Successful treatment of gastrocnemius muscle rupture in a long-tailed goral rescued from a live trap: a case report

Abstract

We describe a case of gastrocnemius muscle rupture in a goral that got caught in a live trap set up to capture wild boars. We established a diagnostic method based on clinical signs and imaging examination findings, including magnetic resonance imaging for gastrocnemius muscle rupture with symptoms such as hindlimb lameness and plantigrade posture of unknown cause in wild animals. Although this condition is rare, this report will help veterinarians diagnose several diseases of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems in wild animals. This is the first report of successful diagnosis and treatment of gastrocnemius muscle rupture in gorals in Korea.

Surgical Correction of Bilateral Gastrocnemius Muscle Rupture and Its Prognosis in a Korean Native Calf

“…The gastrocnemius muscle and its tendon play an essential role in gait, standing, and weight-bearing (1,8). The muscle arises from twin heads on the caudal surface of the femur and forms a muscular swelling at the upper end of the leg before narrowing abruptly to the strong tendon that is inserted at the point of the hock (3).…”

“…Gastrocnemius muscle rupture is a musculoskeletal disorder that is rarely reported in cattle but can occur in various animals, including horses, camels, llamas, and wild animals (1,2,6). In cattle, such rupture disturbs the weight-bearing ability of the affected limb and carries a hopeless prognosis, resulting in significant economic losses (8).…”

“…Partial or complete rupture of the gastrocnemius muscle may occur; in most cases, the muscles are completely ruptured (1,8). Centered around the ruptured area, the affected muscle may become firm and swollen following hematoma formation, and the gastrocnemius tendon may become tensionless (2,8).…”

“…Centered around the ruptured area, the affected muscle may become firm and swollen following hematoma formation, and the gastrocnemius tendon may become tensionless (2,8). In cases of partial rupture, severe lameness of the affected limb, dropped hock, and firm swelling in the ruptured area may occur; such symptoms are more prominent in complete rupture cases (1)(2)(3). Less commonly, rupture can occur at the junction of the tendon and muscle belly, making the diagnosis more challenging because there are few or no signs (3).…”

“…Less commonly, rupture can occur at the junction of the tendon and muscle belly, making the diagnosis more challenging because there are few or no signs (3). Accordingly, a thorough evaluation of the hind limb, including careful palpation and observation, may be helpful for diagnosis (1)(2)(3).…”