Rupture of the gastrocnemius muscle at its distal musculotendinous junction: conservative treatment and outcomes in 11 dogs

• Published in: New Zealand veterinary journal 2023-09, Vol.71 (5), p.275-281
• Main Authors: Boyd, NL, von Pfeil, D, James, DR, Kent, M, Fearnside, S, White, JD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: conservative; Gastrocnemius; musculotendinous; non-surgical; sporting dogs; tear
• ISSN: 0048-0169; 1176-0710
• DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2023.2224753

Medical records from three veterinary referral centres and a university veterinary teaching hospital in Australia and the USA were reviewed to identify dogs with a diagnosis of distal gastrocnemius musculotendinous junction rupture (DGMJR) that were treated without surgery between 2007 and 2020. All dogs (n = 11) presented with unilateral, pelvic limb lameness and bruising, swelling or pain on palpation at the distal musculotendinous junction. The diagnosis was confirmed with ultrasound or MRI in six dogs; radiographs were used to excluded stifle and tarsus pathology in four dogs; and five dogs were diagnosed on physical examination findings. All dogs were managed conservatively, either with complete confinement alone (n = 10; median 9 weeks), external coaptation alone (n = 1), or a combination of both (n = 4). Sporting dogs (n = 7) were completely confined (median 22 weeks) for longer periods than companion dogs (n = 3; median 5 weeks). A good to excellent outcome was achieved for all cases in this cohort. The seven sporting dogs achieved an excellent outcome; returning to their previous level of sport, with complete resolution of lameness and recovery of a normal tibiotarsal stance. The four companion dogs achieved a good outcome; returning to their previous level of activity but with persistently increased tibiotarsal standing angle compared to the contralateral limb. Conservative treatment represents a viable treatment option for dogs with a rupture of the gastrocnemius muscle at its distal musculotendinous junction.