Fibrotic Myopathy (Gracilis Myopathy/Contracture)
Fibrotic myopathy most commonly affects muscles of the caudomedial thigh. Portions of these muscles are replaced by fibrous tissue, resulting in shortened muscle length and the associated clinical signs.
Other types of muscle fibrosis may occur following trauma, myopathic disease, or denervation. Muscle fibrosis can occur secondary to toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in dogs resulting in a rigid extension of one or both pelvic limbs. Following muscle trauma, disuse, or injury secondary to musculoskeletal or orthopedic abnormalities, limbs may be positioned in abnormal positions.
Other types of muscle fibrosis may occur following trauma, myopathic disease, or denervation. Muscle fibrosis can occur secondary to toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in dogs resulting in a rigid extension of one or both pelvic limbs. Following muscle trauma, disuse, or injury secondary to musculoskeletal or orthopedic abnormalities, limbs may be positioned in abnormal positions.
Age of Onset: 2-7 years of age
Sex Predisposition: Males may be slightly more commonly affected than females
Clinical Course:
Clinical signs worsen over time, ultimately leading to reduction in range of motion of the pelvic limb
Clinical signs worsen over time, ultimately leading to reduction in range of motion of the pelvic limb
Clinical Signs:
Movement
Immediately following the highest point of the flight phase of the pelvic limb, the paw is rapidly directed (“jerked”) medially before impacting the ground.
During the initial flight phase the distal paw may be in a more flexed position compared to a normal dog.
Other
A fibrous band of tissue may be palpated from the tuber ischii to the tibia with the semitendinosus muscle
Movement
Immediately following the highest point of the flight phase of the pelvic limb, the paw is rapidly directed (“jerked”) medially before impacting the ground.
During the initial flight phase the distal paw may be in a more flexed position compared to a normal dog.
Other
A fibrous band of tissue may be palpated from the tuber ischii to the tibia with the semitendinosus muscle
Muscle - Caudomedial thigh
Unknown
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