Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Limping Labrador with calf muscle injury treated with rest and NSAIDs
By Fiedler, A M et al.·Published in Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe K, Kleintiere/Heimtiere·2013·Angelika M. Fiedler·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: [Musculotendinopathy of the gastrocnemius muscle in a Labrador Retriever. A case report].
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old Labrador Retriever was brought in for chronic limping and pain in the back leg, specifically around the knee area. The vet found signs of a rare muscle condition caused by repeated strain from the dog's athletic activities. X-rays showed changes in the muscle area, and an MRI confirmed swelling. The dog was treated with rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physiotherapy, which led to a good recovery.
People also search for: Labrador limping treatment · dog muscle pain recovery · NSAIDs for dog limping · dog physiotherapy benefits
Abstract
Musculotendinopathy at the origin of the gastrocnemius muscle is a rare disease mostly described in herding dogs. The etiology is based on repeated myotendinous strain of the muscle in athletic dogs. Clinically, the patient displays chronic pelvic limb lameness and pain at the lateral fabella during palpation of this area. There is no instability of the stifle present. Radiographic findings (osteophyte formation at the origin of the muscle and the lateral fabella) support the potential diagnosis. Magnetic resonance tomography shows edematous changes and enhancement after intravenous application of contrast agent in the area of the origin of the lateral gastrocnemius head. With conservative treatment (i. e. leash confinement, NSAID application and physiotherapy) the prognosis is good. This case report describes clinical findings, diagnostic imaging, therapy and long-term outcome of an athletic Labrador Retriever presented with this disease.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24127033/