Читать книгу Bovine Reproduction - Группа авторов - Страница 263

In commercial cattle, rupture of the gastrocnemius tendon is induced by aggressive mounting behavior by an oversized herd sire or slipping in an already unhealthy individual. It can also be seen in cows undergoing reproductive procedures. If an epidural goes too high, the motor control to the hindlimbs can be affected. As the cow comes out of the chute, she can get her legs caught in a brisket bar or slip on concrete. The injury most often occurs at the junction of muscle and tendon and is quite obvious in the standing animal. The hock is markedly flexed and may even drop to the ground; the fetlock is simultaneously flexed. The diagnosis can be confirmed with ultrasonography. The condition is usually unilateral, but if the patient continues to struggle the contralateral tendon can also be damaged. Complete rupture of one or both tendons has a grave prognosis. Partial rupture of one or both tendons has a better prognosis but is rarely observed in cattle since most occur in fractious patients and quickly proceeds to complete rupture. Treatment involves a full limb cast or Thomas/Walker splint. Healing usually involves six weeks of immobilization and four weeks of stall confinement. NSAIDs should be used during recovery (Figure 16.23).

Figure 16.23 Bilateral partial rupture of the gastrocmenius tendon from its associated muscle.