Musculotendinopathy at the origin of the gastrocnemius muscle is a rare disease mostly described in herding dogs. The etiology is based on repeated myotendinous strain of the muscle in athletic dogs. Clinically, the patient displays chronic pelvic limb lameness and pain at the lateral fabella during palpation of this area. There is no instability of the stifle present. Radiographic findings (osteophyte formation at the origin of the muscle and the lateral fabella) support the potential diagnosis. Magnetic resonance tomography shows edematous changes and enhancement after intravenous application of contrast agent in the area of the origin of the lateral gastrocnemius head. With conservative treatment (i. e. leash confinement, NSAID application and physiotherapy) the prognosis is good. This case report describes clinical findings, diagnostic imaging, therapy and long-term outcome of an athletic Labrador Retriever presented with this disease.
Keywords: Hindlimb lameness; athletic; dog; lateral fabella; magnetic resonance tomography; myotendinous strain; stifle.