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OJVRTM
Online Journal of Veterinary Research©
Volume 9 : 19-23, 2005.
Case study: myopathy of
the Gracilis muscle in three German sheperd dogs
Sarli G, Vignoli M,
Bazzo R, Rossi F, Terragni
R, Bernardini M, Valentini
S
Department
of Veterinary Public Health and Animal Pathology and Department
of Veterinary Clinics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bologna,
Italy; Veterinary Clinic, Sasso Marconi, Bologna, Italy;Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary
Medicine, Universitat Autonoma
de Barcelona, Spain.
ABSTRACT
Sarli G, Vignoli M, Bazzo R, Rossi
F, Terragni R, Bernardini
M, Valentini S Case study: myopathy of the Gracilis muscle
in three German sheperd dogs, 9(2): 19-23, 2005 Online
J Vet Res, 9 : 1-12, 2005. Myopathy of the gracilis muscle in 3 German Sheperd dogs
resulted in hyperflexion and inwards rotation of the tarsus.
A
taut, firm band was palpable in the caudo-medial
aspect of the thigh. Increased radiopacity was observed between muscle and the lower tendon junction. Ultrasound revealed a
normal or slightly echogenic muscle whereas electromyography showed normal or spontaneous activity. Biopsies revealed a fibrous cord along the muscles caudal border and histopathology showed replacement of
degenerating myofibers with connective tissue. The findings were consistent with primary myopathy due to polyphasic
muscular damage (degeneration, segmental necrosis, phagocitosis,
and fibrosis). After surgery, the animals had normal gait, but lameness
recurred months later.
KEY-WORDS: German shepherd, myopathy, gracilis muscle,
histopathology.