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

ABSTRACT

Case history

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.

Clinical and imaging findings

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.

Treatment and outcome

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.

Clinical relevance

Conservative treatment represents a viable treatment option for dogs with a rupture of the gastrocnemius muscle at its distal musculotendinous junction.

KEYWORDS:

• Gastrocnemius
• musculotendinous
• tear
• conservative
• non-surgical
• sporting dogs

Acknowledgements

We thank Dr Julie Ayre for editing a draft of this manuscript and Dr Paul Jenkins, Dr Monique Strange and Dr Tim Hunt for their contribution of cases and patient follow-up. We thank Dr Richard Lam and Dr Katharina Flatz for their assistance in reviewing, obtaining and formatting images.