Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
CT and MRI signs of gracilis muscle disease in German Shepherd dogs
By Gunovska, Hana et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2025·Dovecote Veterinary Hospital, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features of Gracilis Myopathy in Dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Seven German Shepherd dogs were brought in with abnormal walking patterns due to a condition called gracilis myopathy, which affects their ability to bear weight. Advanced imaging techniques like MRI and CT scans revealed specific changes in the gracilis muscle, including thickening and unusual bands in the muscle tissue. These imaging results can help veterinarians better understand the condition and develop targeted treatments. While the study didn't detail specific treatments used, identifying the exact muscle issues is crucial for managing this condition effectively.
People also search for: German Shepherd dog limping · gracilis myopathy treatment · dog muscle problems MRI · dog weight-bearing gait issues
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:  Gracilis myopathy is a well-recognized syndrome of weight-bearing gait abnormality; however, detailed description of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of gracilis myopathy is lacking in the literature. This study aims to describe in detail CT and MRI features of gracilis myopathy. STUDY DESIGN:  This is a retrospective study. Medical records of dogs with characteristic gait and available pelvic limb MRI or CT, presenting to four referral institutions, were reviewed. RESULTS:  Seven cases with MRI (3/7) or CT (4/7) were included, all German Shepherd dogs. MRI findings in all cases included a well-defined, T1-/T2-/proton density-weighted hypointense band along the axial margin of the gracilis muscle, shorter affected muscles, thickening and T2W/STIR hyperintensity with contrast enhancement at the symphyseal tendon, and concurrent focal indentation of the axial border of the gracilis muscle. CT findings included a hyperattenuating band (4/4), single instances of contrast enhancement at the origin of the muscle, thickening of the tendon at the origin and insertion, and concurrent thickening at the musculotendinous muscle. CONCLUSION:  CT and MRI can present advantages in correctly identifying the specific muscles affected within the gracilis-semitendinosus muscle complex. Both modalities can localize anatomically lesions in detail, for instance at the origin or insertion of the muscle, which could present advantages in novel treatment strategies for this condition.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39547682/