Successful management of unilateral gastrocnemius muscle rupture in a Holstein Friesian crossbred cow by trans‐articular trans‐fixation technique of the hock joint

Abstract

A 3‐year‐old, Holstein Friesian crossbred cow was presented with a history of attempted rise suddenly from rest resulting in dropped hind‐quarters, hyperflexed right hock with hock joint touching the ground for 10 days. Parenteral calcium, magnesium and anti‐inflammatory drugs administration for the past 10 days were ineffective. On presentation, plantigrade stance of the right hindlimb was observed, which made the contralateral limb droop and resulted in the animal being unable to walk normally on the left hindlimb too. On palpation, a non‐painful swelling in the thigh region and discontinuity at gastrocnemius musculo‐tendinous junction was noticed. Unilateral complete gastrocnemius muscle rupture was confirmed by physical examination. Successful management was done by trans‐articular trans‐fixation of the hock joint, keeping the hock joint in extension while allowing the muscle to heal. The assembly was removed after 3 months, and the animal had normal weight bearing on the affected limb after removal.