Avulsion of the Lateral Head of the Gastrocnemius in a Dog: Surgical Treatment and an Ex Vivo Study on Pathomechanisms

Abstract A 6-year-old Border Collie presented with a 4-month history of progressive plantigrade stance the right hindlimb, following jump when chasing ball. Avulsion lateral head gastrocnemius and tearing medial muscular belly were confirmed radiographically ultrasonographically. Surgical repair was performed using two nylon mattress sutures placed around fabella through femoral condylar bone tunnels, followed by application cranial half cast for 5 weeks. No complications reported follow-up owner's questionnaire at 18 months postoperatively revealed excellent results dog returning to normal activity. induced in cadaveric limb hyperflexion tarsus simulated. Extreme only occurred once subsequent tear had developed, but without avulsion fabella.