Clinical aspects of rupture of the gastrocnemius muscle in ruminants: Description of three cases

Abstract

The aim of this study is to describe the occurrence and clinical aspects of gastrocnemius muscle rupture in three animals (a bovine, a goat, and a llama), of different ages, female, raised under a semi-intensive system on different farms. All the animals presented to the Clínica de Bovinos of Garanhuns, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, with a complaint of locomotor disorder. As this disease is rare or unusual in ruminants, its occurrence is rarely reported. Traumas and postpartum neuropathies are the most commonly reported causes. The diagnosis is often clinical and is based on identification and recognition of musculoskeletal and postural changes, which are characteristics of the disease. The clinical findings were disability and/or difficulty in rising and standing, changes in gait, characteristic posture and local inflammation. In two animals, the rupture of the muscle was complete and in the other, it was partial. In view of the unfavorable prognosis, the slaughter of the goat was suggested and, despite the age of the llama, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were administered, but without success. In the case of the bovine, it was suggested the animal be kept temporarily in a restricted space to take advantage of its milk production. Given the functional importance of this muscle, its rupture compromises the productive viability of the affected animal.