells.. Stem Cells 2009 Apr;27(4):949-60.
    pubmed: 19353523doi: 10.1002/stem.4google scholar: lookup

Citations

This article has been cited 2 times.
  1. Watkins AR, Hopster K, Levine D, Hurcombe SD. Cervical Epidural Spinal Analgesia for Acute Management of Severe Unilateral Forelimb Lameness: Case Report. Front Vet Sci 2021;8:749713.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.749713pubmed: 34805340google scholar: lookup
  2. James C, Lloyd EM, Arthur PG. The Level of Thiol-Oxidised Plasma Albumin Is Elevated Following a Race in Australian Thoroughbred Horses. Vet Med Sci 2025 Jul;11(4):e70487.
    doi: 10.1002/vms3.70487pubmed: 40644475google scholar: lookup
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,357 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.