Summary
Objectives: To describe clinical, radio-graphic, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings
in 16 dogs diagnosed with gastrocnemius musculotendinopathy.
Methods: Retrospective evaluation of medical records, radiographs, and MRI results, as well
as follow-up completed by telephone questionnaire.
Results: Most dogs had chronic hindlimb lameness with no history of trauma or athletic activities.
Clinical examination revealed signs of pain on palpation without stifle joint instability.
Seven dogs had radiographic signs of osteophyte formation on the lateral fabella.
Magnetic resonance imaging revealed T2 hyperintensity and uptake of contrast agent
in the region of the origin of the gastrocnemius muscle. Changes were found in the
lateral and medial heads of the gastrocnemius. Conservative treatment resulted in
return to full function in 11 dogs. Two dogs showed partial restoration of normal
function, one dog showed no improvement. Two dogs were lost to follow-up.
Clinical significance: Gastrocnemius musculotendinopathy is a potential cause of chronic hindlimb lameness
in medium to large breed dogs. A history of athletic activity must not necessarily
be present. Magnetic resonance imaging shows signal changes and uptake of contrast
agent in the region of the origin of the gastrocnemius muscle. A combination of T1
pre- and post-contrast administration and T2 weighted sequences completed by a fat-suppressed
sequence in the sagittal plane are well-suited for diagnosis. Conservative treatment
generally results in return to normal function.
Supplementary Material to this article is available online at http://dx.doi.org/10.3415/VCOT-16-01-0015.
Keywords
Gastrocnemius muscle - radiography - dog - musculotendinopathy - magnetic resonance
imaging
