Muscle strain injuries of the hindlimb in eight horses: diagnostic imaging, management and outcomes

Standing myotomy to treat fibrotic myopathy: 22 cases (2004-2016)

OBJECTIVE

To report the clinical and diagnostic findings associated with fibrotic myopathy, describe the surgical procedure for standing fibrotic myotomy and report postoperative outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SAMPLE POPULATION

Twenty-two horses.

METHODS

Records were included if a clinical diagnosis of fibrotic myopathy was based on clinical and/or ultrasonographic examination and the horse was treated with myotomy of the affected muscle. Records were reviewed for signalment, preoperative findings, perioperative complications, and outcomes. Follow-up also included a phone survey of owners.

RESULTS

Quarter horses represented 14 of 22 horses in this study. Ultrasonographic examination was performed in 14 of 22 horses. The semitendinosus muscle was affected in 17 of 22 horses. Other muscles affected included the semimembranosus, gracilis, and biceps femoris. Four of the 22 horses had a diagnosis of incisional postoperative complications. Eight of 12 formerly athletic horses returned to their intended athletic use. Ten of 16 owners were satisfied with the procedure.

CONCLUSION

Prognosis for long-term comfort after standing fibrotic myotomy was fair with appropriate rehabilitation. Ultrasonographic examination was helpful in identifying the muscles affected and aided in surgical planning.

CLINICAL IMPACT

Standing fibrotic myotomy is a technically straightforward procedure that yields a fair outcome in horses with minimal intraoperative and/or postoperative complications.

Current status of myopathies affecting athletic horses

Muscular disorders rank among the most prevalent problems of horses competing in a broad variety of athletic disciplines, including track racing, dressage, endurance racing and Western riding disciplines. As described in this review, active scientific investigation is continuing to elucidate the different mechanisms underlying specific muscular disorders in horses, and is discovering and defining new disorders, and new methods of diagnosis, treatment and management. The flourishing field of equine rehabilitation and regenerative medicine is also driving the progressive application of a variety of modalities to the treatment and management of musculoskeletal conditions in horses. However, it is essential that this be accompanied by appropriate scientific investigation to verify the efficacy of recommended modalities and treatment protocols.