Rupture of the gastrocnemius muscle in six foals.
Abstract: Rupture of the gastrocnemius muscle and subsequent disruption of the reciprocal mechanism of the hind limb was diagnosed in 6 foals examined at 7 hours to 3 weeks of age. In 2 foals, the musculoskeletal injury was detected as an ancillary finding to clinical signs of neurologic dysfunction ascribed to hypoxic ischemic insult during delivery, whereas in the other 4 foals, musculoskeletal injury, manifested as inability to rise or stand unsupported, was the chief complaint at admission. Five foals had a history of dystocia and assisted delivery. Common clinical signs were inability to rise, disruption of the reciprocal mechanism, swelling in the caudal aspect of the thigh, instability of the stifle joint, and stifle joint effusion. For mild gastrocnemius injury, exercise restriction via forced recumbency, with minimal or no bandaging, may be sufficient treatment. For more severe disruption of the muscle, limb stabilization via splinting and intensive nursing and monitoring are necessary. Four foals had important concurrent problems, including musculoskeletal deformations (joint contractures), hypoxic ischemic disease, and failure of passive transfer and associated problems (ie, sepsis, polyarthritis, and pneumonia). Moderate to severe gastrocnemius muscle injury is difficult to treat successfully, and the long-term prognosis for athletic function should be regarded as guarded.
Publication Date: 2005-12-29 PubMed ID: 16379635DOI: 10.2460/javma.2005.227.1965Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research paper is about six foals (young horses) showing significant injury to the gastrocnemius muscle, an essential muscle for hind limb function, and how various treatments were employed based on severity of the injury and other health complications present.
Subjects and Findings
- The researchers studied six foals who were diagnosed with a rupture of the gastrocnemius muscle which contributed to the malfunction of the hind limb’s working mechanism.
- These diagnoses occurred between 7 hours to 3 weeks following their birth.
- In two of the cases, this injury was discovered while the foals were exhibiting signs of neurological dysfunction due to a reduced supply of oxygen-rich blood during birth (hypoxic ischemic insult).
- The remaining four foals were admitted primarily due to the musculoskeletal injury which led to their incapacity to rise or stand without help.
- Five out of the six foals had a medical history of difficult birth (dystocia) and required assistance during delivery.
Common Clinical Signs
- The frequently observed clinical signs included the inability to stand or rise, malfunction of the reciprocal mechanism of the hind limb, swelling at the back of the thigh, instability in the stifle joint (knee), and increased fluid in the stifle joint.
Treatment Approach and Outcomes
- For mild injuries to the gastrocnemius muscle, restricting the foal’s activity through forced lying down, assisted by minimal or no bandaging, seemed sufficient.
- More severe muscle ruptures that caused major disruption required limb stabilization through splinting, alongside intensive nursing and monitoring.
- The report also noted that four out of the six foals were dealing with other significant health issues, such as joint contractures (musculoskeletal deformations), hypoxic ischemic diseases, and failure of passive transfer, which led to additional complications like sepsis, arthritis, and pneumonia.
- The study suggests that moderate to severe gastrocnemius muscle injuries prove difficult to treat successfully and the long-term prognosis for the foal’s athletic abilities should be considered doubtful.
Cite This Article
APA
Jesty SA, Palmer JE, Parente EJ, Schaer TP, Wilkins PA.
(2005).
Rupture of the gastrocnemius muscle in six foals.
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 227(12), 1965-1929.
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.2005.227.1965 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Studies, Section of Medicine, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Dystocia / veterinary
- Female
- Horse Diseases / congenital
- Horse Diseases / etiology
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horses / injuries
- Male
- Muscle, Skeletal / injuries
- Musculoskeletal Development / physiology
- Physical Conditioning, Animal
- Pregnancy
- Prognosis
- Rupture / etiology
- Rupture / pathology
- Rupture / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Ahn S, Choi S, Kim JT. Successful treatment of gastrocnemius muscle rupture in a long-tailed goral rescued from a live trap: a case report. J Vet Sci 2022 May;23(3):e45.
- Cullen TE, Semevolos SA, Stieger-Vanegas SM, Duesterdieck-Zellmer K. Muscle tears as a primary cause of lameness in horses: 14 cases (2009-2016). Can Vet J 2020 Apr;61(4):389-395.
- Sato F, Shibata R, Shikichi M, Ito K, Murase H, Ueno T, Furuoka H, Yamada K. Rupture of the gastrocnemius muscle in neonatal thoroughbred foals: a report of three cases. J Equine Sci 2014;25(3):61-4.
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