Abstract
Objectives
This study aims to report the findings of the clinical examination, gait analysis,
radiographs and ultrasonographic examination of the gastrocnemius tendon of origin
in sound Border Collies. This study also aims to determine if this tendinopathy could
be present in isolated individuals without signs of an overt lameness.
Study Design
A cohort of Border Collies, active participating in agility without a history of rear
limb lameness were included in the study. A standardized general orthopaedic examination
was performed in each dog with special attention given to the gastrocnemius muscle
and its tendon of origin. An additional gait analysis was performed for further information
about loading of each limb. Mediolateral radiographs of both stifle joints were taken
to assess joint health and an ultrasound was performed to evaluate the origin of the
gastrocnemius tendon.
Results
34 Border Collies were included in the study. Eighteen dogs had abnormal findings
during clinical examination of the of the origin of the gastrocnemius tendon. All
of these dogs also had abnormal findings on ultrasound, with six of them also having
mineralization surrounding the fabellae on radiographs. Only four dogs had normal
clinical, radiographic and ultrasonographic findings.
Conclusion
This study supports our clinical impression that tendinopathy of the gastrocnemius
muscle is likely an underestimated disorder in Border Collies that actively participate
in agility.
Keywords
gastrocnemius - tendinopathy - agility - Border Collies - sports injury
