Conservative treatment of partial gastrocnemius muscle avulsions in dogs using therapeutic ultrasound

M. C. Mueller; G. Gradner; K. M. Hittmair; G. Dupré; B. A. Bockstahler

doi:10.3415/VCOT-08-07-0059

Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Table of Contents

Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2009; 22(03): 243-248
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-08-07-0059

Case Report

Schattauer GmbH

Conservative treatment of partial gastrocnemius muscle avulsions in dogs using therapeutic ultrasound

A force plate study

Authors

M. C. Mueller

¹Service for Physiotherapy and Movement Science Group Vienna, Clinical Department of Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
G. Gradner

² Clinic for Surgery and Ophthalmology, Clinical Department of Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
K. M. Hittmair

³ Clinic for Diagnostic Imaging, Clinical Department for Diagnostic Imaging and Infectious Diseases and Laboratory Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
G. Dupré

² Clinic for Surgery and Ophthalmology, Clinical Department of Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
B. A. Bockstahler

¹Service for Physiotherapy and Movement Science Group Vienna, Clinical Department of Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria

Abstract

Summary

Objectives: In this report two cases of partial gastrocnemius muscle avulsion treated with pulsed therapeutic ultrasound are described. Methods: The outcome in these two dogs was evaluated using ultrasonographic imaging and the measurement of ground reaction forces with a force plate. Results: Both dogs showed an amelioration of the clinical signs within one month after commencement of the ultrasound therapy. The follow-up time for these cases was one year and six months respectively. Both of the dogs were free of lameness and had returned to their normal amount of exercise. Palpation of the fabella associated with the muscle injury did not produce any signs of pain. Ultrasonographic imaging did not detect any signs of haemorrhage or oedema, although scarring of muscle fibres was present. The force-plate analyses revealed an improvement. Clinical significance: These results suggest that therapeutic ultrasound could be a beneficial treatment modality for this kind of muscle injury.

Keywords

Gastrocnemius muscle avulsion - therapeutic ultrasound - dog - ultrasonographic imaging - ground reaction forces

Full Text

References

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